BLACKSHEAR -- Jefferson pulled out a thrilling 8-7 win over Pierce County Thursday to win Game 3 of their best-of-three series and advance to the Class AAA quarterfinals.
The Dragons (24-5) won Game 1, 2-0, but dropped a 3-2 decision in Game 2 as the Bears forced a third game.
Jefferson will move on to play Callaway on the road beginning on Tuesday.
In other area action, Union County did not fare as well in its Game 3 against Fitzgerald. The Panthers lost 5-3 and were knocked out of the Class AA playoffs.
Despite not playing after sweeping Evans in the second round on Wednesday, Gainesville had a very good night in the Class AAAAA playoffs. Forsyth Central, the last remaining No. 1 seed other than the Red Elephants on their half of the draw, lost 5-2 to South Effingham in its deciding Game 3.
As a result, Gainesville will now have home field advantage until the finals. If either No. 2 seeds Union Grove or Loganville come out on other half of the bracket, then the Red Elephants would have home field all the way through.
Buford, which swept Perry in the second round, will get Locust Grove in the Class AAAA quarterfinals after the Wildcats held off Columbia 8-5 in their Game 3 showdown. The Wolves, however, will be hitting the road for the first time in the playoffs.
Also in Class AAAA, North Hall will be on the road against No. 3 Whitewater in Fayetteville.
Quarterfinal action will begin Tuesday with doubleheaders.
