Dragons sweep region series with White County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — On Thursday, March 14th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team celebrated pi day by heading up to Cleveland, Ga to take on the White County Warriors in the third game of their 3-game set. Coming into the third game, the Dragons, had won the previous two games, 4-0. In those two games, they combined to give up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 27 batters. The Pitching for the Dragons, continued its stellar series as A.J. Rice, Cason Cannon, and J.P. Nunn combined for a shutout in the 7-0 win.

 

The Dragons, got things started early in the top of the first as Connor Shouse drew a lead off walk on a full count to reach base. Shouse, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, and steal 3rd. Trey Payne, would drive in Shouse with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0. Pickens threatened to score more in the top half of the frame as Kam Jenkins and Dawson Holland hit back to back singles, but the Warriors would get out of it to send it to the bottom of the first.

In the bottom half of the first, Rice, the starter for the Dragons, picked up his first strikeout on three pitches. After the Warriors would reach on a 1-out double, Rice would get out of the potential jam with a ground out and a pop fly to send it to the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, Trace Ledbetter, led off by drawing a walk on four pitches. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rice, would then move them over on a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, would bring in Ledbetter on an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. A 2-out RBI double by Trey Payne would drive in Starks to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Rice, would have a clean 1-2-3 inning as he forced a ground out and picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout. Going to the third, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Holland, kept the inning alive with a 2-out walk, but the Warriors got out of it with a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, the Warriors would reach base with a lead off single. That would be all for the Warriors in the third as Rice struck out the side to bring his total to 6. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Starks, picked up his 2nd hit of the night with a 1-out single. The Warriors, were able to turn an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, picked up two ground outs and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless fourth. Going to the fifth, Pickens still led White County, 3-0.

 

Shouse, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would then swipe his second bag of the inning as he would steal 3rd, then score on an error to make it 4-0. Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Nunn, would advance to 2nd on an error. The Warriors, would get out of the inning with a strikeout.

In his final inning of work, Rice, struck out the side for the second time to bring his strikeout total to 10 on the night. Going to the sixth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Dragons worked a little 2-out magic as Starks reached base after his third hit of the game. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double to stretch the lead out to 5-0. Shouse, would then draw his third walk of the night to put two runners on. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth after forcing a pop up. Cannon, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth.

Cannon, would work around a 2-out single as he struck out 2 in his lone inning of work. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.

 

Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would bring him in with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Jenkins, would be thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. Holland, would then pick up his 2nd hit of the night as he smacked a double into center. After Holland advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Sam Hammontree would drive Holland in with an RBI ground out to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning.

Nunn, would come on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game off. Nunn, would toss a scoreless inning with a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out to seal the 7-0 win and a sweep for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI

Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 run scored

Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 2 runs scored

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a sac bunt, a double, and 1 RBI & 5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K on 71 pitches

Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 14 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K on 17 pitches

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 12-3 (5-1)

Lumpkin: 8-6 (4-2)

Dawson: 10-4 (4-2)

White County: 8-7 (2-4)

West Hall: 4-11 (2-4)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 6-7 (0-3)

 

In the series sweep against White County, Dragons pitchers combined to go 21 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 40 K on 276 pitches. The Dragons will now turn to the busy week they have next week as they will play four games. The first game being a non-region game against the Fannin Rebels on Monday, March 18th at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:30.

Dragons pitching wows in doubleheader against Warriors

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a gorgeous day to play two on Tuesday, March 12th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors for a doubleheader in 7-AAA action. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 9-3 overall, and 2-1 in region play. The Warriors, were 8-4 overall, and also 2-1 in region play. Dragons starters Connor Shouse and James Tilley, were masterful in both games as they both threw complete game shutouts in a pair of 4-0 wins.

 

Game 1:

Shouse, started game 1 of the doubleheader and he pitched beautifully. In the top of the first, Shouse fired a 1-2-3 inning on 9 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached base with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded and they would head to the second, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout, as well as a ground out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the inning. Going to the top of the third, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

Shouse, threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third as he tossed two more Ks and forced a grounder. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, got back to back hits from Christian Starks and AJ Rice to start the frame. Rice, would then steal 2nd to put a pair of runners in scoring position. The Warriors, were able to get out of it with a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse, tossed a scoreless inning on 8 pitches recording two strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Payne led off with a single. That would be all for the Dragons in the fourth however as they’d head to the fifth, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Shouse, had a 9-pitch frame with a fly out and two more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fifth, Trey Payne would lead off with a single. Payne, would then advance to 3rd on a 2-base error by the catcher. Starks, would drive in Payne with an RBI single. Rice, would follow with a double. Shouse, would the hit a double down the left field line to score Starks and Rice.

After a sacrifice bunt from Ledbetter moved Shouse to 3rd, Cade Sutton would drive Shouse in with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, on a 3-2 count, Shouse, threw what looked like strike 3, but it was called a ball for a lead off walk. Up until then Shouse had been perfect. The next batter would be hit by the first pitch. Shouse, would settle down and come back by striking out the side. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks, reached on a 2-out error. He would be left stranded at 2nd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Shouse, finished off a complete game no hit shutout with two ground outs to Sutton and a fly out to Holland on three consecutive pitches as the Dragons took game 1 of the doubleheader, 4-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 12 K on 73 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a sacrifice bunt

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 2-3 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored

 

Game 2:

James Tilley started game 2 of the doubleheader for the Dragons and he tossed a heck of a game. In the top of the first, Tilley worked around a 1-out error to strikeout the side. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Trace Ledbetter, would advance Shouse to 3rd on a grounder. After Cade Sutton reached on a fielder’s choice, Tyler Payne would bring in Shouse on a grounder.

After advancing to 3rd on the Payne ground out, Sutton, would come into score on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the top of the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley would work around a lead off single as he struck out 2 and forced a fly out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second as they would go to the third with Pickens leading White County, 2-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, threw a 1-2-3 inning as he got two pop outs and his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom half of the frame, AJ Rice, would lead off with a single. Shouse, would follow that up with a single as Rice would advance to 3rd. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Warriors, would turn a double play as Ledbetter would be thrown out on a dropped 3rd strike, and Rice would be thrown out trying to score.

Shouse, who never stopped running on the play, took 3rd, then had the presence of mind to go home as nobody was covering the plate. Going to the top of the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tilley, struck out the side in-between a catchers interference ruling to bring his total up to 9 on the night. In the bottom of the inning, Kam Jenkins reached after a 1-out double. Trey Payne, would bring in Jenkins’ courtesy runner JP Nunn, with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley, got around a 1-out double to pick up his 10th strikeouts, a ground out, and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, would lead off with a single. After the Warriors got Ledbetter to fly out to center, they forced an inning ending double play to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tilley, tossed another scoreless inning as he picked up his 11th and 12th strike out, a long with a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a line out. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Tilley finished off a masterful start by striking out the side to give him 15 on the night. The Dragons, take game 2, 4-0, to sweep the doubleheader.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored

Cade Sutton: 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a double

Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single and 1 RBI

AJ Rice: 1-2 with a single

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 15 K on 101 pitches

 

With the sweep of the doubleheader, the Dragons take the series from the White County Warriors. The third and final game of the series will be on Thursday, March 14th in Cleveland, Ga. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons tied atop standings after first week of region play

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Peachtree Corners, Ga — It was a nice day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves for game three of their three game region series on Thursday, March 7th. The Dragons, had already clinched the series win as a result of sweeping the doubleheader on Wednesday, March 6th. In a back and forth game, it was the Wolves who came away with the win in game three, 7-4.

