ROUND ROCK, Texas - Southlake Carroll's 22 wins entering the state baseball tournament were official in name only.

Observers knew the Dragons were much better than that, something Friday night Bellaire learned first-hand.

Carroll, which had to forfeit 11 wins during the regular-season because it used an ineligible player, hacked Cardinals pitching for six hits in a four-run third inning, and ousted Bellaire 7-1 in the second of two semifinals at Dell Diamond.

Southlake Carroll (23-18) will meet Plano West (39-2) at noon Saturday for the 5A championship. It is believed to be the first all-Dallas-area final in 5A.

Plano West defeated Laredo United 11-4 earlier Friday.

Bellaire, which made its 10th state tournament appearance, finished 39-9.

The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the first. Jarrett Higgins tripled to right field and scored on an RBI single by Will McCaleb. That was the biggest threat they mustered against Dragons starter Ross Stripling, who struck out nine. He allowed only one hit after the third inning; that was a bloop single with two outs in the seventh.

Southlake Carroll hammered Cardinals starter Tyler Duffey in the third. Andrew LaCombe and Will Watson got RBI singles to give Carroll the lead for good, then Shaun McPeters added a two-run single to cap the inning.

The Dragons added three more runs in the fifth, two on a Zack Bellenger double to right that came after Bellaire coach Rocky Manuel removed an outfielder and brought in a fifth infielder.

Josh Rake added an RBI single moments later for a 7-1 lead.

Check back late tonight for complete coverage, including Chad Washington's game story and photos.

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