Thursday, March 28, 2024

Dragons Reach Region Final, Face Martin Rematch

The Carroll Dragons are headed back to the Class 5A Region I finals. The return includes a rematch against the Martin Warriors.

The Dragons swept Marcus in the Region I semifinal series last weekend to mark Carroll’s fourth consecutive series sweep. The Dragons now face Martin again in a best-of-three series with a berth to the Class 5A state tournament in Round Rock on the line.

Carroll — ranked No. 4 in the nation by Baseball America —  defeated Marcus 5-2 and 4-2. The second game was resumed Saturday after a lightning and rain delay Friday night in the top of the third. Closer Joe Heineman was the star on the mound Saturday going five innings for the victory, allowed two hits and had five strikeouts. Carroll trailed 2-1 before the delay.

Dragon Nic Motley went 2-for-2 with two RBI. In Game 1, sophomore right-hander Ben Leeper earned the victory and allowed four hits and had seven strikeouts. The Dragon staff finished the series allowing four runs and seven total hits in 14 innings. Heineman was 3-for-4 and Motley went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Drew Brown, Hayden Zier and Chris Altimont also added RBIs. Carroll is 8-0 in the postseason.

Last season, Martin won the deciding Game 3 against Carroll at TCU’s Lupton Stadium to advance to the state tournament.

Carroll (34-4) vs. Martin (34-7)  – Class 5A Region I Final
Game 1: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, QuikTrip Park, Grand Prairie
Game 2: 7:30 p.m. Friday, QuikTrip Park, Grand Prairie
Game 3: (if necessary) 6 p.m. Saturday, QuikTrip Park, Grand Prairie
Directions: How to get there
Ticket information: $7 adults; $5 students at the game. All tickets sold at QuikTrip Park
How to follow game: Dragon Live Webcast; GameChanger

 

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