Dodgers' season ends in semifinals

By Northwest Arkansas Times

Posted: July 29, 2009 at 6:42 a.m.

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Jonesboro ended the Lindsey & Associates Dodgers' season with a dominating performance by its ace in the semifinals of the American Legion AAA state tournament Tuesday night.

Cade Lynch proved tough despite throwing 151 pitches on three days of rest and struck out 14 batters for the 4-3 win over the Dodgers in the semifinals at Burns Park in North Little Rock.

Lynch pitched eight complete innings to keep the Ricemen ahead 4-1 heading into the ninth. Reliever Dustin Jones moved in from shortstop to close the game in the ninth inning, when the Dodgers showed some pop in their bats. Adam Baker hit a two-run home run with one out in the top of the ninth to pull within 4-3, but the Dodgers were unable to chip into the lead any further and left the tying run stranded at first base.

"We had the right guys up in the right spot," Dodgers coach Ashley Patrick said. "Weknew we had a good shot and if it was going to be anyone, it would be those guys up at the plate. We did the best that we could with what we had. It just didn't work out for us."

Jonesboro advanced to play Bryant in the championship late Tuesday night. Results werenot available at presstime.

The Dodgers (37-11) lost their first game of the tournament Friday but battled back to win three straight before finishing third in the doubleelimination field.

"I'm very proud of the team and it was a very enjoyable team to be with," Patrick said. "All of the young men were outstanding throughout the year with their attitudes and work ethic. I felt like we had a team that had the opportunity and ability to win the state."

One error proved costly in the game and Jonesboro took advantage for three runs in the third inning. With one out, Kaleb Brown hit a double-play ball to shortstop but the Dodgers made an error to keep the frame open. Abunt single loaded the bases on the next at-bat and Kody Pinson hit a bases-clearing double to put the Ricemen ahead 3-0.

Ryan Pongonis singled to plate Taylor Shaddy, who hit a double earlier in the fourth inning, to close the lead to 3-1. Kameron Walker added a run with a double off the fence in the bottom of the fifth to extend Jonesboro's lead to 4-1.

Logan Ariola started on the mound and struck out six batters in eight complete innings for the Dodgers. He allowed all four runs and seven hits.

Sports, Pages 9, 10 on 07/29/2009

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