Dragons Battle In State Tournament Against Num. 2 Team In 4A

PHS Baseball

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team headed down to Atlanta to take on the Marist War Eagles in the 1st round of the GHSA 4A State Baseball Tournament. Coming into the game, the Dragons were the #3 seed out of region 6-AAAA, while Marist, came in as the #2 seed out of region 7-AAAA. Marist was also ranked as the 2nd best team in 4A coming into the state tournament.

 

Game 1:

In the top of the 1st, the Dragons got a 2-out walk by Tyler Vreeland, but that would be all they would manage to begin the game. The War Eagles, plated the 1st run of the game in the bottom of the first, taking a 1-0 lead.

 

In the top of the 3rd, Pickens struck for the first time as starter Colby James hit a 2-run, 2-out single, knocking in Hunter White & Brady Moore to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead over Marist. In the bottom of the inning, the War Eagles re-took the lead by scoring two runs over their own & now led, 3-2.

 

In the bottom of the 4th, Marist added to their lead by plating a run to make it 4-2 over the Dragons. In the top of the 5th, Pickens, never one to stop fighting, scored 2 runs as both Jacob Kirchoff  came to score on a passed ball, & Moore scored when James got walked for his 3rd RBI, tying the game at 4.

 

In this back and forth opening game of the series, the War Eagles plated 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to re-take the lead, 6-4. In the top of the 7th, the Dragons got a 1-out double from Caswell Smith, but he was left stranded as Marist held on to take game one, 6-4.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-4 with 2 doubles, & 2 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a single, & 2 intentional walks

Tyler Vreeland: 1 walk

Colby James: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 3 RBI

Hunter White: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Jacob Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

Game 2:

Game 2, saw Pickens as the designated home team & saw senior & College of Charleston signee Caswell Smith get the start. The Dragons, were looking to get a win here in game 2, to force a 3rd and deciding game.

 

Smith & the Dragons, were in a little bit of trouble in the top of the first as Marist had an early threat. Pickens, got out of it & we headed to the bottom of the 1st tied. Brady Moore, led the bottom of the 1st with a walk, but would be left stranded at 3rd, keeping the game scoreless.

 

In the top of the 2nd, the War Eagles plated the first runs of the game, taking a 2-0 lead. Marist added to their lead in the top of the 3rd, scoring 4 times to make it a 6-0 lead over the Dragons.

 

In the bottom of the 4th, Pickens broke through. The Dragons, socred 4 runs on 5 hits, getting a 2-RBI knock from Chad Pacas, and an RBI each from Jacob Kirchoff & Moore. Going to the 5th, the War Eagles lead was cut to just 6-4.

 

Marist, re-took the lead in the top of the 5th by scoring 5 runs. Pickens went quietly in the bottom of the frame, & we’d head to the 6th, with the War Eagles up, 11-4.

 

In the bottom of the 7th, now trailing 16-4, the Dragons would put up one last fight. Getting an RBI from Tyler Vreeland, Colby James, Austin Chester, & Hunter White, & scoring 6 runs before Marist was able to get the final out. Final score, Marist 16, Pickens 10. Pickens finishes the season at 19-13.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single, a walk, 1 RBI, & a run scored

Caswell Smith: 2-4 with 2 singles, & 1 run scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-4 with a single & 1 RBI

Colby James: 2-4 with a single, a double, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Will Lawrence: 3-3 with 3 singles & 2 runs scored

Austin Chester: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI. & 2 runs scored

Chad Pacas: 1-2 with a single, 2 hit by pitch, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored

Hunter White: 1 walk, 1 RBI

Jacob Kirchoff: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Dragons Fall On The Road At Northwest Whitfield, Game 3 This Afternoon

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

It was a hot one yesterday afternoon as the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team traveled up to take on the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield for the 2nd straight day. On Tuesday, the Dragons fell 3-0. Yesterday’s game, was originally scheduled for Friday, but with storms on the way, they bumped it up to Wednesday. In any event, Pickens came into the game looking to even up the series.

 

Pickens, got off to a good start in the top of the 1st, as Caswell Smith, tied a PHS record for home runs in a season with his 10th. Going to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons held a 1-0 lead. Smith, got off to a good start on the mound as well, striking out 1 on 16 pitches to send us to the 2nd,, Dragons up, 1-0.

 

In the top of the 2nd, Austin Chester led off with a double & it looked like the Dragons were poised to add to their lead. The Bruins however, got a double play, & then a strikeout to end any scoring chance in the 2nd for Pickens. Northwest Whitfield, scored a run in the bottom of the frame to even things up at 1, going to the 3rd.

 

In the top of the 3rd, the Dragons again had another scoring chance with runners on 2nd & 3rd with 1 out, & then runners on 1st & 3rd with 2 outs. Somehow, the Bruins were able to escape those dcoring threats & the game remained tied at 1. In the bottom of the inning, Northwest Whitfield scored 4 runs to make it 5-1, going to the 4th.

