Bryant knocks off Oilers 9-3 to end season

CONWAY - El Dorado could not get the timely hits and three untimely errors led to a 9-3 loss to Bryant Saturday in the American Legion AAA Senior State Tournament Saturday at Hendrix College. The Oilers finished their season with a 14-16-1 record.

"We were told that, normally, it takes five or six years for a new team to reach the final eight at the state tournament," said Coach Greg Harrison. "We've been able to do it in four years. It's a testament to the quality of baseball played around here in Union County.

"I couldn't be prouder of these young men. They're a good group."

El Dorado out-hit the Black Sox 10-9. But, the Oilers couldn't string hits together until a three-run seventh inning.

Reece Griffin started on the hill for the Oilers and pitched five innings. He gave up five runs (three earned) on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Connor Cates surrendered four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings. Garrett Jeans pitched 2/3 innings and didn't give up a hit.

Jeans came on in the seventh with the bases loaded and just one out. He got a batter to ground out and recorded the third out on a fly ball. A runner scored on the ground ball.

For El Dorado in the seventh, Cade Schibler and Bryce Ware both singled. Cates hit into a fielder's choice, putting runners on the corners. Derek Jobe followed with a double down the leftfield line, which went all the way to the fence. Both Schibler and Ware scored on the play. Jobe stole third and scored on Cody Lee's ground ball to second.

Offensively, Leighton Turbeville went 3-for4 with a double but was stranded at second base three times.

Ware was 2-for-3. Robbie Roberson, Jacob Boshears, Schibler, Jobe and Cates had one hit apiece. Lee drove in a run.

Bryant is the defending state champion and has won seven of the past 12 championships.

"We had a tough draw," said Harrison. "I am just proud of the guys for how hard they played. A lot of them told us they really enjoyed it and plan to come back next year."