Patterson's Willie McGirt went 3-for-3 with an RBI single, a run scored and a stolen base to lead the No. 20 Clippers past host and No. 19 Southern of Baltimore, 3-2, yesterday. The victory gave Patterson (13-4) sole possession of first place in the Baltimore City 4A league.

With the score tied at 1-1 in the second, Ryan Lewis scored on a fielder's choice bunt by Gus Karanikolis. Patterson starter Earl Smith (3-3) won his third straight decision as he struck out seven for the complete-game victory.

Patterson has three games left and a win in any of those three games clinches the title.