 

’24 Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, led off the game with a double to right. A fly ball to right field by Trace Ledbetter, moved Shouse up to 3rd. Cade Sutton, would bring in Shouse on an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Dragons. In the bottom half of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, had a 1-2-3 inning with two ground outs and a strikeout. Going to the second, the Dragons led Wesleyan, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the Wolves would have their first base runner of the evening as he would reach on an error. That runner would be wiped out on the next pitch after an inning ending double play to send it to the third with Pickens still leading the Wolves, 1-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice reached base with a 1-out single. After stealing 2nd, Rice would advance to 3rd on a fly out by Shouse. The Wolves, were able to escape the scoring threat as they got a pop up for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the third, the Wolves would take the lead as they scored 4 runs on a walk, a stolen base, and 3 hits. Going to the fourth, Wesleyan led the Dragons, 4-1.

 

Sutton, led off the top of the fourth by drawing a four pitch walk. Dawson Holland, followed that up with a single. Sutton, would advance to 3rd on the throw. Holland, would then steal 2nd. After Christian Starks drew a walk, Kam Jenkins drove in Sutton with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 4-2. A 2-out single by Trey Payne would load the bases. The Wolves, would get out of the top of the fourth with just the one run given up as the bases were left loaded.

In the bottom of the frame, Rice, fired a 1-2-3 inning picking up his 3rd and 4th K in the process. Going to the fifth, Wesleyan led Pickens, 4-2.

 

Shouse, led off the top of the fifth with his 2nd hit of the day as he reached with a single. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. With 1-out, he then swiped 3rd. Sutton, would draw a walk to put runners at the corners. Sutton, would steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Starks, came up with a little 2-out magic as he drove in Shouse and Sutton with a 2-RBI single to tie it at 4 going to the bottom of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Wolves, retook the lead as they scored 3 runs on a walk, 2 hits, and an error to take a 7-4 advantage into the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for James Tilley, worked a walk to lead off the inning. A grounder by Trey Payne, would advance Tilley to 2nd, who came in to run for Tyler Payne. With 2-outs, the Dragons got a walk by Shouse and a single by Ledbetter to load the bases. The Dragons, were unable to scratch a run across as the Wolves caught a liner in center for the 3rd out. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Wesleyan still led, 7-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on to finish out the bottom of the fifth, pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning as he picked up two strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the seventh with the Wolves leading, 7-4.

 

Holland, led off the top of the seventh by working a walk to start the inning. After a strikeout for the first out, Holland would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Holland would then move to 3rd after a balk was called on the pitcher. The Wolves, would get the third out to pick up the win in game three, 7-4.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a double, a single, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Cade Sutton: 1 RBI, 2 walks, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and a walk

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 2 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 9-3 (2-1)

White County: 8-4 (2-1)

West Hall: 4-8 (2-1)

Dawson: 7-4 (1-2)

Lumpkin: 5-6 (1-2)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 5-4 (no region games played)

 

The Dragons, will be back on the turf at Dunn Field on Tuesday, March 12th as they take on the White County Warriors in another 7-AAA series. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons sweep doubleheader to open region play

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It’s time for region baseball in 7-AAA as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Wesleyan Wolves at Dunn Field on Wednesday, March 6th. The Dragons, were coming off a successful trip to Hoover, Alabama where they went 3-1 against some of the top teams in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The 3-game series against the Wolves, was set to begin on Tuesday, March 5th, but the rain forced it to be moved to a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Dragons, used a good combination of hitting and pitching as the #2 team in AAA swept the doubleheader.

 

Game 1:

The Dragons, were classified as the “away” team for game one since these two teams didn’t get to play at Wesleyan on Tuesday. Cade Sutton, got on with a 2-out walk, but that would be it for Pickens in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, worked around a 2-out walk as he struck out two and forced a ground out to send it to the second with the score tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order after a pair of ground outs and a pop out. In the bottom half of the frame, Shouse would pick up his 3rd strikeout. The inning ended when catcher Kam Jenkins threw out a runner attempting to steal 3rd. Going to the top of the third, the game was still scoreless.

 

To begin the third inning, Trey Payne was able to leg out an infield single for the Dragons first hit. AJ Rice, followed by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. On the very next pitch, Shouse, sent a screaming line drive home run over the left center field wall to put the Dragons up 3-0. Trace Ledbetter, followed that up with a double and Sutton reached with a single.

Dawson Holland, kept the train moving as he drove in pitch runner Sam Dart with an RBI single to make it 4-0. Christian Starks, would bring in Sutton with an RBI single to stretch the lead to 5-0. The Wolves, were able to get out of the top of the third with the Dragons leading, 5-0. After giving up a double and a single with 1-out, Shouse was able to get out of the inning with no damage done. Going to the fourth, Pickens led Wesleyan, 5-0.

 

The Dragons, worked a little 2-out magic in the top of the fourth as Ledbetter drew a walk, looking to start a rally. He would then advance all the way to 3rd as the catcher overthrew the first baseman trying to throw out Ledbetter. Sutton, added to his day as he drove in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Shouse, threw a clean inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a fly out, and his 7th and 8th K of the game. Going to the fifth, the Dragons led, 6-0.

 

Starks, started off the top of the fifth by drawing a walk. Jenkins, followed that up with a single. Tyler Payne, would then bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 7-0. Later on, Ledbetter, would draw a bases loaded walk that brought in courtesy runner JP Nunn to make it 8-0 Dragons. The bottom of the fifth was another clean inning for Shouse as he picked up his 9th and 10th K’s of the game. Going to the sixth, Pickens led Wesleyan, 8-0.

 

Holland, began the sixth with a single to reach base. Jenkins, would then reach on an error as both he and Holland would advance on the play. James Tilley, would bring in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0. Tate Hales, came on in relief of Shouse in the bottom of the sixth and worked a scoreless frame to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 9-0.

 

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the seventh after two ground outs and a fly out. Starks, came on in relief of Hales in the bottom of the seventh and he was able to close things out to give the Dragons the win in game 1, 9-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-5 with a home run, 3 RBI, & 1 run scored (5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K on 76 pitches)

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a double, 2 walks, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Cade Sutton: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, on 12 pitches)

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single and a sacrifice bunt

Tyler Payne: 1-1 with 1 single, and 1 RBI

James Tilley: 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single, a sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 2 walks, and 1 run scored

Sam Dart: 1 run scored

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 HBP, 1 K on 11 pitches

 

Game 2:

Game 2 began with James Tilley on the mound for the Dragons. After giving up back to back hits to start the first inning, he was able to pick up 2 k’s and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off with a single. He then stole 2nd to get into scoring position. After a grounder by Trace Ledbetter, Shouse held up in a rundown long enough for Ledbetter to reach 2nd.

Dawson Holland, would drive in Ledbetter with an RBI double to make it 1-0. Christian Starks, followed that up with a single to put runners at the corners with 2 out. As Starks attempted to steal 2nd, the ball got through the infield which allowed Holland to score to make it 2-0. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley, worked around a pair of hits to strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons, would go down in order on 2 k’s and a fly out to send it to the third with the Dragons still leading the Wolves, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, had his first clean inning as he picked up his 6th K of the game and a pair of ground outs to keep Wesleyan scoreless. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons would go down 1-2-3 on two pop outs and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Wolves, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tilley, worked around a hit and a stolen base to pick up a ground out, and his 7th and 8th K. The Dragons, would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning as Jenkins would reach on a single with 1-out. His courtesy runner, JP Nunn, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Designated hitter Tyler Payne, would drive in Nunn with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Wolves would cut into the lead as they scored a run after three straight hits. Tilley, did a good job of limiting Wesleyan to only the one run as they headed to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, led off with a single. After Shouse stole 2nd and 3rd, Ledbetter drove him in with an RBI double. Cade Sutton, would bring pitch runner Sam Dart in with an RBI single to make it 6-1 Dragons going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Wolves would once again cut into the lead as they would score a pair of runs on a couple of hits. Going to the bottom of the inning, Pickens now led Wesleyan, 6-3. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would get back to back hits by Trey Payne and AJ Rice to pur runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Wolves, were able to get out of the jam with a double play to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 6-3.

