Story by Narrative Science.

The Lake Norman Copperheads (4-5) refused to relinquish the lead after grabbing it early against the Ballantyne Smokies (6-3), recording an 11-2 victory on Friday at Ardrey Kell HS.

With seven runs in the first three innings, the Lake Norman Copperheads left no doubt about the eventual outcome.

An RBI single by Jacob Sasser during the first inning and an RBI single by Ryan Brennan, a two-run double by Daniel Stack, a single by Steven Whitaker, , and a single by Sasser in the second inning helped the Lake Norman Copperheads put some runs on the board early.

Josh Genthe racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Lake Norman Copperheads. He homered in the fourth inning and singled in the seventh inning.

Loren DeShields had an impressive outing against the Ballantyne Smokies' lineup. The Ballantyne Smokies managed just one hit off of DeShields, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out six during his five innings of work.

Sammy Taormina racked up two RBIs on one hit for the Ballantyne Smokies. He homered in the seventh inning.

CJ Selner couldn't get it done on the bump for the Ballantyne Smokies, taking a loss. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, walked two, struck out two, and allowed five runs.