By Justin Averette | Managing Editor

Thorsby’s historic season ended Saturday with a 14-3, five-inning loss against Leroy in the Class 2A state semifinals.

The Rebels lost both games of the best-of-three series but were unashamed of the effort they gave in their first-ever semifinal appearance.

Host Thorsby fought back from a 12-run deficit in Game 1 on May 13 to force an extra inning before Leroy won, 19-14. And THS trailed just 6-3 in the bottom of the third inning of Game 2 before it was suspended because of weather and impending darkness.

But the visiting Bears on Saturday played the part of the top-ranked team in Class 2A, demonstrating dominant hitting and pitching.

Leroy scored four runs in both the bottom of the third and fourth innings to build its lead.

A deep home run off the bat of Christian Snow gave Leroy an 11-run lead.

Thorsby batters had no hits in the fourth but did get two singles in the fifth; however, the team couldn’t get the runners home and avoid the 10-run rule.

Carlos Delgado was the winning pitcher for Leroy. He allowed three hits and struck out six as the Bears advanced to the state finals for the fourth time in the last five years.

Leroy will face American Christian Academy for the state championship.

–Assistant Managing Editor Stephen Dawkins contributed to this report.