 

There would be no scoring till the 6th inning as Hunter White knocked in Chad Pacas in the top of the frame to make it 5-2. The Bruins, were able to counter with 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th, to make it 8-2. Northwest Whitfield, would take this one by a final of 8-2.

 

Game 3 of the series will be this afternoon at PJHS. It is also the annual pink out game as the Dragons are raising awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Come out to the ballpark, wear pink, & cheer on the Dragons as they look to get a big home win. First pitch is set for 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single & a walk

Caswell Smith: 1-3 with a home run, a walk, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Chad Pacas: 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 2-2 with 2 doubles & 1 walk

Hunter White: 1 RBI

Jarod Whitmore: 1 walk, 1 stolen base

Jacob Kirchoff: 1-3 with a single

 

Dragons End Regular Season By Sweeping LaFayette

PHS Baseball

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the LaFayette Ramblers at PJHS for a doubleheader to close out the regular season. Pickens, defeated the Ramblers on Tuesday at LaFayette, 2-0, behind a complete game shutout by Colby James, & looked to win the series, & to finish 3rd in the region heading into the state tournament. It was also Senior Night as the Seniors were recognized in between games.

 

Game 1:

Senior & College of Charleston signee Caswell Smith started game 1 (game 2 overall of the series) & he pitched a masterpiece.

In the bottom of the 1st, the Dragons struck first with 2 runs to take a 2-0 lead. Pickens added to that lead in the bottom of the 2nd, as two more runs would come home, making it 4-0 Dragons. One more run would score in the bottom of the 4th as Pickens extended it’s lead to 5-0 over LaFayette.

 

With the way Smith pitched, the Dragons only needed 1 run as Smith tossed a complete game, no-hit shutout as the Dragons took the first game of the doubleheader, 5-0.

 

Game 2:

The 2nd game was started by another senior, & another college signee. Will Lawrence, who is signed with Wallace State to continue his baseball career, took the mound for the final game of the series. Lawrence got off to a good start, striking out the side in the top of the 1st. In the bottom of the 1st, Brady Moore, led off with a walk, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, & scored after the ball got passed the 3rd baseman. Dragons led, 1-0.

 

Pickens, held that 1-0 lead over the Ramblers until the top of the 4th, when LaFayette plated 2 runs to take a 2-1 lead. Their first lead of the game & of the series. The Dragons, retook the lead in the bottom of the 5th with 2 runs of their own to make it 3-2. LaFayette answered right back with a run in the top of the 6th, to tie things up at 3 a piece.

 

With 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th, catcher Tyler Vreeland got on base with a single. Jarod Whitmore would then be brought in to courtesy run for Vreeland. Whitmore, would steal 2nd, then make his way to 3rd after the ball got passed the infield & into the outfield. Whitmore, would  then come home to score the game winning run on a wild pitch. Pickens, finishes the regular season in exciting fashion winning 4-3.

 

Pickens, finishes the regular season at 19-11, & 12-6 in region play. The 19 wins are the most in a season for any PHS Baseball team. The Dragons, will represent 6-AAAA as the 3rd seed & take on the 2 seed out of region 7, the Marist War Eagles, in the first round of the 4A State Baseball Tournament. First pitch is set for Wednesday at 5:30.

Dragons Win 4th Straight, Defeat Dalton

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Dalton Catamounts at Dragons Field in non-region action. Dalton, is out of the 6-A classification. On Thursday, these two teams met in Dalton, & Pickens came away with a 7-3 win. The Dragons came in, looking for a home & home sweep.

 

Starter Will Lawrence, got off to a great start in the top of the 1st, striking out two Catamounts. Pickens, got off to an even better start offensively as Brady Moore led off the bottom half of the inning with a home run, & Tyler Vreeland knocked in Caswell Smith with an RBI double. Going to the 2nd, the Dragons held a 2-0 lead over Dalton.

 

In the 2nd, Lawrence added to his strikeout total, collecting two more, but Dalton was able to cut the Dragon lead in half, 2-1. Pickens, had a potential 2-out threat emerging, but the Catamounts were able to end the inning & send us to the 3rd.

 

The 3rd inning saw back and forth action. In the top of the frame, Dalton took their first lead of the game by scoring two runs, making it 3-2. The Dragons, were able to counter back, with 4 runs. Smith with a 2-run home run (his 9th), & getting an RBI from Lawrence & Chad Pacas to make it 6-3 Pickens, going to the 4th.

 

The 5th inning, saw ten total runs scored between the two teams. In the top of the inning, the Catamounts scored 5 times to retake the lead from the Dragons, 8-6. In the bottom half of the inning, it was the Dragons turn to score 5 runs led by Moore with an RBI single, & Smith with a 2-RBI double. Going to the 6th, Pickens led Dalton, 11-8.

