Friday, March 29, 2024

Dragons Sweep Bi-District Playoffs Series Against Plano East

By Kathryn Cassetta

CISD Intern

The Carroll Dragons flashed extraordinary hitting and big plays in the second game of their Class 5A bi-district playoff Friday.

The Dragons completed a sweep of Plano East with a thrilling 13-11 victory at Dragons Field. With the win, the Dragons advance to the area round playoffs and will face Mansfield Legacy this week. Legacy advanced with a series victory against Irving.

Carroll’s big offensive output was keyed by Dragon designated hitter Darien McLemore. He ignited the crowd with home runs in the fourth and sixth innings. The switch hitter smacked home runs from both sides of the plate and finished with four RBI. The crowd went wild and his teammates ran out on the field to congratulate McLemore as he touched home plate.

On the mound, Carroll’s Tyler Alexander (pictured) provided a boost in relief by striking out the side in the top of the sixth. Carroll senior pitcher Ryan Lowe closed the game and had two strikeouts and allowed three hits.

But thanks in big part to McLemore’s home run tear, the District 7-5A champions are headed to the next round.

“See the ball, hit the ball,” McLemore said. “Look for something I can drive.”

Needless to say, McLemore certainly accomplished his goal.

– Photo credit: Carroll ISD Intern Kevin Adler

Carroll (27-6) vs. Mansfield Legacy (24-10)  – Area Round Best-of-3 Playoff Series

UPDATE: Game 1 has been moved back one hour to 5 p.m.

Game 1: 5 p.m. Thursday at Carroll

Game 2: 7 p.m. Friday at Mansfield Legacy

Game 3: 1 p.m. Saturday at Mansfield Legacy (if necessary)

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse