The Batesville Pioneers, the number three seed from the 5A East, played in the opening round of the 5A state tournament in Jonesboro at Nettleton High School Thursday against the number two seed from the 5A Central, the Benton Panthers.
The Pioneers got on the scoreboard early and stayed that way as junior Gage Wood was lights out on the mound allowing no hits, one walk, and 16k’s in seven innings of work. Wood now has 138 strikeouts on the year.
Senior John Todd Stalker powered the Pioneer offense going 2-3 with a home run to deep right centerfield. Junior Jack Lanier added an RBI double and senior Taylor Daugherty picked up an RBI single as well.
This the first time since 2011 the baseball Pioneers have reached 20 wins.
Batesville moves into the Elite 8 against the winner of Sheridan/Greenwood Friday at 5:30 pm in Jonesboro.
Image and information contributed
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