 

In the bottom of the 6th, the Dragons added an insurance run when Lawrence, drove in Jarod Whitmore to make it 12-8. Pacas came in for the top of the 7th, & shut the Catamounts down to give Pickens the 12-8 win.

 

Next week, the Dragons will begin their biggest series of the season as they take on the Northwest Whitfield Bruins in a 3-game set. Pickens: 16-7 (9-3) & Northwest Whitfield: 15-5 (9-3) are tied atop the 6-AAAA standings & the winner of the series will be in the drivers seat as far as the region championship is concerned. Game one of the 3-game set will be in Tunnel Hill at Northwest Whitfield. First pitch set for 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 3-4 with a home run, 2 singles, 1 RBI, & 3 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 2-2 with a home run, a double, 2 walks, 4 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 3-4 with a double, 2 singles, & 1 RBI

Colby James: 2-4 with 2 singles & 2 runs scored

Will Lawrence: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 1 walk

Chad Pacas: 2-3 with 2 singles, a walk, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Hunter White: 1-4 with a single

Jacob Kirchoff: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Jarod Whitmore: 2 runs scored

Smith Throws Complete Game As Dragons Defeat Lumpkin

PHS Baseball

After picking up a season opening win over the Murray County Indians the day before, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, was right back on the diamond yesterday afternoon to host the Lumpkin County Indians, in another non-region ball game.

 

Dragon Senior & College of Charleston signee Caswell Smith took the mound for Pickens and was very effective. Smith, collected a strikeout, & needed only 10 pitches to get out of the top of the 1st. Pickens, got on the board first in the bottom of the inning after Brady Moore came around to score after leading off the frame with a double.

 

In the bottom of the third, Smith helped himself out with a solo opposite field homerun, to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead over the Indians. Lumpkin, got their first run of the ball game in the top of the 4th, & Pickens went in order in the bottom of the inning to send us to the 5th, Dragons up, 2-1.

 

After another leadoff hit by Moore to begin the bottom of the 5th, Tyler Vreeland would bring Moore in and give the Dragons a 3-1 lead. Lumpkin County however wouldn’t go away quietly as they would answer back with a run of their own in the top of the 6th, to once again make it a 1 run game, 3-2, going to the 7th.

 

In the 7th, the Indians would load the bases & things looked like we would be heading to the bottom of the inning tied. Smith, who was still in the game pitching, was able to get two strikeouts, & the final batter to fly out to center to preserve the win for the Dragons, 3-2.

 

Stats:

Caswell Smith: 7 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K on 95 pitches & 1-3 with a homerun, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Brady Moore: 2-4 with 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single & 1 RBI

Colby James: 1-3 with a single

Austin Chester: 1 walk

Will Lawrence: 1-2 with a single & a walk

Jacob Kirchoff: 1 walk

 

Pickens, will again be at home this afternoon as they welcome the Denmark Danes to Dragons Field. First pitch is set for 5:55.

Dragons Run Rule Ridgeland To Win Series

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

On Friday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Ridgeland Panthers for the third and final game of their region series. On Thursday, the Dragons evened up the series at one game a piece, by getting an 8-5 win at Ridgeland, and looked to win the series & take 2nd place all to themselves with a victory.

 

Senior Will Lawrence got the call to start game 3 & pitched beautifully. The top of the 1st saw Lawrence strike out two Panthers to send the Dragons up to the plate. Pickens, got off to a fast start in the bottom of the frame, scoring 6 runs on just 3 hits. The Dragons, drew 5 walks, one batter got hit, & got 2 RBI from Tyler Vreeland, 1 RBI from Hunter White, & 1 RBI from Brady Moore in the bottom half of the inning. Going to the 2nd, the Dragons led Ridgeland, 6-0.

 

Lawrence, continued his good work from the first inning, collecting his 3rd strikeout of the game. The Dragons got some two out magic in the bottom of the 2nd, as Jacob Kirchoff got hit by a pitch bringing in Austin Chester, then Moore knocked in Chad Pacas, making it 8-0 Pickens, going to the 3rd.

 

Ridgeland, scored two runs in the top of the 3rd as Lawrence had the rare 4 strikeout inning (batter made it to 1st after strike 3 got passed the catcher). The Dragons, got an RBI single from Pacas, to make it 9-2 Pickens, going to the 4th.

 

Lawrence, struck out the side in the top of the 4th, bringing his total up to 10 for the game. The Dragons added to their lead in the bottom of the inning as Vreeland drove in Moore to make it 10-2, going to the 5th.

 

Ridgeland, was able to plate a run in the top of the 5th, but that would be all as Lawrence collected his 11th strikeout to close out the top half of the frame. In the bottom of the 5th, Chester led off reaching on an error, Pacas & White both singled, Kirchoff brought in Chester with a sacrifice fly, then Caswell Smith stepped up & hit a three run home run to end the ball game & give the Dragons a 14-3 win.

