Baseball: Lightning and thunderstorm suspend Andrews state semifinal game

AUSTIN Cameron Stanley's one-out, first-inning home run and an Andrews error produced a 2-1 Carthage lead in the top of the third inning of a Class 3A state semifinal matchup at the University of Texas' Disch-Falk Field.

With one out in the top of the third, a cluster of severe thunderstorms moved through the greater Austin area, spawning funnel clouds, hail, high winds and torrential rain. Fans were ordered to leave the lower bowl at Disch-Falk Field and stay in the concourse area. The clock read 7:51 p.m. when play was stopped.

Two hours later, lightning was still striking around the area. UIL officials aimed to resume the game Thursday night, but at about 10:30 p.m. it was announced play would resume at 9:30 a.m. Friday.

The Class 2A state championship is at noon, so the Carthage-Andrews winner will have to turn around and play in the 4 p.m. 3A title game. The winner advances to play Giddings (28-5-1), which defeated Texarkana Pleasant Grove 5-1 in the other semifinal game.

"(The UIL) gave us a couple of options, but that's the one we have to go with," Andrews athletic director Jeff Cordell said. "We could have played after the noon game, but from our standpoint that's too hard for us."

After Andrews starter Raul Valenzuela struck out the first Carthage batter, Cameron Stanley blasted a solo shot to right-center field between the 375-foot and 405-foot signs.

Andrews (23-7) came back in the bottom of the second with a run to tie the game. Justin Escobar drew a one-out walk, stole second and reached third on a passed ball, setting up Valenzuela's two-out RBI single.

Carthage (26-6-1) regained the lead just before the weather delay began. Bryce Boone reached on an error and stole second. Michael Burchett hit a grounder to shortstop, but the throw to first sailed into the first couple of rows above the Andrews first-base dugout, plating Boone for a 2-1 Carthage lead.

With two outs and a 2-1 count on Carthage first baseman Jake Vanover, umpires sent the teams into their dugouts because of lightning.

Valenzuela had a strikeout and a walk in the first 2 2/3, giving up two hits and one earned run. Burchett had a strikeout and a walk in two innings worked, allowing one earned run on one hit.

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Sports reporter Willie Bans contributed to this report.

AND THE THUNDER ROLLS

>> What: UIL Class 3A Baseball Championships semifinal game between Andrews and Carthage will resume at 9:30 a.m. today after Thursday night's weather suspension.

>> Recap: Cameron Stanley's one-out, first-inning home run and an Andrews error produced a 2-1 Carthage lead in the top of the third inning.

>> Today's starting point: Two outs, Carthage's Jay Patton on second base and Jake Vanover at the plate with a 2-1 count.

>> Radio: www.kactradio.com

>> Next opponent: Giddings (28-5-1), which defeated Texarkana Pleasant Grove 5-1 in the other semifinal game, in the final at 4 p.m. today at Disch-Falk Field.