The Ballantyne Smokies (11-7) built an early edge on Wednesday, but the Statesville Owls (10-9) roared back to steal an 8-4 victory at Statesville Owls Home Field.

While the Ballantyne Smokies led until the fourth inning, the Statesville Owls worked their way back and took the lead on an RBI single by Zachary Thompson.

Thompson had two extra-base hits for the Statesville Owls. He homered in the third inning, singled in the fourth inning, and doubled in the eighth inning.

The Ballantyne Smokies couldn't get anything going so long as Dakotah Thomas was on the hill. Thomas held the Ballantyne Smokies hitless over one inning, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three.

The Ballantyne Smokies were led by Sammy Taormina's hitting. Taormina went 2-4, drove in one and scored one run. He tripled in the first inning and singled in the seventh inning.

Kyle Nyenhuis got it done on the mound on the way to a win. He pitched three shutout innings. Nyenhuis struck out two, walked two and gave up three hits.

Kurt Kempema couldn't get it done on the bump for the Ballantyne Smokies, taking a loss. He allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings, walked one and struck out two.

The Statesville Owls' Thompson, Colby Dishmond and Nicholas Rodriguez combined for seven hits and four RBIs.