Dragons Sweep Fossil Ridge, Meet Martin in Showdown for State

FORT WORTH – The Dragons put an exclamation on the Class 6A Region I semifinals vs. Fossil Ridge last week.

In Game 2, the Dragons started the game with a leadoff home run by Jake Murphy (pictured left) and never looked back after the first inning. Carroll scored four runs in the first inning and coasted to a 6-1 victory and series sweep at Brewer High School.

Carroll (30-10-1) advances to face Martin in the Region I final series with a trip to the state tournament at stake. Martin has been a difficult postseason matchup for the Dragons in recent years. The Warriors have eliminated Carroll three of the last five years, including twice in the region final (2012, 2013). Combined the teams have more than 60 victories this season and two more are needed to reach Dell Diamond, site of the state tournament.

Getting to the region final has included three consecutive series sweeps for Carroll vs. Waco Midway, Allen and Fossil Ridge. Martin defeated Marcus in three games to advance to this round.

The Dragons opened the series vs. Fossil Ridge with a 9-2 victory behind starting pitcher Kole Ramage, who tossed a complete game and had 12 strikeouts. Juniors Cole Johnson and Cade Bell each had three hits apiece and Ryne Ryskoski had three RBI.

In the second game, lefthander Cutter Sippel delivered the Dragons’ second complete game of the series. He gave up five hits and had five strikeouts. The Dragons led 6-0 after three innings.

The Dragons are seeking its first state tournament appearance since 2008.

Carroll (30-10-1) vs. Martin (32-7-1) – Class 6A Region I Final Series
Game 1: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dallas Baptist University
Game 2: 2 p.m. Friday, Dallas Baptist University
Game 3: 11 a.m. Saturday (if nec.), Dallas Baptist University