 

JP Nunn, came on to close it out in the top of the seventh and he would do just that. Nunn, sat the Wolves down in order on just 6 pitches to get the save and preserve the 6-3 win for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2-4 with 2 singles, 3 stolen bases, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1-2 with a double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles, and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single, and 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single

Sam Dart: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 5 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 9 K on 66 pitches

Brodie Keener: 1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 25 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 run scored and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB on 6 pitches

 

With the sweep of the doubleheader the Dragons take their first 7-AAA series of the season. The 3-game set against Wesleyan will conclude with game 3 on Thursday, March 7th at Wesleyan. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons defeat Rome to move to 3-1

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Baseball season is in full swing as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Rome Wolves at Dunn Field in a non-region contest on Friday, February 23rd. The Wolves, are out of the 6A classification and came into the game 1-3. The Dragons, came into the game 2-1, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Dragons, took advantage of 5 walks, 5 hit by pitch, 6 hits, and a great pitching outing to come away with a 9-1 win.

 

Ga Tech signee Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons and pitched beautifully. After giving up a lead off single, Shouse, picked up his first strikeout of the game, and the defense behind him forced a 5-4-3 double play to send it to the bottom of the first. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the frame. Going to the second inning, the game was still tied at 0.

 

Shouse, would pick up his 2nd and 3rd K of the game in the top of the second. In the bottom of the second, Tyler Payne and Christian Starks were hit by pitches. Kam Jenkins, would then draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. A grounder to the shortstop by Trey Payne, drove in pitch runner Coleman Keener to make it 1-0. A grounder to 3rd base by Dawson Holland would bring in Starks to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the third.

 

After giving him a 2-run lead to work with, Shouse, went out and had a 1-2-3 top of the third with two more K’s to bring his total to 5 for the night. In the bottom of the third, Shouse led off with a single, and advanced to 2nd on an error. He would then move up to 3rd on a wild pitch. Trace Ledbetter, would bring him in with a sac fly RBI to make it 3-0. Cade Sutton, would then be hit by a pitch, and Tyler Payne and Starks would draw back to back walks to load the bases.

Jenkins, would extend the lead with an RBI single that drove in Sutton. Trey Payne, would bring in Sam Dart after drawing a walk to make it 5-0. Starks, would come in to score after a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 6-0 lead going to the fourth.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse worked around a 1-out single as he picked up his 6th strikeout. The top of the fourth ended with a great play by James Tilley as he was able to flip the ball to Ledbetter for the third out. In the bottom of the fourth, Shouse and Ledbetter were both hit by pitches to start the frame. They would then pull off a double steal to get into scoring position.

Sutton, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Dart, would draw a walk to bring in Shouse to make it 7-0. Starks, would bring in Ledbetter with a sac fly RBI to make it 8-0 Dragons going to the top of the fifth.

 

Brodie Keener, came on in relief of Shouse in the top of the fifth. Keener, threw a clean inning with a ground out and 2 K’s to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Holland would lead off with a double. AJ Rice, would bring him in with an RBI single to make it 9-0. Shouse, followed that up with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Wolves, would get out of that jam to send it to the sixth with the Dragons up, 9-0.

 

Tate Hales, would come on in relief of Keener in the top of the 6th. Hales, would work a scoreless inning by getting a pop out, a fly out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the frame, Dawson Lowit, would get on with a 1-out double. The Wolves, would get out of the bottom of the sixth with Lowit stranded at 3rd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led Rome, 9-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Wolves would plate a run after several walks. It would not be enough as the Dragons came away with the 9-1 win.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a single, a double, a HBP, and 2 runs scored (4 IP, 2 H, 6 K, 0 BB on 49 pitches)

Trace Ledbetter: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1 HBP, 1 walk

Christian Starks: 1 HBP, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1 walk, and 2 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1-4 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Coleman Keener: 1 run scored

Sam Dart: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Dawson Lowit: 1 double

 

The Dragons, will be right back on the diamond on Saturday, February 24th as they take on the Hampton Hornets. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

 

Dragons fall in close game with 6A Woodstock

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Baseball Mountain Classic started up on Thursday, February 15th and it features teams from around the state and in different classifications. The first game of the night saw East Forsyth defeat Calhoun 8-2. The second game, was the hosting Pickens Dragons, and the Woodstock Wolverines. Pickens, came into the game 1-0, and ranked 4th in AAA. Woodstock, came in 0-1, and ranked 6th in AAAAAA. With a number of MLB scouts in attendance, the Wolverines were able to come away with a 4-2 win.

 

Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons in this one. With teams like the Brewers, Red Sox, Tigers, and Yankees watching, Shouse struck out 2 and forced a ground out on 15 pitches in the top of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse led off with a solo shot to left field to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Trace Ledbetter followed that up with a single. Cade Sutton, would then hit a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out.

The Wolverines, were able to get out of that jam as they struck out the side to keep the score at 1-0 going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse, would get into a bit of trouble by hitting the lead off batter, then giving up a hit. A passed ball would move the runners up to 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. The Senior, would work his way out of the jam with back to back strikeouts, and James Tilley would be at the right place at the right time to catch a line drive for the third out.

Trey Payne, would lead off the bottom of the second by reaching on an error. A single by Tyler Payne, would put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. A,J, Rice, would then lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt as Payne and pitch runner Davin Abernathy advanced on the play. Again, the Wolverines would get out of the jam with back to back strikeouts to send it to the third with the Dragons still ahead, 1-0.

 

The Wolverines, would lead off the top of the third with a single. After Shouse struck out his 5th batter, the runner from 1st stole 2nd to advance into scoring position. Shouse, and catcher Kam Jenkins, combined for a strike them out throw them out to send it to the bottom of the third with Pickens still leading, 1-0. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the third as they headed to the fourth with the Dragons still clinging to a 1-0 lead.

 

Woodstock, would tie the game in the top of the fourth on 1 hit, 2 walks, and 2 passed balls. Tilley, who came on in relief of Shouse, was able to get out of the jam and keep the game tied going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons again would go down in order. Going to the fifth, the Dragons and Wolverines were tied at 1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley, would be able to work around a 1-out walk as he struck out the side to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons went down 1-2-3 to send it to the top of the sixth with the game tied up at 1.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Wolverines, were able to plate 2 runs to take the lead for the first time on the night. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Woodstock now led it, 3-1. Dawson Holland, got on with a 1-out single to try and start a rally for the Dragons. Christian Starks, would then hit a sharp ground ball to the short stop, who threw the ball away trying to get the out at second. Both runners would advance on the throw.

Jenkins, would drive in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to cut the Wolverine lead down to 3-2. Woodstock, would be able to preserve the lead after forcing a fly out. Going to the seventh, the Wolverines led the Dragons, 3-2.

 

The Wolverines, were looking to add to their lead as they loaded up the bases with no one out. JP Nunn, who came on in relief of Tilley to begin the seventh, looked to get out of the jam as he got back to back strikeouts. With the potential third out down 0-2 in the count, the pitch would hit the batter, allowing a run to score. Nunn, would strike the next batter out to send it to the bottom of the inning with Woodstock now leading, 4-2.

Rice, would work a 4-pitch walk to get on base to try to start a final inning rally. The Wolverines, were able to get a pop out and a fly out to secure the 4-2 victory.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a double

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single

A.J. Rice: 1 sacrifice bunt and 1 walk

 

The Dragons, will be back at Dunn Field on Saturday, February 17th as they take on the Fort Payne Wildcats (AL). First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

Shouse, three other Dragons sign baseball scholarships

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Wednesday, February 7th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team saw four of its Seniors sign National Letters of Intent to further their academic and athletic careers as Connor Shouse, JP Nunn, James Tilley, and Brodie Keener all made it official and signed on the dotted line. The Dragons, are getting a lot of preseason love heading into the 2024 season and these four have played a role into why there are big expectations being set.