 

Pickens, is now 14-7 overall & 9-3 in 6-AAAA. They are in 2nd place in the region & 1 game back of Northwest Whitfield in the loss column. The Dragons, will take on Dalton this week in non-region action. The first game, will be at Dalton on Thursday & the 2nd game will be at Dragons Field on Friday. Both games are set to start at 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, & 1 RBI

Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a 3-run home run, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, & 4 RBI

Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single & 3 RBI

Will Lawrence: 1-3 with a single & 1 walk & 5 IP, 11 K on 101 pitches

Austin Chester: 2-4 with 2 singles & 3 runs scored

Chad Pacas: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 hit by pitch, 3 runs scored, & 1 RBI

Hunter White: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, 2 runs scored, & 1 RBI

Jacob Kirchoff: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, & 2 RBI

 

Dragons Drop Game 1 To Ridgeland, Game 2 This Afternoon

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Field to begin the most important 3 game set of the season up to this point. This game, was supposed to be played Tuesday, but rain pushed it to yesterday. Both teams came in 7-2 in region play, just one game back of Northwest Whitfield. Coming into this series, the Dragons had won every opening game, & looked to keep that going in game 1 against the Panthers.

 

In the top of the 1st, Ridgeland looked to get on the board early, but a great throw by Dragon right fielder Hunter White, kept that from happening as he threw out a runner at home. Pickens, couldn’t get anything going in the bottom of the frame, & we’d head to the 2nd, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the 2nd, the Panthers scored 2 runs on 2 hits, taking a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the frame, the Dragons were able to cut the lead in half as Will Lawrence came in to score after multiple balks by the Ridgeland pitcher. Going to the 3rd, the Panthers led Pickens, 2-1.

 

Dragon starter Colby James needed 11 pitches to collect two strikeouts & retire the Panthers in the top of the 3rd. In the bottom of the inning, Pickens tied things up as Brady Moore led off with a screaming double down the left field line, & Caswell Smith was able to bring him in on an RBI single to tie things up at 2, going to the 4th.

 

In the top of the 4th, Ridgeland broke things open by scoring 9 runs to make it 11-2. The Dragons got a lead off walk in the bottom of the frame, but were unable to bring him around & we’d head to the 5th, Panthers up, 11-2.

 

Pickens, got one back in the bottom of the 5th, as they scored a run on 2 hits to male it 11-3. The top of the 6th saw Ridgeland answer with 2 runs, to make it 13-3. In the bottom of the 6th, Moore drove in Chad Pacas to make it 13-4 Panthers. Ridgeland, took this one by a final of 13-4.

 

These two teams will meet again this afternoon at Ridgeland for game 2 of the 3 game set. First pitch set for 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

Caswell Smith: 1 single, 1 RBI

Tyler Vreeland: 1 single, 1 walk

Colby James: 1 walk, 1 single

Will Lawrence: 1 single, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 2 walks

Chad Pacas: 1 double, 1 walk

Jacob Kirchoff: 1 single

 

Dragons Take Game 1 Of 515 Region Series

PHS Baseball

It was a sunny, yet cool afternoon in Ellijay on Tuesday as the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team took on the Gilmer Bobcats in the 1st game of a three game region series. Pickens, came into this series having won their first two series over Southeast Whitfield & Heritage, While Gilmer was off from region play last week.

 

In the top of the 1st, Caswell Smith drew a 1-out walk, but he would be left stranded at 1st to end the top of the inning. Starting pitcher for Pickens, Colby James, sat the Bobcats down in order on 6 pitches, to send us to the 2nd, still scoreless. In the bottom of the 2nd, Gilmer had runners on 1st & 2nd, but James was able to get out of it to send it to the 3rd, still 0-0.

7

In the top of the 3rd, the Dragons broke the tie after plating three runs behind RBI from Tyler Vreeland, & James, & Jarod Whitmore scoring on a passed ball. In the bottom of the frame, the Bobcats again threatened with 2 on, but James & the Dragons again got out of the jam, sending us to the 4th, Pickens ahead, 3-0.

 

The bottom of the 4th saw Gilmer threatening for the 3rd time in the last three innings with runners on 2nd & 3rd, looking to cut into the Dragons lead. Pickens, again escaped the danger, maintaining their 3-0 lead, going to the 5th. In the top of the 5th, the Dragons scored 5 times getting an RBI from Vreeland, James, & 2 RBI from Will Lawrence. Austin Chester scored on a passed ball. Gilmer would go down in order in the bottom of the inning, sending us to the 6th, Pickens up 8-0.

 

The Bobcats, got on the board in the bottom of the 6th, plating a run to make it 8-1 going to the 7th. Seth Densmore came in to shut things down in the bottom of the 7th, to seal the win for the Dragons, 8-1.

