The Ballantyne Smokies (22-13) used a five-run explosion in the eighth inning to get past the Lake Norman Copperheads (25-14) 10-2 on Sunday at Ardrey Kell HS.

Luke Gibbs racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Ballantyne Smokies. He singled in the seventh innings and homered in the eighth inning.

The Lake Norman Copperheads couldn't get anything going as long as Ryan Butler was on the mound. The Lake Norman Copperheads managed just one hit off of the the Ballantyne Smokies' pitcher, who allowed one earned run, walked three and struck out three during his four innings of work.

Joe Pistacchio was effective even in defeat, mowing down five the Ballantyne Smokies batters and allowing two runs.

Cameron Hokanson got the win, running his season record to 3-1. He allowed one run over five innings. Hokanson struck out three, walked three and gave up four hits.

Pistacchio was charged with his third loss of the year.