WESSON – Matt Smith made several laps on the grass along theoutfield fence to keep the blood swiftly pumping in his right armand shoulder after a strong Friday night pitching performance. TheWesson senior struck out nine batters and tossed a 4-hitter inleading the Cobras to a 12-2 triumph against the Enterprise-ClarkeBulldogs in the second round of the Class 2A state baseballplayoffs.

However, the Bulldogs bounced back Saturday night to win 4-1 andtie the series.

Wesson 12, Ent-Clarke 2

Wesson (16-11) was the No. 1 seed out of Region 6-2A andreceived an opening round bye. Enterprise-Clarke (18-8), a Region7-2A member, eliminated Lake in the opening round of theplayoffs.

Smith (7-2) walked 3 batters in the 6-inning game that ended whencatcher Jacob Fischer slapped a 2-RBI single to left field. TheCobras got a mammoth, 2-run homer from third baseman Cullen Greerthat flew deep into the parking lot beyond the left field fence,making it 8-2 in the fourth.

Breathing deeply after the postgame, outfield run, Smith paused andthanked his Creator. “I want to give God all the glory. I felt goodout there tonight.”

Smith, a Copiah-Lincoln Community College scholarship signee,praised his teammates who supported him with flawless defense and10 hits. “My teammates had my back. Cullen had a clutch hit forus.”

First-year Wesson boss Seth Lofton cradled his young daughter inhis arms and discussed the game. “It was a great win and I’m realproud of how we came out. We started early and got a lead. Matt dida good job and we played great defense behind him.”

By contrast, Enterprise-Clarke pitcher Maxwell Harmon had anightmarish start. After 2 batters had been retired, he gave up anRBI single to Gage Wilson. The next 3 batters walked and Wesson led2-0. Jeremy Kidd, a submarine-throwing right-hander, replaced himand promptly walked in the third run.

For the game, EC coach Jeremy Wilkins watched 4 of his pitchersissue 8 free passes to first base.

Smith’s only nemesis in the game was senior designated hitter NickMoore who had 3 hits, including an RBI double in the fourth.

Greer, Wilson and first baseman Pat Boone collected 2 hits apiecefor Wesson.

Ent-Clarke 4, Wesson 1

Gib Britt was the losing pitcher in an 8-strikeout, 5-hitperformance., He walked 4 batters..

Britt, Patrick Boone, Matt Smith singled. The Cobras committed 5errors.

Jeremy Kidd (5 K, 4 BB), using a wicked submarine delivery, pitcheda 3 hitter and Enterprise-Clarke tied the Class 2A series at1-1.

Wesson hosts Enterprise-Clarke Monday night at 7.