EMORY, Texas – Van Alstyne went a game up in its Region II-3A semifinal series with Atlanta Thursday at Emory Rains High School, 5-2.
The Panthers captured an early 2-0 lead, only to see Atlanta answer back in the second. Kelby Smith doubled and scored on Jackson Warren’s triple. Kolby Mason also had a run-scoring double. Smith led the Rabbs’ offense with his double and a single.
Van Alstyne scored final three runs
Van Alstyne (26-4) pulled ahead for good in the fourth with a run on Coltin Reynolds’ grounder. David Terrill had a triple and single for the Panthers, with Zach Smith contributing two singles.
Chandler David pitched a complete game for the Panthers, scattering six hits and striking out five. Hunter Allen suffered the loss, yielding nine hits over 6.2 innings. He walked one and struck out three. Kade Wood finished up on the mound for Atlanta (19-9).
The series resumes Saturday in Emory at 4 p.m. A third game will follow if necessary.