ASHDOWN, Ark. – Ashdown rallied from an early 5-0 deficit Saturday at City Park to send its 3A state semifinals game into the seventh inning tied, 5-5. Harding Academy (23-5) pushed across the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to qualify for next week’s championship game in Fayetteville.
The host Panthers (21-12) reached the semifinals with impressive wins over Pangburn and Booneville.
Harding Academy will play Walnut Ridge for the state championship.
Panther rally wasted in semifinals
Jaxon Jester and Derek Hilton led Ashdown at the plate Saturday with two hits each. Blake Ritter had the Panthers’ only other hit. Hilton, Leland Garrett, Alex Keilbach and Spencer Patterson each drove in a run.
In other state baseball tournament action around Arkansas, host Jonesboro will play Van Buren for the 5A crown. Magnolia will be challenged by Valley View in 4A. Southside and Woodlawn clash for the 2A title, while Izard County plays Taylor in Class A.
The 5A state softball championship game will feature Benton and Greenwood. Morrilton plays Pea Ridge for the 4A title. Baptist Prep and Hoxie collide in the 3A championship game. Tuckerman plays Mansfield for the 2A crown, and Sacred Heart faces Taylor in Class A.