GENTRY -- The Gravette Lions traveled south to take on the Gentry Pioneers in a 4A conference matchup March 28. An error late in the game by the Lions outfield allowed two runs in the fifth to give Gentry a 6-4 win.
On the mound for the Lions was Hunter Cole. Ayden Smartt pitched for the Pioneers.
Gentry scored first in the bottom of the second inning on runs by Carlos Alvarez, Damon Phillips and Ayden Smartt.
Gravette fought back to tie the game at 3-3 on runs by William Owens, Brady Moorman and Dylan Gruver. A fourth run with two outs gave the Lions the 4-3 lead going into the top of the fourth.
A hit by Colton Little in the bottom of the fourth gave the Pioneers the tying run. A miscue by the center fielder allowed Gentry's Rowdy Trammell and Carlos Alvarez to cross home plate, giving the Pioneers the lead going into the top of the sixth inning.
While the Lions were able to get base hits in the sixth and seventh innings, they were unable to get runners across home plate, giving the Pioneers the 6-4 win.
With the win, the Pioneers take their first conference victory of the season while handing the Lions their first conference loss.
Game Statistics
Gentry starter Ayden Smartt, who was relieved in the second inning by Jacob Lothes, threw 101 pitches, while Myles McFerron threw seven.
Pitching for Gravette was Hunter Cole, who threw 95 pitches, with seven hits, five runs, four earned runs, three walks, four strikeouts, 22 sacrifice flies allowed, two stolen bases and 18 at bats.
Relieving Cole was Jonah Keener, who pitched 30 times with one run, two walks, two strikeouts, 10 sacrifice flies allowed, seven at bats and one stolen base.
William Owens had two stolen bases and Dalton Bass one for Gravette.
Batting for Gravette: Batting averages: .130, 32 plate appearances, 23 at bats, four runs, three hits, four runs batted in, one walk, eight strikeouts, five hit by pitchers, seven left on bases.
Gentry stats were unavailable.
Results from other Gentry games scheduled last week were not available at press time.
Sports on 04/05/2017