The Ballantyne Smokies (16-10) built an early edge on Saturday, but the Statesville Owls (16-14) roared back to steal a 3-2 victory at Ardrey Kell HS.

While the Ballantyne Smokies led until the sixth inning, the Statesville Owls worked their way back and took the lead on an RBI single by Kyle Allred.

Justin Allen was hot from the plate for the Statesville Owls. Allen went 2-3, drove in one and scored one run. He singled in the second inning and doubled in the sixth inning.

Zack Wiseman struck out six hitters en route to the the Statesville Owls win. Wiseman allowed one earned run, three hits and three walks over six innings.

A bright spot for the Ballantyne Smokies in the defeat was Brandon Donahue, who allowed only zero runs while striking out five.

Ryan Villalon ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just two-thirds of an inning, walked two, struck out none, and allowed three runs.