The Mineola Yellowjackets dropped a close game to the Grand Saline Indians 3-1 on Tuesday, April 16. In a rare start, Jacob Dabbs threw for the Yellowjackets and put in solid work from the mound. He spread six hits over 6 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts. Riley Fowler fulfilled catching duties and did a fine job behind the plate.

Grand Saline ace Bryce Smith threw 6 2/3 innings and gave up just two hits on the night with 13 strikeouts.

With the score tied 1-1 after five innings, Grand Saline rallied. They strung together a walk, a stolen base, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly to take a one-run lead. Indian pinch hitter Luke Morrison then beat out an infield hit. On a full count, Philip LaPrade smashed a triple to right center, bringing home Morrison. Grand Saline had the 3-1 lead. Mineola’s Dalton Rogers came in to close out the inning.

The Yellowjackets went down in order in the sixth, as did the Indians in the top of the seventh.

Mineola put two men on in the bottom of the seventh, but could not move the baserunners around. The Yellowjackets played a much-touted Grand Saline team to the final out but fell while facing one of the top pitchers in the district.