GRAVETTE -- As of Sunday, the Lions (17-8) were still in the running for the state baseball championship after defeating Magnolia in the opening round, 13-5.
Gravette claimed the 13-5 victory Sunday, despite a big push by Magnolia Panthers in the third inning.
The Lions started things off in the first inning when a Justin Trucks' sacrifice fly to left-center scored the first run for Gravette. Before the inning was over, three more baserunners crossed the plate for Gravette.
The Lions scored four more runs in the second inning, with Kyle Murphy, Cyric Day and Holden Betz all sending runners across the plate in the inning.
Trucks was the winning pitcher for Gravette. He pitched two and a third innings, allowed four runs on four hits and struck out one. Gunnar Woolard, Hunter Roughton, and McCoy Kildow all relieved in the game.
Baker Allhands started the game for Magnolia Panthers. The right-hander surrendered four runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking none. Brady Ard, Daylon Glass, and Carter Chambliss each contributed in relief for Magnolia Panthers.
Gravette had nine hits in the game. Murphy and Day each had two hits to lead the Lions in batting.
Magnolia Panthers tallied six hits on the day.
Second round
Sunday
Gravette 13, Magnolia 5
Lonoke 4, Prairie Grove 0
Ashdown 6, Morrilton 1
Brookland 11, Dardanelle 1
Semifinals
Monday after press time
Gravette vs. Lonoke, noon
Ashdown vs. Brookland, 2:30 p.m.
Final (after press time)
Semifinal winners