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The Thorsby Rebels punched their ticket to the Class 2A semifinals with 2-0 and 8-4 victories at home against Falkville in the third round.

Game 1 was a pitching duel that was highlighted by the brother tandem of Trent and Tanner Jones.

Tanner Jones accounted for both of Thorsby’s runs with a pair of solo shots, while Trent Jones started the game and carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

“We had some timely hits in the first game that got us by,” Thorsby head coach Billy Jackson said.

After runs were hard to come by in Game 1, the Thorsby bats came alive early in Game 2 with a six-run second inning.

“There’s opportunities in a game to have high energy hits,” Jackson said. “We’ve been telling them all year long to play for the big inning and put pressure on folks.”

Chase Birchfield kick started the big inning with a leadoff double. Tyler Jackson, Jacob Lockhart, Grayson Bice and Tanner Jones each drove in runs during the inning.

“I’ve been so proud of the way that they’ve competed this year,” Jackson said. “I’m so happy for these seniors, because they deserve it so much.”

Thorsby protected the lead for the rest of the game, as Tucker Patterson allowed just one hit and two earned runs in five innings on the mound.

Bice struck out the side in the final inning to earn the save and end the magical night on an emphatic note.

“I just had to come in there and shut them down so that we can move on and handle business,” Bice said. “It couldn’t be any better.”

Thorsby will go on the road in the state semifinals against either Westbrook Christian or Mars Hill Bible School. The game will begin at 5 p.m. on May 11.

“I like our chances because I feel like we’re hot,” Jackson said. “Whenever you feel that way, you’re a tough team to put out.”

It will be the first time any of the players have made it this far in the postseason after coming up short in the third round the past two seasons.

“I hope they soak it up and take one pitch at a time,” Jackson said. “Don’t let moments like this pass, because your not guaranteed that you’ll even make it to the third round next year.”