ABILENE, TX — The No. 3 Wall Hawks dropped Game 1 of the State Semifinals to No. 4 Paradise in Abilene on Thursday night. The Panthers shut out the Hawks 5-0 to put Wall on the brink of elimination.
Paradise broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning, capitalizing on an error to take the lead and never looked back.
Kellan Oliver started on the mound for Wall, allowing five runs (three earned) on four hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out four and walking four. Paradise starter Kaden Hammonds tossed a complete-game shutout, giving up only two hits while striking out three and walking five.
Hagyn Barbee and Stephen Laney recorded the only hits for the Hawks.
Paradise was led offensively by Madden Taylor, who went 2-for-4 at the plate. Carter Mara, Cash Watson and Taylor each drove in a run, while Watson added two stolen bases.
The Hawks have several issues to address offensively heading into Game 2, with little time to do it.
Both teams return to action on Friday for Game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hardin-Simmons University. If the Hawks win, Game 3 will follow 30 minutes after Game 2.
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