Dawsonville, sparked by a pair of early three-run innings, defeated Loganville 8-3 in an elimination game in the Georgia American Legion State Tournament Thursday morning on Webb Field at Hunter Park.

After allowing a first-inning run, Dawsonville scored three times in the second to take the lead for keeps. Devin Dunson’s solo homer tied the contest at 1-1 and got the rally started. Then, doubles by Austin Lark, Ben Buttram and Jonathan Whitfield led to two more runs crossing home plate.

Dawsonville added three more runs in the third to go up 6-1. Jacob Barr and Blake Sargent led off with base hits before Dunson walked. Lark delivered a double and Dawsonville was in great shape.

Dawsonville wrapped up its scoring with two runs in the seventh inning. Whitehead had a home run to pace that rally.

Winning pitcher Jessie White pitched seven strong innings and was in command for the entire game. Seth Weaver worked the final two frames.

Sargent was the top hitter for Dawsonville. He went 3-for-5 at the plate, with two doubles and a single. Lark added a pair of doubles, while Shaun Baker had a pair of singles.

Beau Mixon led Loganville with a double and a single, while Justin Hicks added a pair of singles.

Dawsonville hopes to keep its hopes alive when the No. 6 seeded club returns to play in the 9 a.m. contest today.