SULPHUR — Dutchtown searched all game for one hit to change the game.
Sam Houston led 2-0 early, scoring scored one run in each of the first two innings.
The Griffins had their best chance in the bottom of the sixth with two outs and the bases loaded. Seth Davis then hit a single to left field to drive in one run, but the second runner was tagged out at the plate.
Dutchtown failed to muster any more offense and fell to No. 2 Sam Houston 3-1 on Friday at McMurry Park in Game 2 of the Division I nonselect state title series.
The deciding Game 3 will be played at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Their guy was outstanding on the mound,” Dutchtown coach Chris Schexnaydre said of Sam Houston’s Ty Smith. “We stayed right there with them all game. We just miss out on a big hit here or there. It’s baseball.”
Dutchtown (29-14) started Taylor Tunnard on the mound. Tunnard went five innings and struck out three.
In the top of the first, Smith helped his own cause with a two-out double.
Owen Galley brought him home with a single. In the second, Sam Houston led off the inning with a pair of singles. Kannon Keiser knocked a sacrifice fly to score another run and make it 2-0.
Smith started and pitched five innings for Sam Houston (33-9). He struck out three, walked three and allowed just one hit for the win. Brock Blessington pitched the final two innings for the save.
The Griffins managed five hits and five walks, but failed to string enough together through the first five innings.
In the sixth, Dutchtown put two runners on with a pair of singles after a groundout. After a line-out, Dawson Leblanc drew a walk to load the bases.
Davis’ single scored one run, but the runner from second rounded third, looking to tie the game.
The relay throw home beat the runner, and he was tagged out to end the inning.
Dutchtown managed a two-out walk in the seventh, but a flyout ended the game.
Schexnaydre said he remains confident in his Griffins, who have won their past two playoff rounds in decisive third games.
“That’s what’s been the routine for us the last couple of weeks,” Schexnaydre said. “We’re going to line up. “We’re going to get a good night’s rest tonight, and be ready to go in the morning.”