The Franklin High School baseball squad delivered a commanding 9‑0 victory in the state semifinal, shutting out their opponents in Georgetown, Texas.
Pitching Masterclass
Junior right‑hander AJ Phillips anchored the effort, tossing 4 ⅔ innings while allowing just a single hit and racking up nine strikeouts.
Franklin struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on a suicide squeeze that brought home the game’s opening run.
The Lions then exploded for six additional runs in the same frame, turning a modest lead into a decisive advantage.
Offensive Surge
A timely RBI single from Tanner Beatty added to the mounting pressure, while the team’s disciplined approach at the plate kept the momentum rolling.
Coaching Praise
Head coach Matthew Anderson lauded his players’ execution and selfless at‑bats, emphasizing how the collective effort made the shutout possible.
Closing Strength
Relief pitchers Walker Anderson and Ryan Riddle combined to lock down the final two innings, preserving the clean sheet and sealing the win.
With the triumph, Franklin now stands one victory away from the state championship series, a matchup scheduled for Friday night at 6 p.m.