 

Game 2 between these two teams will be tomorrow at 5:30 at Pickens Junior High School.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 1 hit by pitch, & 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-4 with a single, & 2 RBI

Colby James: 1-4 with a double & 2 RBI & 6 IP, 5 K, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 H, 1 R on 74 pitches

Will Lawrence: 1 walk, 2 RBI & 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 1 walk & 1 run scored

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with a double & a single

Hunter White: 2 walks & 1 run scored

Jacob Kirchoff: hit by pitch

Jarod Whitmore: 2 runs scored

 

Dragons Take Region Series From Southeast Whitfield, Go For Sweep This Afternoon

PHS Baseball

It was a chilly afternoon at the ball park yesterday as the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Southeast Whitfield Raiders in a 6-AAAA opening series. On Tuesday, the Dragons won game one 6-3 at Southeast Whitfield, & looked to take the series by winning game two of the three game set at home.

 

College of Charleston signee Caswell Smith took the mound & threw well against the Raiders. Smith needed 11 pitches to get out of the top of the 1st, & send the Dragons bats to work. Coastal Carolina commit Brady Moore got things going with a leadoff double, & Smith helped himself out by launching a 2-run shot over left-center. Tyler Vreeland then singled, & Will Lawrence would bring in Jarod Whitmore, who courtesy ran for Vreeland. Going to the 2nd, Pickens led 3-0. Smith found himself in a little jam in the top of the 2nd, but was able to get out of it with no damage done. Pickens plated a run in the bottom of the frame, as Colby James drove Jacob Kirchoff in on a fielder’s choice to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the 3rd.

 

Smith collected his 1st strikeout of the game in the top of the 3rd as he again got out a potential jam. Pickens had a two out rally in the bottom of the 3rd as Hunter White got on with a single, Kirchoff walked, Moore drove in White with a single, & Kirchoff & Moore came into score on passed balls to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the 4th.

 

The Raiders, plated their only 2 runs of the game in the top of the 6th, as the Dragons were able to hold on & get the win, 7-2, & take a 2-0 series lead.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-3 with a double, a single, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 1-3 with a 2-run home run, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, & 1 walk & 5 IP, 3 K, 3 H, 0 R, 74 pitches

Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single & a walk

Jarod Whitmore: 1 run scored

Colby James: 1-4 with a double, & 1 RBI

Will Lawrence: 1-2 with a single, 1 RBI, & 2 hit by pitch

Austin Chester: 1 hit by pitch

Hunter White: 1-3 with a single, 1 run scored, & 1 walk

Jacob Kirchoff: 2-3 with a single, a double, 1 walk, & 2 runs scored

 

With the win, Pickens has taken the series from the Raiders in this three game set. The third & final game of the series will be later this afternoon at Southeast Whitfield. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

 

 

Dragons Hang On In Final Innings, Sweep Gilmer

PHS Baseball

It was game three of three yesterday as the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team made the short trip up 515 to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats. Pickens, won the series on Thursday in walk off fashion, & looked to complete the sweep to remain in 2nd place in region play.

 

The Dragons, got off to a big start in the top of the 1st. Brady Moore led off with a double, Colby James would bring him in, then Austin Chester would bring in Jarod Whitmore & James to make it 3-0 Pickens, going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Gilmer got a run off one hit to make it 3-1 Dragons going to the 2nd.

 

In the top of the 2nd, the Dragons added 3 more runs. Moore hit a solo home run, Caswell Smith came in on a passed ball, & starting pitcher Will Lawrence helped himself out with an RBI single bringing in Colby James, to make it 6-1. Lawrence sat the Bobcats down in order in the bottom of the frame, sending us to the 3rd, Dragons up, 6-1.

 

In the top of the 3rd, Pickens stretched it’s lead out even more by scoring 6 runs in the frame. The Dragons, got an RBI from Tyler Vreeland, James, Lawrence, & 2 RBI from Hunter White. Going to the bottom of the 3rd, Pickens led Gilmer, 12-1. The Bobcats, got a run on two hits in the bottom of the inning, to make it 12-2 Dragons, going to the 4th.

