Top-Ranked Argyle Rolls Past Jasper in State Semifinals

AUSTIN — The Argyle Eagles, en route to the Class 4A championship game, has had to go through the best East Texas baseball has to offer.

That included Jasper on Wednesday afternoon, as the Eagles rolled to a 14-4 win in six innings in their state semifinal at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.

Top-ranked Argyle (36-0), which defeated Pleasant Grove and Kilgore in the regional semifinals and finals, respectively, will meet Sweeny (35-5) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday for the state title.

Jasper finished its season at 33-8-1.

Alex Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and four RBI’s to lead Argyle’s 14-hit attack. Hayden Clearman had three hits, three RBI’s, and scored three times as well.

Also aiding Argyle’s win as Preston King (2-for-3, three runs), Bryson Hudgens (2-for-3, two RBI’s, two runs), Austin King (1-for-3, two RBI’s), and Cade Merka (2-for-3, RBI).

Argyle used three pitchers.

Sean Bolin went the first three innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with two strikeouts and three walks. Tate Van Poppel (2-0) got the win, working an inning, and allowing a run with two strikeouts and a walk. Chad Ricker surrendered a run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks in two innings.

Jasper pitcher Michael Soisson (8-2) took the loss. He allowed seven runs (five earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks in four innings.

Soisson and Reese Durnad each had two hits for Jasper, while Leo Escalante, Henry McMillon, and Colton Womack had RBI’s.