 

First up, RHP/INF Connor Shouse. Shouse, (pictured above), has been committed to Georgia Tech for a good while and finally made it official with the Yellow Jackets. Shouse, has been recognized as one of the top 10 players in the state of Georgia for the 2024 class. On the mound, Shouse uses a mix of pitches with his fastball hitting 95 mph, sometimes touching 98 mph. At the plate, Shouse, has the ability to hit the ball to all fields and to also drive it out of the park.

It would not be that surprising to hear Connor Shouse’s name called in mid July during the 2024 MLB Draft.

 

Next up, RHP JP Nunn. Nunn, committed to the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks back on November 10th of 2022 and officially signed with them on February 7th 2024. Nunn, who is a submarine pitcher, uses different angles with his pitches to get batters out. He holds the school record for career saves with 9 and will look to possibly add to that record during the 2024 season. As a Junior, he was named to the 7-AAA All-Region Honorable Mention team.

 

Next is RHP/INF James Tilley. Tilley, committed to Reinhardt University on November 29th, 2023 and officially signed with them on February 7th, 2024. Tilley, also uses a mix of pitches at deceiving speeds to get hitters out. At the plate, Tilley does a good job of working counts, drawing walks, and getting timely hits. In 2023, Tilley was named 7-AAA Co-Pitcher of the Year along with teammate AJ Rice, and a member of the All-State First Team. Tilley, is also on the 2024 Preseason All-State team.

 

Last, but certainly not least is LHP Brodie Keener. Keener, committed to the Middle Georgia State University Knights less than a month ago on January 13th. On February 7th, he signs with them. Being a lefty, Keener can use different angles on pitches that many hitters may not be used to seeing. He will have a big role out of the bullpen or being used for a spot start during the upcoming season.

 

Congratulations to all of these young men and their families on this incredible feat. You can catch these young men and the rest of the dragons as they host the Calhoun Yellow Jackets for a scrimmage on Thursday, February 8th. First pitch set for 5:30 pm. The 2024 season will officially open up on Monday, February 12th as the Dragons will host the LaFayette Ramblers. First pitch is also set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons season ends in Sweet 16

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful, windy day on Monday, May 1st as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Gordon Lee Trojans at Dunn Field for the third game of their best of three series in the Sweet 16 of the GHSA 3A Baseball State Tournament. In the end, it would be the visitors getting the win as the Trojans came away with a 3-0 victory.

 

In the top of the first, Dragons starter A.J. Rice, had a clean start to the game with his 1st strikeout, a fly out, and a ground out. In the bottom of the first, Trey Payne would reach on a 2-out walk, but would be left stranded and they would head to the second with the score all knotted up at 0.

 

In the top of the second, after getting the 1st out on the first pitch of the inning, Rice, would give up back to back 1-out singles. Rice, worked out of that jam as he picked up his 2nd strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Dawson Holland, would lead off with a single. He would advance to 2nd on the same play after an error to give the Dragons their first runner in scoring position.

A sacrifice bunt by Kam Jenkins, advanced Holland over to 3rd with only 1-out. The Trojans, were able to get out of their first jam of the game as they got a pop up and a fly out to center to keep Holland from scoring and send it to the third, still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the third, the Trojans, would get a 1-out triple to put a runner in scoring position. That runner would come in to score after a close play at the plate as the ball got by Jenkins, his throw to Rice was nearly in time for the tag. After a ground out to 3rd for the second out, the Trojans were looking to add to their lead as they reached with an error and a single. Rice, got out of the jam with just the 1 run to send it to the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the third, Colby Brooks led off with a single. Connor Shouse, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Brooks would be thrown out at 2nd for the first out. Trace Ledbetter, would then draw a walk on four straight pitches to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A line drive by Trey Payne looked to be falling in left center field, but a diving catch was made for the second out. Shouse, had to scramble back to 2nd to avoid being doubled up.

The Trojans, got out of the threat with a ground out to send it to the fourth with Gordon Lee Leading Pickens, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Rice, settled down after a 22-pitch third inning to get the Trojans in order with a fly out and 2 ground outs. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons, would also go down in order after a strikeout and 2 ground outs to send it to the fifth with the Trojans still leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Rice, needed 9 pitches for a 1-2-3 frame as he forced 2 pop ups and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the inning, the Dragons, again couldn’t get anything going as they went down in order after a fly out, a strikeout, and a ground out. Going to the sixth, the Trojans were still ahead, 1-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Trojans, led off with a double. Rice, would get the first out of the inning after his 3rd strikeout. Gordon Lee, added to their lead as they would score 2 runs on three straight hits to make it 3-0. Rice, did a good job of limiting the damage to just 2 runs as he picked up his 4th strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the offensive woes continued for the Dragons as they went down in order with a fly out, a strikeout, and a ground out to send it to the seventh with the Trojans now leading, 3-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, JP Nunn, came on in relief of Rice to try to keep it a 3 run game. Nunn, worked around a 2-out walk as he got three fly outs in a scoreless top half of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Holland, led off with a single as the Dragons had their first base runner since the third inning. After getting a fly out for the first out, the Trojans were able to turn a double play to secure the win, 3-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1 walk

Dawson Holland: 2-3 with 2 singles

Kam Jenkins: 1 sacrifice bunt

Colby Brooks: 1-2 with a single

A.J. Rice: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 93 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB on 12 pitches

 

A historic and record setting season is now in the books for the Pickens Dragons baseball team. The 2023 team set a record for most wins in a season (29), the first region championship, most strikeouts in a season. There were several individual records broken as well as Junior Connor Shouse broke the single season and career RBI record. Junior JP Nunn, broke the career saves record.

The Dragons, will return a bulk of their team in 2024 as Seniors Colby Brooks, Evan Giddens, Tee Knight, and Harlan Will will move on to the next chapter in their lives. Three of them, Giddens, Knight, and Will, have committed to play baseball in college up till this point.

With a bulk of their team coming back next season, and the JV and Junior High teams having very successful season in their own right, the Dragons could be set up to keep this run going for a bit. We will see what the future holds next season. Until then, congrats to the Pickens Dragons on a fantastic 2023 season.

Dragons and Trojans split Saturday Doubleheader

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — What another great day for high school baseball it was on Saturday, April 29th as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Gordon Lee Trojans to Dunn Field for a doubleheader as part of a best of three series in the GHSA 3A State Baseball Tournament Sweet 16. The Trojans, used the long ball in Game one to get the win, 4-1. In Game two, the Dragons, were able to hold on and pick up a 5-4 victory to force a Game three.

 

Game 1:

In the top of the first, the Trojans, were looking to threaten early as Nate Dunfee reached on a lead off walk, and Blake Rodgers would reach on a 1-out walk. Dragons starter, Connor Shouse, got out of the early jam as he struck out the next two batters to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Trey Payne reached on a 2-out error, and Tyler Payne reached on a 2-out single.

The Trojans, would get out of the potential threat from the Dragons with a strikeout to send it to the second with the ball game still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, the Trojans, got their lead off man on for the second straight inning as Holt Roberts would be hit with a pitch. Shouse, did a good job of collecting himself as he would then strikeout the side looking to send it to the bottom half of the second. In the bottom of the second, James Tilley, worked a full count walk to reach first with 1-out. Tilley, would advance to second after a ground out by Evan Giddens.

The Dragons, would take the lead after a 2-out RBI single from Colby Brooks drove in Tilley to make it 1-0 Pickens going to the third.

