SELMA – Greenville High School saw its hopes of earning a spot in the postseason dashed on Saturday with a 5-2 loss to Selma High School.

The Saints plated two runs the first inning and two more in the second inning to build an early 4-0 lead.

Greenville clawed its way back into the game thanks to an RBI double by Michael Smith in the top of the third inning and a solo home run off the bat of Ozell Carter in the top of the fourth inning.

“I think (Ozell’s home run) might still be travelling,” Greenville head coach Richard Kelly joked.

Selma added one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the win.

Despite the loss, Kelly praised the play of his team, which starts three eighth graders, three freshmen, a sophomore, a junior and a senior.

“I am so encouraged right now because we made routine plays all day,” he said. “We just have to get better with two strikes at the plate.”

Kelly also praised Smith’s performance on the mound.

The Greenville right-hander tossed seven innings, allowing three hits and four walks, while striking out five Saints.

“Michael had a standout day,” Kelly said. “He got Selma to hit into ground balls and fly balls for our defense to make plays. That’s what I ask my pitchers to do.”

Smith was also 3-for-3 at the plate.

Trevor Langford and Davonta Posey each had a hit in the loss.

Greenville will be back in action Wednesday when it plays host to in-county rival Georgiana School at 3:30 p.m. at Beeland Park.