 

In the 4th, the Bobcats again plated a run, to make it 12-3. The action didn’t pick back up until the 7th. The Dragons got three straight hits, & a run scored by Whitmore, to make it 13-3 Pickens. Gilmer, with their final three outs, made a furious rally. The Bobcats, scored 8 runs on 6 hits, to cut it to 13-11, with 2 outs. Caswell Smith, came in for the save for Pickens as he struck out his only batter, touching 94 on the radar gun, to preserve the 13-11 win & the sweep for the Dragons:

 

Pickens, now 12-6 (7-2), will begin a series with the Ridgeland Panthers on Tuesday at Dragons Field. First pitch set for 5:30. Both Pickens & Ridgeland are tied for 2nd in 6-AAAA at 7-2.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 3-4 with a double, a home run, a single, a walk, 1 RBI, & 3 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 1-3 with a single, 2 walks, & 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-4 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI

Colby James: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, & 3 runs scored

Jarod Whitmore: 1-1 with a single, & 3 runs scored

Will Lawrence: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, & 2 RBI & 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 5 K, on 84 pitches

Seth Densmore: 1-1 with a single

Austin Chester: 2-2 with 2 singles, 2 walks, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored

Christian Chumley: 1-1 with a single

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with a single, a double, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Hunter White: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 2 RBI

Pacas’ Big Game Helps Dragons Win Series Against Gilmer

PHS Baseball

Game 2 of the 3 game set came to Jasper yesterday afternoon as the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Bobcats of Gilmer at Dragons Field. Pickens, took game 1 in Ellijay on Tuesday 8-1, & looked to get the series win at home.

 

In the top of the 1st, the Bobcats struck first getting one run on two hits to take an early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Brady Moore led the inning off with a double, but the Dragons were unable to capitalize & we’d head to the 2nd, Gilmer up, 1-0. Pickens, took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd after a 2-run home run from Chad Pacas. Going to the 3rd, Dragons up, 2-1.

 

In the 3rd, Gilmer would go down in order, while the Dragons, were able to add to their lead. Colby James drove in Moore, to make it 3-1, going to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, the Bobcats cut into the Dragons lead by plating a run on three hits, to make it 3-2 Pickens. The Dragons, had a chance to add to their lead in a big way in the bottom of the 4th with the bases loaded & 1 out, but were unable to score any runs. We headed to the 5th, Pickens still up, 3-2.

 

In the bottom of the 5th, the Dragons plated a run as Austin Chester doubled home Colby James to make it 4-2 Pickens, going to the 6th. The 6th inning, got a little wacky. In the top of the 6th, Gilmer was able to retake the lead by scoring 5 runs to make it 7-4. In the bottom of the 6th, lead off batter Jacob Kirchoff had what appeared to be a bloop hit that Gilmer let fall in fair territory, but it was ruled foul. On the next pitch, Kirchoff singled to right. Moore then followed that up with a single, & then Caswell Smith came up & hit one over the center field wall to tie things up at 7, & sending us to the 7th.

 

The top of the 7th saw the Bobcats get a lead off double, but a timely double play by the Dragons kept the game tied going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 7th, Chester led off with a single, Chester was then courtesy ran for by Christian Chumley. Up next, was the pitcher of record, Chad Pacas. If you remember, Pacas hit the 2-run homer in the 2nd, he then came in to pitch in the 6th, helping keep Pickens in the ball game. After Chumley advanced the 3rd after a pair of passed balls, Pacas sent a single into the outfield scoring Chumley, & winning the game for the Dragons 8-7.

 

Game 3 of the 3 game series will be later this afternoon in Ellijay. First pitch set for 5:30 pm.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-3 with a double, a single, a walk, & 2 runs scored

Caswell Smith: a 3-run home run, 3 RBI, & 1 run scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1 single

Colby James: 1-4 with a double, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 2-3 with a double, a single, a walk, & 1 RBI

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with a 2-run home run, a single, 3 RBI, & 1 run scored

Hunter White: 2-3 with two singles

Jacob Kirchoff: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Christian Chumley: 1 run scored

 

Smith Tosses Complete Game As Dragons Take Series From Heritage

PHS Baseball

On a sunny Friday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Heritage Generals to Dragons Field for the rubber match of the 3-game set. On Wednesday, the Generals took game 2, 9-3, so the winner of this one would not only take the series, but would also claim 2nd place in the region standings by themselves.

 

College of Charleston signee Caswell Smith started this game for the Dragons & he had a terrific outing. Smith needed 11 pitches, & collected his 1st strikeout in the top of the 1st. In the bottom of the inning, Colby James brought in Jarod Whitmore, to make it 1-0 Pickens, going to the 2nd. Smith added two strikeouts to his total in the top of the 2nd, keeping it 1-0 Dragons. Brady Moore & Smith both got 2-out hits, but were left stranded as we’d head to the 3rd.

 

Smith, continued his nice start to the game by striking out two more Generals to keep Heritage off the board in the top of the 3rd. Pickens, would go down in order in the bottom of the frame, & we would go to the 4th, Pickens still ahead, 1-0. Smith again would add two strikeouts to his total in the top of the 4th, still holding Heritage scoreless.  Pickens broke through in the bottom of the 4th after Chad Pacas hit a solo home run, Smith doubled in Moore, & Whitemore scored on a passed ball, to make it 4-0 Pickens going to the 5th.

 

Smith’s performance on the mound yesterday was one to remember. Allowing the only two hits against him to come in the top of the 7th. Pickens held on to get a big win 4-0, taking the series from Heritage, 2-1.

