Championship matchups set
High school baseball, softball teams advance to title games.
Sheridan base runner Hunter Hicks ( right) makes it back to base just before being tagged by Greenwood third baseman Ryan Daggs on Monday in the Class 6A state baseball semifi nals at Panther Field in Benton. Sheridan pushed across only one run in the game, but it was enough to beat the Bulldogs.
BENTON — Defending Class 6A state champion Sheridan struck for two early runs Monday, and starter Reagan Martin made them stand up in a 4- 1 semifinal victory over Benton.
The Lady Jackets ( 30- 41) advance to the Class 6A state final against Greenwood at 12: 30 p. m. at Bogle Park in Fayetteville. Sheridan is in the state final for the fourth consecutive season.
“I’m not sure how many schools have made it to four straight finals, but we’re pretty proud to be one of them,” Sheridan Coach Tamara Strawn said.
Sheridan took a 2- 0 lead in the first when Maggie Hicks led off with a double and came around to score on a passed ball. Kylee Williamson scored Sheridan’s second run after a walk and a Benton error.
“That definitely set the tone,” Benton Coach Heidi Cox said. “It changes the momentum against us and this game is all about momentum.”
Sheridan made it 3- 0 in the bottom of the second when Sarah Moore walked and scored on Williamson’s single.
Martin allowed 1 run on 6 hits in 7 innings.
Benton cut the lead to 3- 1 in the fifth when pitcher Madi Lancaster singled and scored when Caley Best reached on an error.
The Panthers had runners on first and third with two outs after a single by shortstop Rylea Brimhall, but a soft pop fly retired the side.
GREENWOOD 8, JONESBORO 2
Paxtyn Hayes and Mariah Hamilton knocked in three runs each in support of Lady Bulldogs pitcher Kaila Cartwright, who earned a complete- game victory in a semifinal victory at Benton Sports Complex.
Greeenwood ( 25- 6) took a 3- 0 lead in the first when Hamilton hit an opposite- field home run with Ericka Calderon and Sydney Parker aboard.
Jonesboro ( 19- 9) made it a 3- 2 in the bottom of the first when Hannah Carroll’s two- run double knocked in Kellen Church and Marcie Bewley.
Greenwood’s Rheding Wagoner was hit by a pitch to lead the second inning off and scored when Hayes tripled into the left- center field gap for a 4- 2 lead.
Hayes was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI and a run scored. She finished a home run short of the cycle.