Down 1-0 in the MAIS Class AAAA, Division II best-of-three series to University Academy, Lamar School needed two wins at home Thursday to move on to the state semifinal round.

The Raiders did just that, besting University Academy 12-2 in Game 2 of the series and winning Game 3, 11-1, to keep their season alive.

In Game 1, Hayes Hinson and Davis Harrison both connected on home runs to help send Lamar to victory. Six Raiders logged hits in the contest, and Harrison and Brandon Martin recorded multiple hits. Harrison and Will Roberts also added doubles, while Roberts also stole two bases. Greyson Calhoun went six innings on the mound, and notched six strikeouts while allowing two hits. 

In Game 2, Davis Harrison’s seven-strikeout performance led the way as the Raiders earned the series-clinching win. Lamar batters combined for 10 hits and four Raiders — Harrison, Parker Neal, Clay Truelove and DJ McGrew — ended the contest with multi-hit performances. Will Roberts, who stole two bases in Game 1, added three more in Game 2. Lamar used a four-run bottom of the fifth to earn the run-ruled victory. 

Lamar (17-12) will face Magnolia Heights in the semifinal round next week. Game 1 will be Tuesday at Lamar, with Games 2 and, if necessary, 3 at Magnolia Heights later in the week.

DEER CREEK 6, KEMPER ACADEMY 2

Deer Creek School advanced to the state semifinals of the MAIS Class A baseball postseason after completing the sweep of Kemper Academy Thursday afternoon.

Michael Hull took the loss for KA, surrendering three earned runs on five hits in seven innings of work.

Bailey Luke, Chase Cawthorn and Jacob Watt each singled for the Rams, and Luke finished with two RBIs. Tanner Owen had two key defensive plays, but KA finished the game with five errors.

The Rams finished the season 7-8.

AMITE SCHOOL CENTER 9,

NEWTON COUNTY ACADEMY 4

Zach Joyner went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a runs scored, but Newton County Academy fell to Amite School Center, ending the Generals’ season.

Dalton Haralson suffered the loss in Game 2 of the MAIS Class AA second-round playoff series, going 1 1/3 innings and giving up six runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Haralson, Chandler Clark, Garrett Hollingsworth and Zac Kyzar all had two hits apiece for NCA.

The Generals finished their season 13-15.