HOOKS, Texas -- In a closely contested battle, it was Hooks that came out on top and defeated Redwater, 3-2, on Friday night.
With this crucial win, Hooks (10-13, 6-3) managed to maintain its tie for second place with DeKalb in the highly competitive District 14-3A standings. The loss pushed Redwater (11-10, 5-4) down to third. Atlanta remains atop the district at 8-2 and 12-9-1 overall.
The game started with a bang as the Hornets swiftly scored two runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the game.
Redwater answered back with one run in the second, but Hooks didn't let up. The Hornets added their third run in the fourth and then held off a fierce late rally attempt from the Dragons in the seventh, securing their victory.
Ripken Birdwell, Logan Baker, Jasper Crain and Braden McDonald all had a hit for the Hornets. Birdwell and Hudson Davis, who got the win, combined for seven strikeouts and two walks on the mound.
Redwater's Levi Johnson, Brody Johnson and Tanner James collected hits in the loss.
Hooks looks to separate itself from DeKalb in the district standings on Tuesday, while Redwater is scheduled to travel to Ashdown on Monday.
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Atlanta wins two in two days
HARLETON, Texas -- In a game that seemed to be slipping away with a 3-2 deficit, Atlanta rallied for five runs in the final two innings to triumph over Harleton, 7-3, on Saturday afternoon.
Chris Hale and Brady Partain led the Rabbits with two hits apiece and leadoff hitter Will Woodruff had a team-high two RBIs in the win.
Atlanta starting pitcher Peyton Harrison got the win. He struck out three, walked two, and allowed three runs -- one earned -- on seven hits through six innings. Easton Whatley relieved Harrison for the save opportunity.
It was Atlanta's second win in two days. On Friday, the Rabbits defeated New Boston, 4-3, at home.
Woodruff had a home run in the victory over the Lions.
Atlanta will travel to Omaha-Naples on Tuesday to challenge Paul Pewitt. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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Big third inning boosts L-K past Maud
LINDEN, Texas -- Linden-Kildare exploded for seven runs in the third inning en route to a 11-4 victory over Maud to tighten up the District 17-2A race.
The district, outside of leader Ore City, is highly contested with Maud, Rivercrest, James Bowie and Linden-Kildare all battling for playoff berths.
Maud and Linden-Kildare both scored two runs to begin the game in the first inning. The Tigers then opened it up in the third with seven runs, and the two went back and forth again in the fifth and sixth innings.
Rip Thomas, Cason Leavitt, Brock Windham, Micah Bishop and Reyce Bailey all had hits for the Cardinals.
Maud will look to get back to its winning ways on Tuesday when it travels to Avery.
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James Bowie lets one slip away
SIMMS, Texas -- James Bowie was one inning away from knocking off District 17-2A leader Ore City on Friday night.
Going into the seventh inning, the Pirates enjoyed a 3-1 lead before Ore City rallied for three runs after taking advantage of an error to claim the lead and the game, 4-3.
Gunner Robinson dominated Ore City in the circle and at the plate. After going 3-for-4, he collected all of the Pirates' hits, including a double. The standout also struck out seven, walked four, and allowed just one hit through six innings.
Braiden Klimaszewski and Logan McCullough finished with RBIs.
James Bowie was back in action on Saturday against Rivercrest. After that, it will travel to Linden-Kildare on Tuesday.
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Genoa Central edges Glen Rose
MALVERN, Ark. -- Genoa Central banged out 10 hits and rallied past Glen Rose, 4-3, on Friday.
The Dragons made a strong start in the first inning, scoring a run. However, Glen Rose quickly retaliated, taking the lead 2-1 by the end of the first. The game remained tense with two scoreless innings, until Genoa Central managed to level the score at 2-all in the third.
Both teams traded runs in the fifth to remain tied, but the Dragons took the lead in the sixth and held on to the win.
Infielder Gray Wallace led the Dragons with three hits, including a double, while Braxton Robertson added a double and a single. Starting pitcher Nick Wells struck out five, walked three, and allowed five hits, and Robertson, who got the win, struck out five and gave up three hits through 3 1/3 innings of relief.
Genoa Central will host Prescott on Monday, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Atlanta girls still tough to beat
ATLANTA, Texas -- Atlanta won its 22nd game of the season with a 3-1 victory over New Boston on Friday evening.
Down 1-0 early, the Lady Rabbs scored all the runs they needed in the second with two and added a little insurance in the fourth inning with their third run of the game.
Tori Clayton, who led Atlanta with two hits in the win, belted a home run and a triple while also scoring two runs.
Atlanta hurler Gabby Arredondo struck out five, walked four, and allowed just two hits through seven innings to extend her record to 15-0 on the season. So far this season, she has fanned 114 batters and owns a 2.70 ERA in 139 2/3 innings of work.
Atlanta travels to play Paul Pewitt on Tuesday.