Luke Gibbs went 2-3, sparking the Ballantyne Smokies (7-4) to a 6-3 victory in seven innings over the Pineville Pioneers (6-5) on Thursday at Jack Hughes Park.

Ryan Butler pitched lights out for the Ballantyne Smokies. Butler held the Pineville Pioneers hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out five.

Matt Vollenweider improved to 1-0 on the year by picking up the win for the Ballantyne Smokies. He allowed three runs over five innings. Vollenweider struck out three, walked five and gave up four hits.

Matt Davenport (0-2) took the loss for the Pineville Pioneers. He lasted just four innings, walked none, struck out two, and allowed five runs.