Evans falls to Patriots in 3-AAAA

Evans tried everything to figure out Westside pitcher Christian Bragg on Wednesday, including an attempt to swipe home in the final inning. But the Patriots held on to win 2-1 and hand the Knights their second region loss of the season.

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Bragg escaped two dangerous situations in the final three innings to help Westside remain the only unbeaten team in Region 3-AAAA. The Patriots improved to 9-1 overall, 4-0 in the region.

Bragg (5-0) allowed four hits and kept the Knights off balance with a sharp breaking ball and a fastball that topped out in the low 80s. The left-hander struck out six and walked four.

"He did a good job of mixing things up," Evans coach Ricky Beale said.

Evans catcher Tyler Barden led off the fifth with a homer for the Knights' lone run. Bragg walked two of the next three batters, but escaped his first bout of trouble by striking out the Knights' No. 3 and 4 hitters.

Barden led off the final inning with a sharp single, but the next three batters went sacrifice bunt, flyout to right field, popout to catcher.

The Knights attempt to steal home with two outs in the seventh was thwarted by a foul ball.

Harlem 10, Cross Creek 2

Harlem pitcher Patrick Gamblin improved to 3-1 on the season as the Bulldogs beat Cross Creek in a rematch of last year's region playoff game that propelled Harlem to the title.

Harlem's Taylor Camp and Aaron Rachels combined to drive in three runs. Derek Clayton went 3-for-3 with two doubles.

Greenbrier 2, Luella 1

The Wolfpack finished a sweep of their first three Region 2-AAAAA games by beating Luella High School. Greenbrier opened region play by beating Stephenson 13-1 on March 10 and then beating Redan 11-7 on March 13.

Lakeside 4, Richmond Academy 3

Ben Black earned the win for the Panthers after Lakeside scored in the bottom of the ninth to win it. Black also tripled for the Panthers, who improved to 3-1 in Region 3-AAAA.