Lenexa ? Jake Hoover’s two-run homer highlighted a six-run first inning, and Tyler Blankenship added a solo blast in the fifth Tuesday in Free State High’s 16-6 baseball victory at Shawnee Mission East.

The victory clinched the Firebirds’ second consecutive Sunflower League baseball championship and third in six years.

“It’s a wonderful accomplishment for our kids,” Free State coach Mike Hill said. “I’m very proud of the efforts of our players and coaches. It’s really hard to go through such a tough league with only one loss.”

Free State (16-3 overall, 10-1 league) received two hits each from Robby Price, Brett Lisher, Keaton Mishler, Anthony Dreiling and Ryne Price in a game that ended after six innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

The Firebirds finished with 14 hits.

“We hadn’t played well the last couple of weeks,” Hill said. “We challenged them today, and they responded.”

Starter Max Ellenbecker (4-0) earned the victory.

The Firebirds will play host to Lawrence High at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Free State.