 

In the top of the third, after picking up a fly out to right and his 6th strikeout, Shouse, worked around a 2-out error to get a pop up to 2nd to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Trace Ledbetter, led off with a ground rule double. Ledbetter, would advance to 3rd after an error. The Trojans, were able to keep it a 1-0 game as Ledbetter would be thrown out at home after a grounder to the shortstop for the first out.

Gordon Lee, would then turn a double play to get out of the bottom of the third with the Dragons still leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Trojans, would get back to back singles to start the frame. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners to 2nd and 3rd, a 1-out walk would load the bases. Cason Cannon, would come in to try to get the Dragons out of a big jam. Cannon, did just that as he picked up a strikeout and a pop up to 3rd to send it to the bottom of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons would go down in order in with a fly out, a ground out, and a strikeout. Going to the fifth, the Dragons still led the Trojans, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Trojans would take the lead as they scored 3 runs on 3 hits including a solo home run and a 2-run home run. Going to the bottom of the fifth, Gordon Lee led Pickens, 3-1. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons would go down in order with a pop out, a ground out, and a strikeout. Going to the sixth, the Trojans were leading the Dragons, 3-1.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tee Knight, came on in relief of Cannon to try to keep it a 2 run game. Knight, did just that as he worked around a 2-out single to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons got back to back 1-out singles from Trey and Tyler Payne. The Trojans, once again avoided trouble as they got a double play to send it to the top of the seventh with Gordon Lee leading, 3-1.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Trojans, extended their lead as they scored 1 run on 2 hits and a hit by pitch to make it 4-1 going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Sam Hammontree, pitch hitting for Tilley, reached on a 1-out single. Tilley, would then re-enter to run. Brooks, kept the game alive for the Dragons by drawing a full count walk.

Shouse, who moved to shortstop in the fourth, would just miss a potential game tying 3-run home run as the Trojans took Game 1, 4-1.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 1:

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a ground rule double

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

Tyler Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles

James Tilley: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with a single

Colby Brooks: 1-2 with a single, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

 

Game 2:

For the Game 2, the Dragons were the “visitors”. In the top of the first, the Dragons went down in order with 2 ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the frame, Dragons starter James Tilley, fielded a come backer, and picked up 2 strikeouts in a clean bottom of the first. Going to the top of the second, the game was tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Dawson Holland, reached after drawing a full count walk with 1-out. The Dragons, saw a lot of pitches in the top of the second, but the Trojans would leave Holland stranded. In the bottom of the second, Tilley, worked around a 1-out error to strikeout the side. Going to the third, the Dragons and Trojans were still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the third, Colby Brooks, got on by drawing a full count walk with 1-out. The Trojans, got out of the top half of the frame with a 5-4-3 double play. In the bottom of the third, Tilley, worked around another 1-out error as he induced back to back ground outs to send it to the fourth, still scoreless.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Dragons struck. Trace Ledbetter and Trey Payne began the top of the inning by reaching on back to back errors. Tyler Payne, then followed with a single to load the bases with nobody out. Ledbetter, would score after Dawson Holland reached on a fielder’s choice. Trey Payne, would come in after a single by Kam Jenkins to make it 2-0.

A.J. Rice, would then draw a walk to load the bases again, this time with 1-out. Evan Giddens, would drive in Holland with the RBI single to make it 3-0. Brooks, reached on the 3rd error of the inning as courtesy runner Tee Knight came in to score to make it 4-0. Rice, would come in to score after a sacrifice fly RBI by Connor Shouse to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fourth, Tilley, after the long wait, gave up a lead off single and a 1-out double, but got a fly out to right and his 7th strikeout to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading the Trojans, 5-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Trey Payne reached with a 1-out single. Holland, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single, but the Trojans got out of it after a grounder to short. In the bottom of the fifth, Tilley, picked up his 8th strikeout and 2 ground outs to send it to the sixth, Dragons leading, 5-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Giddens, reached on a single with 1-out. He would be throw out at 2nd for the 3rd out of the top half of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Trojans got back into the game as they scored 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Going to the seventh, the Dragons now led, 5-3.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Dragons went down in order after 2 ground outs and a line out to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, JP Nunn, who came on in relief of Tilley in the bottom of the sixth, was tasked with getting the final three outs of this game. The Trojans, got the inning started by reaching on a lead off walk, followed by a hit by pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

The Trojans, cut the lead down to one run after an RBI single made it 5-4 with nobody out. Nunn, picked up a grounder and threw it to 1st for the first out as runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd. Nunn, got another come backer as he was able to field it and throw it home to get the runner for the second out. With runners at 1st and 3rd with 2-outs, Nunn, got the strikeout for the final out as Pickens defeated Gordon Lee 5-4 in Game 2 to even up the series at one a piece.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 2:

Connor Shouse: 1 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single

Dawson Holland: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single, and 1 RBI

Tee Knight: 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 RBI

Colby Brooks: 1 walk, and 1 RBI

 

The split doubleheader means a third and final game of the series will be played at Dunn Field on Monday, May 1st. The winner, will advance to the Elite 8 and take on the winner of the Harlem/Thomasville series. First pitch for Game 3 is set for 5:30.

Dragons all over 7-AAA All-Region Team

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After a stellar regular season that led to a 26-4 overall record and a 16-2 record in 7-AAA play that led to a region championship, the Pickens Dragons had players all over the 7-AAA All-Region teams.

 

Head coach Adam Williams, was named 7-AAA Coach of the Year after leading the Dragons to their first region championship in baseball. Freshman A.J. Rice and Junior James Tilley, were named Co-Pitchers of the Year.

Outfielders Dawson Holland and Trey Payne, were named to the All-Region 1st team. Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, was named to the All-Region Pitchers list. Senior outfielder Colby Brooks, was named to the All-Region 2nd team.

Senior Young Harris commit, infielder Evan Giddens, catcher Kam Jenkins, Junior Jacksonville State commit RHP JP Nunn, and first baseman Trace Ledbetter were named to the All-Region Honorable Mention team.

 

Below is the full list of the All-Region teams:

 

Congratulations to all of these young men for earning a spot on the All-Region teams!

Dragons split doubleheader with Hart County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful day for playoff baseball on Monday, April 24th as they Pickens Dragons welcomed the Hart County Bulldogs to Dunn Field for a doubleheader in the first round of the GHSA 3A State Baseball Tournament. The Bulldogs, are the #4 seed out of region 8, and the Dragons are the #1 seed out of region 7. After the Bulldogs took game 1 in 9 innings, 4-3, the Dragons came back to take game 2, 5-4, to force a game 3 on Tuesday, April 25th.

 

Game 1:

In the top of the first, Dragons starter and ’24 Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, worked around a 2-out single as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a line out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse, led off with a double. Shouse, would advance to 3rd, but the Bulldogs got out of the early threat to send it to the second with the score tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse, needed 8 pitches for a 1-2-3 inning with two ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the second, Kam Jenkins, reached on a 1-out walk. His courtesy runner, Tee Knight, would be left stranded and they’d go to the third, still scoreless.

 

In the top of the third, Shouse, continued the good start to his outing as he sat the Bulldogs down in order on two ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons, went down in order as well and the game would move to the fourth, with both teams still scoreless.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse, worked around a 2-out single as he struck out the side. That gave him 7 for the game. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons, again would go down in order as we officially had a pitcher’s duel on our hands. Going to the fifth, the Dragons and Bulldogs were still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Bulldogs would break the tie as they scored 3 runs on 1 hit, 4 walks, and 1 hit by pitch to take a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons, got a run back as Jenkins led off with a single. A.J. Rice, then reached on a fielder’s choice. ’23 Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, moved them over on the sacrifice bunt. An RBI grounder from Colby Brooks brought in courtesy runner Tee Knight to make it 3-1 Bulldogs going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on in relief of Shouse in the top of the fifth, worked his first full inning of relief and kept the score where it was to send the Dragons bats back up. In the bottom of the sixth, Trey Payne got on with a 1-out double. He’d come around to score after an RBI single from Tyler Payne. Jenkins, drove in pitch runner Ezra Faber on a 2-out, RBI double to tie things up at 3 going to the seventh.

