The Morganton Aggies (9-5) beat the Ballantyne Smokies (11-7) 3-1 in seven innings on Friday at Shuey Field behind Aaron Wright, who went 3-3 at the plate.

Justin Johnson racked up seven strikeouts in the the Morganton Aggies win. Johnson allowed one earned run, three hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings.

Graham Ramos was solid at the plate for the Ballantyne Smokies. Ramos went 1-3, drove in one and scored one run. He homered in the fourth inning.

Johnny Piedmonte ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just five innings, walked three, struck out three, and allowed two runs.