Wichita ? Matt Berner hit a home run on the first pitch of the game, but Free State High didn’t score again in a 6-1 Class 6A sub-state semifinal loss to Wichita Heights on Tuesday.

“We played hard,” Free State coach Mike Hill said. “We played a good ballgame. We just weren’t able to produce anything offensively. They had quality pitching. You have to give them credit for that.”

Eric Peterson, a Kansas University signee and FSHS senior, pitched a complete game for the Firebirds but absorbed his third loss against five victories. Peterson struck out seven and allowed eight hits.

Free State managed just three hits off Wichita Heights pitchers Adam Bangston and Josh McLaughlin  Berner’s home run and singles by Kyle Unruh and Matt Lane. McLaughlin, who came on in the fourth inning, picked up the victory.

The Firebirds finished with an 8-13 record.

“We’re proud of our kids,” Hill said. “I thought for the most part we did a good job this season. They’ve been a joy to coach.”

Wichita Heights 6, Free State 1

Free State 100 000 0 Â 1 3 0

Wichita Heights 021 003 x  6 8 1

WPÂJosh McLaughlin. LPÂEric Peterson (5-3).

2BÂHeights: Zach Goldberg. HRÂFSHS: Matt Berner; Heights: Goldberg, Wayne Jones.

FSHS highlights: Kyle Unruh 1-for-3, Matt Lane 1-for-2.

FSHS final record: 8-13.