Wall Takes Game 1 Over Boyd, Moves One Win Away from State Title Game

The Wall Hawks opened the 3A State Semifinal series with a statement on Thursday night, defeating the Boyd Yellowjackets 6-1 to take a 1-0 series lead. Behind a dominant pitching performance from Gage Reichenau and timely offense from Caleb Braden, Wall now sits one win away from a trip to the UIL State Championship game.

Boyd struck first in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of an early defensive miscue to go up 1-0. But the lead didn’t last long.

In the bottom half of the inning, Braden delivered a momentum-shifting two-RBI double to give Wall the lead. He wasn’t done there. In the third, Braden tripled to center to drive in another run, pushing the Hawks’ lead to 3-1.

Wall continued to apply pressure throughout the game, racking up eight hits and capitalizing on Boyd’s defensive lapses. Braden led the way offensively, going 2-for-2 with 3 RBIs, while Gunnar Dillard and Lawson Dankworth each added two hits of their own.

On the mound, Reichenau was rock solid. The right-hander went the distance, allowing just four hits and no earned runs over seven innings. He struck out two and walked one, keeping Boyd’s bats in check all evening.

Boyd’s Elijah Webber started on the hill and went six innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits while striking out six.

With the win, Wall takes control of the best-of-three series. The teams will now head to Tarleton State University, where Game 2 is scheduled for Friday at 7 PM. If necessary, Game 3 will follow on Saturday.

The Hawks are now just one win away from a shot at the 3A State Championship. Stay tuned to Sideline Sports for full coverage and updates from the series.