Ozark, Mo. ? Hunter Gudde allowed three hits over five innings, and Free State upended Ozark (Missouri), 9-3, in high school baseball Friday.

Zion Bowlin had three hits, including a double, to pace the Firebirds (3-0) offensively.

“There were some mistakes on (Ozark’s) behalf, and we really capitalized with some timely hitting,” FSHS coach Mike Hill said. “And we pitched well. Hunter was sharp.”

The Firebirds will face Branson (Missouri) at noon today in Branson.

Free State 003 050 1 — 9 14 1

Ozark 000 003 0 — 3 7 4

W — Hunter Gudde, 2-0. L — Essick.

2B — Zion Bowlin, John Saathoff, Jacob Pavlyak, FS; Praley, Ozark.

Free State highlights — Gudde 3 H, 6 K, 5 IP, 0 BB; Bowlin 3-for-5, 3 R, RBI; Cooper Karlin 2-for-4, RBI, R; Joel Spain 2-for-5, 2 RBI; Pavlyak 2-for-4, RBI; Tripp Wright 2-for-4, RBI.