 

Pickens, will continue region play next week, as they square off against the Gilmer Bobcats in a three game series. Game one, will be in Ellijay on Tuesday at 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-3 with 2 singles & 1 run scored

Caswell Smith: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, & 1 RBI & 7IP, 0R, 2H, 1BB, 14K on 104 pitches

Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single

Colby James: 1 RBI

Austin Chester: 1 walk

Chad Pacas: 1-3 with a home run, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Jarod Whitmore: 2 runs scored

Dragons Take Game 1 From Heritage In Comeback Fashion

PHS Baseball

On Tuesday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Heritage Generals to begin a big 3 game region series. Pickens, opened region play winning the series with Southeast Whitfield 2-1, while Heritage defeated Ridgeland in their first series, 2-1.

 

Colby James started for the Dragons in game one. Heritage led off the game with a double, but James was able to work around it to hold the Generals scoreless in the top of the 1st. Pickens, started their scoring early as Brady Moore led off the bottom of the frame with a double, was moved to third after a single by Caswell Smith, & would be driven in by James, to make it 1-0 Dragons going to the 2nd.

 

The Generals, claimed the lead in the top of the 2nd as they plated two runs on four hits, to take a 2-1 advantage. Pickens would get a 2-out double by Hunter White, but White would be left stranded & we would head to the 3rd, Heritage ahead, 2-1. In the 3rd, the Generals added to their lead by scoring 2 runs to make it 4-1. In the bottom of the inning, Smith drove in Moore, & Austin Chester drove in Smith to cut the Heritage lead to 4-3, going to the 4th.

 

Again, the Generals would score twice in the top of the 4th to make it 6-3. In the bottom of the 4th, Pickens picked up a run when White scored on a passed ball, to make it 6-4 Heritage, going to the 5th. The 5th inning, got a little crazy. Heritage continued their trend of scoring two runs to make it 8-4. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons batted around and scored 7 times to retake the lead from the Generals, 11-8.

 

The Dragons, were able to hold on in the final two innings to come away with a big region win over the Generals, 11-8. These two teams will play again today, this time at Heritage. First pitch set for 5:30.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 single, & 3 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 3-4 with 3 singles, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI

Colby James: 1 RBI & 1 hit by pitch

Will Lawrence: 1-4 with a single & 1 run scored

Austin Chester: 2-4 with a double, a single, 2 RBI

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with asingle, a double, 1 RBI

Hunter White: 1-2 with a double, 2 walks, & 1 run scored

Seth Densmore: 2 RBI

 

 

 

Dragons Drop Series Finale To Raiders, Host Heritage Next Week

PHS Baseball

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team headed back to Dalton to take on the Southeast Whitfield Raiders for the 3rd and final game of the series. Pickens, won the first two games by a score of 6-3 & 7-2, getting the series win. They went into Southeast Whitfield looking to complete the sweep.

 

The Dragons, had an early threat in the top of the first, with 2 hits, but left 2 stranded with nothing doing. Dragon starter & Wallace State signee Will Lawrence got the start & pitched really well. The Senior needed only 13 pitches to get out of the bottom of the first. During that frame, Lawrence collected two strike outs. In the top of the 2nd, catcher Austin Chester led off with a single, & Hunter White brought in Jarod Whitmore, who was courtesy running for Chester, to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Lawrence got into a bit of a jam in the bottom of the 2nd, but the Raiders were held scoreless, & Pickens took a 1-0 lead into the 3rd.

 

Lawrence, did a good job of getting out of a major jam in the bottom of the 3rd. The Raiders had the bases loaded, but only scored 1 run to tie things up, going to the 4th. The Raiders took the in the bottom of the 4th, scoring two runs to make it 3-1. Southeast Whitfield extended their lead in the bottom of the 5th with another run, making it 4-1 Raiders.

 

In the top of the 6th, Pickens had a major threat going as they looked to get back into the game in the later innings. The Dragons did plate a run as a Hunter White walk brought in Colby James. That’s all the Dragons would get however as they left the bases loaded, now trailing, 4-2.

 

In the top of the 7th, Brady Moore led off with a double, stole 3rd, & came in to score after an overthrow by the Raiders catcher on a pickoff attempt. Southeast Whitfield was able to recover & hold on to get the win, 4-3.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, & 1 run scored

Caswell Smith: 1 walk & 1 hit by pitch

Tyler Vreeland: 1-4 with a single

Colby James: 2-4 with 2 singles & 1 run scored

Will Lawrence: 1-3 with a single & 6 IP, 6 K, 4 H, 3 walks, 0 ER on 105 pitches

Austin Chester: 2-3 with 2 singles

Chad Pacas: 2 hit by pitches

Hunter White: 2 RBI

Jarod Whitmore: 1 run scored

 

Pickens, is now 2nd in 6-AAAA after the first week of region play at 2-1. Next week, they will host the team they are tied in 2nd with, the Heritage Generals. Game one of the three game series will begin on Tuesday at Dragons Field. First Pitch is scheduled for 5:30.