 

In the top of the seventh, ’24 Jacksonville State commit JP Nunn, came on in relief of Cannon. Nunn, kept the Bulldogs off the board in the top half of the inning to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons, would go down in order. They would head to extra innings with the score tied at 3.

 

In the top of the eighth, Nunn, in his 2nd inning of work, worked around a 1-out walk to keep the Bulldogs off the board. In the bottom of the eighth, Shouse, now at shortstop, sent a ball for a ride in center field, but it was just shy of the fence. The Bulldogs, would get out of the bottom of the eighth and we’d head to the ninth with it still tied up at 3.

 

In the top of the ninth, the Bulldogs, were able to plate a run on 2 hits to retake the lead, 4-3. In the bottom of the ninth, Dawson Holland would reach on a 1-out single. The Bulldogs however, were able to get a double play to end the game as Hart County took game 1, 4-3.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a double

Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1-1 with a single and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1-4 with a single

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Colby Brooks: 1 RBI

Tee Knight: 1 run scored

Ezra Faber: 1 run scored

 

Game 2:

The Dragons, were the “visitors” for game 2 and they looked to put up some early runs in the top of the first as Trey Payne and Tyler Payne got on with a pair of 2-out singles, and Dawson Holland reached with a full count walk. The Bulldogs, got out of the bases loaded threat to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, the Bulldogs, did strike for early runs as they scored 4 runs on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 error.

Going to the second inning the Bulldogs, held a 4-0 lead over the Dragons.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons, would go down in order to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom half of the second, Dragpns starter James Tilley, bounced back after a tough first inning to get the Bulldogs in order with a grounder to 1st base, and 2 strikeouts to send it to the third, Bulldogs leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the third, the Dragons struck. Connor Shouse, led off by drawing a full count walk after being down 0-2 in the count. Trace Ledbetter, followed that up with a single. After a double steal by both Shouse and Ledbetter, Trey Payne would bring them home with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-2 Bulldogs. After Tyler Payne worked another full count walk, Holland, laid down a bunt to move Trey Payne to 3rd and pitch runner Sam Dart to 2nd with 1-out.

Freshman Kam Jenkins, once again came through with a big hit as he drove in Trey Payne and Dart with a 2-RBI single to tie the game up at 4 going to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Tilley, worked around a 1-out single to send it to the fourth with the game now tied at 4.

 

In the top of the fourth, Colby Brooks, reached with a 1-out single. Shouse and Ledbetter, got on by drawing back to back walks to load the bases. Trey Payne, would bring in Brooks with the sacrifice fly RBI to give the Dragons the lead 5-4, going to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Tilley, was able to work around a 2-out walk to get out of the inning. Going to the fifth, the Dragons now led it, 5-4.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Dragons, would go down in order on a pop up and 2 ground outs. In the bottom of the inning, Tilley, kept the Bulldogs from scoring as he picked up 2 big strikeouts to keep the runner at 3rd after he reached on an error and advanced to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. Going to the sixth, the Dragons maintained their 5-4 lead.

 

In the top of the sixth, Brooks, reached on a 1-out walk. Shouse, would then get hit by a pitch on a 3-2 count and the Dragons had runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Bulldogs, somehow, were able to get out of it with no damage done to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the inning, Tilley, sat the Bulldogs down in order with a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout to send it to the seventh with the Dragons up, 5-4.

 

In the top of the seventh, Holland, would make it to 2nd after an error by the shortstop. Jenkins, followed up with a single. As the throw was going home, Jenkins took the opportunity to advance to 2nd to give the Dragons 2 runners in scoring position with 1-out. Once again, the Bulldogs found a way to get out of the jam and keep it at 5-4 going to the bottom of the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh, Tilley, nearly crossing the 100 pitch mark, finished the ball game off by striking out the side to keep Pickens alive as the Dragons took game 2, 5-4.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2 walks, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1-1 with a single, and 1 walk

Dawson Holland: 1 walk

Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 2 singles and 2 RBI

Colby Brooks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Sam Dart: 1 run scored

 

With the two teams splitting the doubleheader, we now turn to the deciding game 3. The winner of game 3, will advance to the sweet 16 and face Gordon Lee on Saturday. First pitch for game 3 between Pickens and Hart County is set for 5 pm.

 

Dragons shut out Tallulah Falls on Senior Night

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a great day to celebrate as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Tallulah Falls Indians on Friday, April 21st for Senior Night. Prior to the ball game, the Dragons recognized their 4 Seniors from the 2023 class. Colby Brooks, Evan Giddens, Tee Knight, and Harlan Will were honored for their contributions to the Pickens baseball program. Their parents, threw out the first pitch to their sons to close out the ceremony. The Dragons, picked up their 26th win of the season with a 5-0 shut out of the Indians.

 

In the top of the first, Dragons starter Tee Knight, worked around a 1-out walk as he got some help from his defense as Connor Shouse picked up a ball that dropped in the outfield and threw a strike to Senior Evan Giddens who tagged out the runner for the 2nd out. Knight, picked up his 1st strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse, Trace Ledbetter, and Dawson Holland all reached on consecutive walks to load the bases.

Senior Harlan Will, drove in Shouse with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 1-0. After a single from Tyler Payne to load the bases again, Trey Payne brought in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 2-0. James Tilley, drove in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Knight, worked around a lead off single as he got back to back pop ups an his 2nd strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the second, Senior Colby Brooks led off with an infield single. Brooks, advanced to 3rd on a 1-out single by Ledbetter. The Dragons, then pulled off a double steal as Ledbetter stopped halfway to 2nd which allowed Brooks to come in and score to make it 4-0 going to the third.

 

In the top of the third, after getting a fly out for the 1st out of the frame, Knight would be relieved by Tate Hales. Hales, worked around a 1-out walk to get a fly out and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Tyler Payne, reached on a 1-out single. Trey Payne, would reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner Davin Abernathy would be throw out at 2nd.

The Indians starter, Andrew Skvarka, got out of the bottom of the third with another ground out to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Hales would be relieved by Cason Cannon. Cannon, had an impressive outing as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a fly out on 8 pitches to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Giddens, led off with a single. He would advance to 3rd on the play after a 2-base error. Shouse, brought in Giddens with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, Cannon, continued his fantastic outing as he picked up two more strikeouts and a ground out to short in a clean fifth inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Sam Hammontree, who came in for Tyler Payne, reached on a 2-out single. Hammontree, would advance to 3rd after Trey Payne reached on an error. They would be left stranded and the game would go to the sixth, with the Dragons still leading, 5-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, JP Nunn came on in relief of Cannon. The Indians, had their first big threat of the game as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Nunn, got out of the jam with back to back strikeouts and a pop up to 1st to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Giddens, again led off with a single. After Shouse reached with a 1-out single, Christian Starks, who came on for Holland in the fifth, got on with a 2-out walk to load the bases.

The Indians, were able to get out of their own bases loaded jam to send it to the top of the seventh with the Dragons ahead, 5-0.

 

Nunn, came back out for the top of the seventh to close things out. Nunn did just that as he had a clean 1-2-3 inning with 2 strikeouts and a ground out to short as the Dragons picked up the win, 5-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1 walk

Harlan Will: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles

Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with a single

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

James Tilley: 1 RBI

Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored

Colby Brooks: 1-2 with a single and 1 run scored

Tee Knight: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K on 40 pitches

Tate Hales: .2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K on 19 pitches

Cason Cannon: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, on 25 pitches

JP Nunn: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 HBP, 4 K, on 27 pitches

 

The Dragons, finish the regular season at 26-4 overall and 7-AAA region champions. Next up for the Dragons, a first round best of 3 series with the Hart County Bulldogs in the GHSA 3A State Baseball Tournament. The Bulldogs, are the #4 seed out of region 8. The best of 3 series begins on Monday, April 24th with a doubleheader at Dunn Field. First pitch for game 1 is set for 5:00 pm.

