Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

WINSTON COUNTY, Ala.-- The Collinsville Varsity Baseball Team defeated the Winston County Yellowjackets, 8-1 in the first game of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State Baseball Playoffs.  

The Panthers knocked in five runs in the first inning to take the early lead. 

Gavin Lang took the win from the mound, only allowing four hits and no runs over five and two-thirds innings.  He struck out six and walked one. 

The Panthers had fourteen hits in the game.  Shaun Stewart, Gavin Lang, Dawson Cothran, and Keaton Deboard each had multiple hits for the Panthers. 

In the second game of the series, the Panthers rallied from a 6-5 deficit in the bottom of the 7th to win 7-6 and sweep the Yellowjackets to advance to the second round of the AHSAA State Playoffs. 

Collinsville took the victory on a walk-off single by Jordan Coker, that scored two runs. 

Keaton Deboard led the Panthers from the mound, allowing eight hits and three runs over three innings. He struck out two and walked one.  Kamden Steeled threw three and third innings in relief. 

Collinsville collected fourteen hits for the game.  Cooper Jameson Coker, Mason McAteer, and Dawon Cothran each had multiple hits for the Collinsville Varsity.  Coker went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits.

The Collinsville Varsity Panthers Baseball Team will host Vincent in the second round of the Class 2A State Baseball Playoffs on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, if necessary. 

The doubleheader on April 28 will be played at 4:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.  Game Three of the Second Round will be played at 3:00 p.m. if necessary. 

Tickets for the postseason contest must be purchased through GoFan.  No paper tickets will be sold.