Story by Narrative Science.

The Ballantyne Smokies (16-9) shut the door early on the Statesville Owls (15-13), capturing a 12-2 victory on Saturday at Ardrey Kell HS.

Five runs in the first three innings allowed the Ballantyne Smokies to put the game away early.

A hit by pitch, a sacrifice fly by Nick Boswell, and a sacrifice fly by Michael Godinez in the second inning supplied the early offense for the Ballantyne Smokies.

The Ballantyne Smokies' Evan Hyett was perfect at the dish, going 3-3. He singled in the first and fourth innings and doubled in the fifth inning.

Erik Markwat put together a nice outing. Markwat held the Statesville Owls hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked two and struck out three.

Francesco Scudiero improved to 2-1 on the year by picking up the win for the Ballantyne Smokies. He allowed two runs over four innings. He struck out two, walked two and surrendered five hits.

William Feimster ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just two innings, walked four, struck out one, and allowed four runs.