Dragons defeat Shiloh in non-region action

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Snellvelle, Ga — What a warm day for baseball it was on Wednesday, April 19th as the Pickens Dragons made the trip down to Snellville to take on the Shiloh Generals in non-region action. The Generals, are out of region 8 in the 6A classification.  The bats for the Dragons, were just as hot as the weather as they scored 10 runs in the 4th in route to a 13-2 win in 5 innings.

 

In the top of the first, Trace Ledbetter reached by drawing a 1-out walk. He would be left stranded as Generals starter Rodney Mudd, got a fly out and a ground out to go along with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Dragons starter Trey Payne, worked around DuShawn Andrews reaching on a dropped 3rd strike, and Nicholas Johnson getting hit by a pitch with 1-out, as he picked up his 1st strikeout and a ground out.

Going to the top of the second, the Dragons and Generals were tied up at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Dawson Holland led off with a single. He then advanced to 2nd on an error. Freshman Kam Jenkins, drove him in with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. After a 2-out single by Senior Young Harris commit Evan Giddens reached with a single, Colby Brooks would bring Jenkins in on the fielder’s choice to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Anthony Vu led off with a single. Vu, would advance to 2nd after a sacrifice bunt from Malcolm Robinson. David Johnson, drove in Vu with an RBI double to cut the Dragons lead down to 2-1. Jaden Mercedes, would move Johnson over to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. Johnson, would come in to score on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2 going to the top of the third.

 

In the top of the third, the Dragons tried to get a little 2-out rally going as Holland would draw a full count walk, and Jenkins would get hit with a pitch on a 3-0 count. Mudd, got a pop up to 2nd for the third out to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Trey Payne, worked around a lead off single by Andrews as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the fourth inning still tied at 2.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Dragons, broke the game open as they plated 10 runs on 6 hits, 3 walks, a balk, and a passed ball to lead it 12-2 going to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Week James Tilley, came on in relief of Trey Payne and picked up a 1-2-3 inning with a ground out, a strikeout, and a pop up to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading, 12-2.

 

In the top of the fifth, Holland and Tilley both reached on 1-out walks. Giddens, drove in Holland with an RBI single to make it 13-2 Dragons going to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, came on in relief of Tilley. Shouse, worked around a 1-out hit batter as he struck out 2 and induced a ground out as the Dragons defeat the Generals, 13-2 in 5 innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored & 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K on 13 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored & 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K on 40 pitches

Harlan Will: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 2-2 with 2 singles, 2 walks, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1 walk and 1 run scored

James Tilley: 1 walk & 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 7 pitches

Evan Giddens: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 HBP, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Colby Brooks: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

 

The Dragons, will be back home on Friday, April 21st as they will host the Tallulah Falls Indians at Dunn Field for Senior Night. It will be the final game of the 2023 regular season. The first pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons pick up series win against Indians

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — The weather was touch and go, but the Pickens Dragons and the Lumpkin County Indians got the series finale in on Friday, April 14th. After the Indians took game 1 on Tuesday, the Dragons came back on Thursday to even up the series and to capture the 7-AAA region championship. In a game dominated by pitching, the Dragons got another great start from Freshman A.J. Rice as they won game 3, 2-1.

 

In the top of the first, Trey Payne, reached on a full count walk with 2-outs. Indians starter Alejandro Narvaez, got a fly out and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the inning, Narvaez led off with a double. After a strikeout by Dragons starter A.J. Rice, Narvaez advanced to 3rd on a fly out to left. Narvaez, would be left stranded at 3rd as Rice picked up his 2nd K to send it to the second with the game still scoreless.

 

In the top of the second, Dawson Holland led off with a single. Holland, would advance all the way to 3rd as Kam Jenkins laid down a bunt and Narvaez overthrew 1st and allowed Jenkins to advance to 2nd. James Tilley, kept the line moving as he drove in Holland with an RBI single to make it 1-0. Senior Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, brought in courtesy runner Tee Knight with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0 Dragons.

Colby Brooks, reached on a fielder’s choice as Tilley would be out at 2nd for the second out. Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, kept the inning alive with a double. Narvaez, would get out of the inning with just the 2 runs as they’d go to the bottom of the 2nd with the Dragons leading, 2-0. In the bottom of the second, the Indians loaded the bases with no one out after a lead off reach on error, a walk, and a hit by pitch.

The first out of the inning came when Rice got Dakota Bennett to ground into a fielder’s choice and Hayden Gilbert was thrown out at home. Rice, with the bases still loaded, picked up his 3rd and 4th strikeout to end the bottom of the 2nd and keep the Indians scoreless. Going to the top of the third, the Dragons led, 2-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tyler Payne, reached on a 1-out single. Holland, reached with a walk on 4 straight pitches. Jenkins, loaded the bases with a 1-out single. Narvaez, got Tilley to fly out to shallow right field for the 2nd out. A ground out to short ended the top of the third and the Dragons threat. In the bottom of the third, Adian Rogers, reached on a 2-out bunt single. He would be thrown out by Jenkins trying to steal 2nd to end the third.

Going to the fourth, the Dragons still maintained a 2-0 lead over the Indians.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Dragons got a 2-out single by Trace Ledbetter, but he would be left stranded as Narvaez got a line out to center for the final out of the top half of the fourth. In the bottom half of the fourth, Gilbert led off with a double. The Indians, would cut the Dragons lead in half as Mason Hester drove in Gilbert with an RBI double to make it 2-1.

Much like he’s done all season, Rice kept his cool and got back to back strikeouts to strand Hester and keep the Dragons ahead going to the fifth, 2-1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Narvaez picked up his first strikeout of the game and his first 1-2-3 inning of the game to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the inning, Narvaez, led off with a single. The Dragons, then turned a double play as Cooper Scott lined it to Giddens at 3rd and Giddens would toss it over to Ledbetter at 1st to get Narvaez. Rice, then got a fly out to right for the 3rd out to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading Lumpkin, 2-1.

 

In the top of the sixth, Narvaez, going over 100 pitches on the night, picked up his second straight 1-2-3 inning with his 2nd strikeout, a ground out, and a line out. In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, struck out the side for the 2nd time in the game to give him 10 on the night. Going to the seventh, the Dragons led it, 2-1.

 

In the top of the seventh, Scott, came on in relief of Narvaez and picked up where he left off as Scott got a pop up, a fly out, and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Junior Jacksonville State commit JP Nunn, came on in relief of Rice to try to pick up the save. Nunn, got a quick welcome to the game as Hester lined one right at him. Nunn, was able to catch the line drive for the first out.

Nunn, would go on to have a clean inning as he picked up a strikeout, and then a fly out to center as the birthday boy picked up the save and the Dragons got the win, 2-1.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a double

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Trey Payne: 1 walk

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single

Dawson Holland: 1-2 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single

Tee Knight: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Evan Giddens: 1 sacrifice fly

A.J. Rice: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 10 K on 91 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 8 pitches

 

The Dragons, finish up region play having won every series and with a record of 16-2. Overall their record is 24-4 on the season. Pickens, will finish up the regular season with a pair of non-region games. First up, a date with the Shiloh Generals on the road on Wednesday, April 19th. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons capture first Region Championship

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — While the weather outside at times looked uncertain, it held off enough so that the Pickens Dragons and the Lumpkin County Indians could get in game 2 of their 3-game 7-AAA series on Thursday, April 13th. Coming into the game, the Indians were up 1-0 in the series after winning 4-0 in Dahlonega on Tuesday. The Dragons, needing just one more win to secure a region championship, got it after James Tilley threw a complete game no hitter in a 2-0 victory.

