Marmaduke's Ray Taylor comes slides in just prior to the throw. (Democrat photo/Dan Brawner) [Click to enlarge]

The Marmaduke Greyhounds upended top-seeded Bergman 11-4 in the 3A Region 3 Tournament Saturday in Cave City to earn their second straight trip to the state tourney.

Marmaduke benefited from an outstanding effort by senior hurler Trent Smith. Smith allowed two earned runs on a pair of hits while ringing up 12 and walking three.

Marmaduke took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Dexter Jordan that saw Kyle Huckabay cross the plate.

Bergman knotted things up with a run of their own in the third.

Marmaduke took command in the top of the fourth, as they rattled off six runs in the frame. Jacob Mason got things going with a leadoff double. Josh Upchurch reached first on a dropped third strike and bad throw to first. Mason scampered in during the ensuing hunt for the errant ball. Dane Barnum followed suit, as a bad throw to first let him reach the bag and saw Upchurch score. Huckabay drew a bases loaded walk and Barnum raced home on a bad throw to move the Marmaduke advantage to 5-1. By the time the dust settled, the 'Hounds led 7-1 going into the fifth.

Marmaduke scored four in the top of the seventh to wrap up the win.

Jordan led Marmaduke with a pair of hits and an RBI. Also hitting were Mason 2-3, Upchurch 1-2 with 2 RBIs, Smith 1-3 with an RBI, Huckabay 1-3 with an RBI, Barnum 1-3 with an RBI, Zach Carter 1-3 with an RBI, Andre Dulaney 1-3 with an RBI and Ray Taylor 1-3.

Marmaduke advanced to the semifinals Monday where they topped Cotter 11-8. The 'Hounds were slated to face Manila in the championship Tuesday night.