It took three games, but Newton County Academy got past Prairie View Academy to make it to the MAIS Class AA South State title series.

After winning Game 1 Tuesday 13-5, the Generals fell short 6-4 in Game 2 Saturday afternoon before bouncing back to win Game 3, 13-12, and advance for a three-game series against Wayne Academy.

A five-run top of the sixth proved the difference, as it gave NCA a 13-8 lead going into the bottom of the frame. Though Prairie View would score three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh, NCA managed to hold on for the win.

Zach Joyner went 2-for-5 with an RBI, while Richard Horton was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Dalton Sibley finished 3-for-4, and Braxton Rose and Baily McDill both hit doubles. Kemp Alderman drew four walks.

Horton pitched 4 2/3 innings for the Generals, surrendering eight runs, three earned, on six hits with three walks and a strikeout. Alderman pitched 2 1/3 innings of relief, giving up four runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.

 

PRAIRIE VIEW 6,

NCA 4

 

Alderman smashed two home runs for the Generals, but Prairie View scored six unanswered runs from the fourth inning on to force a Game 3.

Alderman finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a walk, while Rose went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. 

Rose pitched five innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on seven hits with nine strikeouts and four walks. Joyner pitched 2/3 an inning in relief, surrendering three earned runs on two hits. Alderman tossed 1/3 of an inning, striking out one batter.

NCA (19-11) will host Wayne Academy Tuesday for Game 1 before traveling to Wayne County for Game 2 Thursday. Game 3, if necessary, will immediately follow Game 2.