 

In the top of the first, the Indians got their lead off man on as Harper Davenport reached on an error. Davenport, would be thrown out at 2nd as Narvaez reached on a fielder’s chioce. Dragons starter James Tilley, picked up his first K of the night for the second out. Catcher Kam Jenkins, would then throw out Narvaez trying to steal 2nd to send it to the bottom of the first inning.

In the bottom of the first, Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, led off by reaching on a first pitch single to left field. Shouse would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. After a pop up for the first out, the Indians picked up a double play to get out of the first inning as they got another pop up to 2nd and threw out Shouse who over-slid 3rd base trying to tag from 2nd. Going to the second, it was tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley, sat the Indians down in order with his 2nd strikeout, and two ground outs. In the bottom of the second, Dawson Holland reached after drawing a full count walk. Jenkins followed with a single to left center to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A.J. Rice, who was looking to bunt the runners over, reached after there was miscommunication between the Indians defense and there was no one covering 1st.

Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, brought in Holland and the Dragons took a 1-0 lead. Colby Brooks, kept the inning going as he reached on a fielder’s choice. Indians starter Adian Rogers, got a fly out to center to get out of the bases loaded jam and keep the deficit to just 1-0 going to the top of the third.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, got the first two outs of the frame with his 3rd strikeout and a grounder to 1st. After Tyler Boggs drew a 2-out walk, Davenport would line the next pitch to center where Brooks made a diving catch for the third out of the top half of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Trace Ledbetter, led off by getting hit with a pitch. The Indians, got another double play with a line out to Rogers and pitch runner Sam Dart was throw out at 1st.

Rogers, would then get designated hitter Tyler Payne to ground out to short to end the third and send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Cooper Scott, would reach after a dropped third strike. Peyton Wood, would reach on a fielder’s choice as he beat out the throw to 1st. Tilley, picked up his 5th strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the fourth. Rogers, got his first 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a ground out, a fly out, and his first strikeout to send it to the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley kept rolling with a 1-2-3 frame as he picked up two fly outs and his 6th strikeout. In the bottom of the fifth, Rogers, who was pitching just as well as Tilley, got three straight fly outs to send it to the sixth with Pickens still ahead of Lumpkin, 1-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tilley, picked up strikeout number 7 and 8 in-between a ground out to short to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Ledbetter led off with a double. Trey Payne, moved Ledbetter over to 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Brewton Parker College commit, Harlan Will, came on to hit for Tyler Payne and did his job as he brought in Ledbetter with the sacrifice fly RBI to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the seventh.

 

In the top of the seventh, Tilley, finished off his masterpiece with a fly out to right, a ground out to 2nd, and his 9th strikeout to give the Dragons the 2-0 win and to secure their first region championship.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a hit by pitch, a double, and 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 1 sacrifice bunt

Harlan Will: 1 sacrifice fly and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with a single

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a single

Evan Giddens: 1 RBI

James Tilley: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K on 101 pitches

 

7-AAA Standings:

Pickens: 23-4 (15-2) Region Champions

Wesleyan: 14-7 (11-3)

Lumpkin: 19-6 (10-4)

Dawson: 13-13 (8-7)

White County: 11-14 (6-9)

West Hall: 6-18 (2-12)

Gilmer: 6-19 (0-15)

 

The Dragons, will be back in Dahlonega on Friday, April 14th as they will finish off the 3-game series with the Lumpkin County Indians. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm weather permitting.

Dragons offense stifled against Lumpkin

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — On a gorgeous day for high school baseball on Tuesday, April 11th as the Pickens Dragons made the little over an hour trip up to Dahlonega to begin their final 3-game series in 7-AAA play. Coming into the game, the Dragons had won 15 straight and were in 1st place in 7-AAA. The Indians, came into the game winning 2 out of 3 against several Florida teams last week and were tied for 2nd with Wesleyan in 7-AAA. Harper Davenport, threw a complete game, 4-hit shutout for the Indians as they took game 1, 4-0.

 

In the top of the first, Trace Ledbetter would reach with a 1-out single. In what would be a theme throughout the game, Davenport would induce an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Davenport led off by reaching on a double. After taking 3rd on a wild pitch, Davenport would come in to score on an RBI triple by Alejandro Narvaez to make it 1-0.

Cooper Scott, would follow that up with an RBI single on the next pitch to bring in Narvaez to make it 2-0. Scott, would come around to score after a grounder and a pair of passed balls to make it 3-0 Indians going to the second.

 

To lead off the top of the second, new Brewton-Parker College commit Harlan Will, would reach on an error. After picking up his first strikeout of the game, Davenport, induced the 2nd inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the second with the Indians leading, 3-0. In the bottom of the second, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, picked up his 3rd strikeout of the game for the first out.

Mason Hester, then reached on a 1-out single. Tyler Boggs, then followed by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Freshman catcher Kam Jenkins, threw out Hester after he attempted to take 3rd for the 2nd out. Shouse, picked up his 2nd strikeout and his 4th overall for the final out to send it to the third with Lumpkin still leading, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, freshman A.J. Rice, led off with a single to left field. After Davenport got Evan Giddens to fly out to center for the first out, he got a come backer from Colby Brooks that started the third straight inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the third with the Indians still up, 3-0. In the bottom of the third, Shouse got the first two outs of the inning via strikeout, giving him 6 on the night.

Peyton Wood, kept the inning alive by reaching on an error. After Wood stole 2nd, Adian Rogers would bring him in with the single to make it 4-0. Jenkins, picked up his 2nd caught stealing of the game as he threw out Rogers attempting to steal 3rd for the final out of the third. Going to the fourth, it was 4-0 Lumpkin.

 

In the top of the fourth, Davenport, picked up his first fully clean inning as he got 2 ground outs and his 2nd strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Shouse, in what would be his final inning of work, got around hitting a batter with 2-outs as he picked up his 7th and 8th strikeout and a ground out to send it to the fifth, Indians leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Dawson Holland reached with a 1-out single. but Davenport picked up his 3rd and 4th strikeout of the game to get out of the top of the frame and send it to the bottom half of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Tee Knight came on in relief of Shouse. Knight, worked around a 2-out error and a walk to keep the Indians scoreless and send it to the sixth, Lumpkin up, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Giddens led off by reaching on an error. The Indians, then turned their 4th double play of the game as Rogers caught a shallow pop fly by Brooks and was able to get Giddens at 1st for the second out. Shouse, now playing shortstop, kept the top of the sixth alive with a single. Davenport, got Ledbetter to line out to left for the 3rd out of the top of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon came on in relief of Knight.

After giving up a lead off single to Hayden Gilbert, Cannon picked up a strikeout, a ground out to Giddens, and Jekins picked up his 3rd caught stealing as he threw out Gilbert trying to take 3rd. Going to the seventh, the Indians still led the Dragons, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Trey Payne, led off by drawing a walk. Davenport, looking for the complete game, induced what would be the 5th double play of the game for the first 2 outs of the seventh. Davenport, then picked up his 5th strikeout of the game to finish off the complete game shutout as the Indians took game 1, 4-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single & 4 IP, 5 hits, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 8 K on 78 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single

Trey Payne: 1 walk

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single

Kam Jenkins: 3 runners thrown out

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a single

Tee Knight: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K on 14 pitches

Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 11 pitches

 

The series will now shift to Jasper on Thursday, April 13th as the Dragons will host the Indians for game 2 of the 3-game set. The Dragons, still find themselves in 1st place in 7-AAA as they are 22-4 and 14-2 in region play. Lumpkin, is now 19-5 and 10-3 in region play. First pitch on Thursday is set for 5:55 pm.

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