Franklinton scored four runs in the seventh after losing a 5-1 lead to defeat Minden, 9-5, in the bi-district round of the Class 4A state playoffs on the road Tuesday.
Jamarian Crain had two hits, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Wyatt Verret posted two hits and three runs batted in. Verret had the go-ahead RBIs in the seventh with a two-run single that broke a 5-5 tie to give Franklinton a 7-5 lead.
Collin Dominguez posted three hits including a double.
Trent Varnado tallied two hits.
J.P. Magee had two hits, including a leadoff single in the seventh.
Mike Martin went 4-for-4 with two doubles.
J.J. Jackson had a hit in the victory.
Hunter Maxwell was the winning pitcher in relief. He threw 1-2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing one hit and he struck out one.
“It was a big team win. They all contributed. I told the kids the toughest win in the playoffs is usually the first one. We’ve got that one under our belts, so now we’re going to Breaux Bridge,” Franklinton coach Jeff Tageant said.
No. 18 Franklinton (13-10) advances to the regional round and travels to play second-seeded Beaux Bridge (24-6) in a best-of-three series, beginning today. Today’s game begins at 6 p.m. with games 2 starting at 1 p.m. and if necessary 3 after that tomorrow. Breaux Bridge was a 5-1 winner over No. 31 Edna Karr.
No. 15 Minden finished the season with a 16-18 record.