Jasper sweeps LaGrange out of 3A playoffs
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Jasper Bulldogs won the Area playoff round in two games Friday and Saturday, defeating La Grange, 3-0 and 6-3. This week they face Bellville in the regional quarterfinal round.

The area games, originally scheduled for Humble, were moved to Austin after rain with heavy lightning prevented game one on Thursday night.

"The schedule was crazy but the guys stayed focused and played well," Head Coach Shawn Mixon said. "We're really proud of the team."

Travis Reagan struck out 12 and gave up only three hits in game one.

"Travis pitched real good," Mixon said. "He did a good job for us."

The Bulldogs had six hits and runs were scattered. They scored one in the first inning, again in the third and fourth. Justin Parsons had two hits and one RBI. Reagan hit an RBI double; Malcolm Bronson also had a hit.

"Our hits were scattered. Parsons probably had the best night," Mixon said.

Mixon said La Grange pitcher Neiser threw a very good game.

"He pitched well. We didn't have any big innings," he said. "We pitched well, played good defense and didn't have a single error."

In game two, the 'Dogs again played excellent defense and again, committed not a single error, scoring six runs on nine hits.

Left-hander Justin Parsons pitched four and a third innings. He gave up four hits and three runs. Aaron Stephenson came in for the save, pitched two and a third innings and gave up one hit.

"They both did a good job pitching," Mixon said. "We played good defense again and didn't make any errors. We made all of our plays. Robert Shellhammer and John Bradley made some good plays in the outfield. The infield made their plays. You can't ask for more than that."

Jasper got on board in a hurry as Parsons drove in Taylor Hart in the first inning. The Bulldogs were up 4-0 through three innings. In the fourth, La Grange scored three runs, making a 4-3 game.

Jasper was up by only one run until the seventh inning when Bradley led off with a hit. Stephenson bunted him to second, Reagan reached base, and Ryan Ellis bunted the runners to second and third. Then Chantz Pryor drove in the runners.

"In the bottom of the seventh, Aaron went back out to the mound and finished them off," Mixon said.

Mixon also praised La Grange pitcher Kurt Leer, who got off to a rocky start but threw a good game after the third inning.

"Leer did a good job on the mound," he said. "Defensively, we made all of our routine plays and didn't make any errors," he said. "I couldn't ask for anything better. We're very proud of our team."

Jasper will face District 24 Champion Bellville in the Regional quarterfinal round Thursday night and Saturday at College Park High School in The Woodlands. Thursday night's game begins at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday's game is at 4 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will begin 30 minutes after game two on Saturday.

"LaGrange was known for their pitching. Bellville's strength is hitting and defense," Mixon said. "They have good hitters and are solid on defense. From here on out, everyone is good. We just have to make the plays and I hope we swing the bats a little better this week."

The winner will advance to the regional semifinals to face the winner of the Groesbeck-Hudson game.

Bridge City is also still in the hunt. They defeated Wharton and will play Needville this week.

As for the Bulldogs' chances this week, Mixon said, "We'll be ready."