 

Densmore’s Walkoff Lifts Dragons Past Murray County

PHS Baseball

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team once again welcomed the Murray County Indians to Dragons Field for a non-region contest. This game, was originally scheduled to be played at Murray County, but due to the excessive rain north Georgia received, Murray County’s field was in no shape to be used, so they moved the game to Pickens. The Dragons, were coming off of a great showing in south Georgia at Baseball at the Beach, where they defeated Brunswick 3-0, & barely fell to South Effingham 8-7.

 

Senior Will Lawrence got the call to start for the Dragons against the Indians. Lawrence pitched well in the top of the 1st, striking out two batters, & only needing 13 pitches to retire the side. Pickens, got off to a good start offensively as well in the bottom of the 1st, scoring 3 times, & getting an RBI from Lawrence & Austin Chester. Going to the 2nd, the Dragons led the Indians, 3-0. The top of the 2nd saw Murray score 8 times to take a 8-3 lead. Pickens, got some runs back with a 2-run double by Tyler Vreeland to make it 8-5 going to the 3rd.

 

Murray County got those two runs back in the top of the 3rd, to extend their lead to 10-5. The Dragons would leave Lawrence stranded at 2nd, as we’d head to the 4th, Indians up, 10-5. In the bottom of the 4th, Pickens got back into it getting an RBI from Colby James & Chad Pacas. The Dragons scored 3 runs in that frame to make it 10-8 Indians.

 

Murray County again answered with a run of their own in the top of the 5th, to make it 11-8. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons tied things up scoring three times, & getting an RBI from Brady Moore & Chester. We went to the 6th, with things all square at 11. It would remain tied until the bottom of the 7th, when Seth Densmore came up to pitch hit for Chester. After a couple of bunt attempts, Densmore lined a single into the outfield, & bringing home the winning run. Dragons win a wild one, 12-11.

 

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-5 with a single, a double, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Caswell Smith: 3-4 with a single, double, triple, 1 walk, & 3 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1 double, & 2 RBI

Colby James: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Will Lawrence: 3-3 with 1 double, 2 singles, 2 walks, & 1 RBI

Austin Chester: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 2 RBI

Seth Densmore: 1-1 with a single & 1 RBI

Chad Pacas: 2 walks, & 1 RBI

Hunter White: 1 walk & 2 runs scored

Jacob Kirchoff: 1-2 with a single, 1 hit by pitch, & 3 runs scored

 

Pickens, will be back on the diamond this afternoon as they host the Denmark Danes at Dragons Field. Original start time was 5:55. It has now been moved up to 4.

Dragon Baseball Picks Up Opening Day Win Over Murray County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Baseball team hosted the Murray County Indians to open up the 2019 season. This game, was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but rain pushed it back to Wednesday. Pickens, looked to kick off the season with a win over a non-region opponent.

 

Senior & Wallace State signee Will Lawrence took the mound for the Dragons & pitched pretty well in his first outing. In the top of the first, the Murray County Indians drew a couple of walks, stole a base, & had a timely hit to take a 1-0 lead over the Dragons. That lead didn’t last long as Pickens came right back in the bottom of the frame to tie it up at 1 when Brady Moore stole 2nd, & was able to make it home after an errant throw.

 

Each teams had chances in the 2nd, but the Dragons were the ones to break the tie in the bottom of the 3rd as Colby James would drive in Chad Pacas to give Pickens a 2-1 lead. The Dragons added onto that lead in the bottom of the 4th, getting RBI hits from Moore & Tyler Vreeland. Going to the 5th, Pickens held a 5-1 lead over the Indians.

 

In the bottom of the 6th, Vreeland, knocked in his 2nd run of the game as he drove in Caswell Smith to make it 6-1 Dragons. The Indians, scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th, but that would be it as James closed the door on any comeback attempt. Pickens got the win, 6-3.

 

Stats:

Will Lawrence: 3 IP, 4 K, 5 BB, 1 H, 72 pitches & 1-1 with a single

Brady Moore: 1 run scored & 1 RBI

Caswell Smith: 2-3 with a single, a triple, a walk, & 2 runs scored

Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a double & 2 RBI

Chad Pacas: 1-4 with a single & 1 run scored

Colby James: 2-4 with two singles & 1 IP, 1 K, 0 R on 13 pitches

Hunter White: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Jackson Jones: sacrifice bunt, 1 walk, & 3 IP, 2 K, 0 R on 39 pitches

Jacob Kirchoff: 2 walks & 1 run scored

 

Pickens, will be back on the diamond this afternoon as they host the Lumpkin County Indians in another non-region game. First Pitch set for 5:30.

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