Late inning runs push Dragons past North Atlanta
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 21, 2026
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back at Dunn Field for a third straight day as they took on the Warriors of North Atlanta on Saturday, February 21st. The Dragons, came into the game at 6-0 and were looking to finish the week at 4-0. The Warriors, 2-4 having defeated Haralson County prior to facing the Dragons. In what was a tight game throughout, the Dragons scored 1 in the 5th and 4 in the 6th to pick up the win, 7-3.
Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would need just 7 pitches to get out of the top of the first as he picked up two ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom half of the frame, Robert Turner, would lead off by drawing a walk. AJ Rice, would drive in Turner with an RBI double to make it 1-0 Dragons. After a pop out, Dawson Lowitt, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Matthew Davis, would draw a full count walk to load the bases with 1-out. After a strikeout, Jennings Allen, would draw a 4 pitch walk to bring in Rice to make it 2-0 Dragons heading to the second.
L. England, would be hit by the first pitch of the second inning and he would take 1st. C. Jones, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Grubbs, to his credit, would lock in and strike out the next three batters to send it to the bottom of the inning. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second. Heading to the third, Pickens led North Atlanta, 2-0.
M. McCaffrey, would draw a walk to lead off the top of the third. After a strikeout, D. Rovak, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. B. Hill, would reach on an error to load the bases. Grubbs, would strikeout London for the second out. Jones, would draw a walk to bring in McCaffrey to make it 2-1 Dragons heading to the bottom of the inning.
The Dragons, would again go down in order for the second straight inning after a pop out, a fly out, and a ground out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led North Atlanta, 2-1.
R. Edwards, would look to get something started for the Warriors after drawing a 1-out walk. Grubbs, would pick up his 7th strikeout, and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fourth, Allen, would draw his 2nd walk of the game to reach base with 1-out. Drew Dunlap, would follow that with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Warriors, would get out of the fourth with a pop out and a fly out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons still ahead, 2-1.
MT Crenshaw, would come on in relief of Grubbs in the top of the fifth. Rovak, would lead off the fifth by drawing a walk. B. Hill, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. England, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Rice nearly turned an incredible 5-3 double play. Jones, would then reach on a single to load the bases with 1-out.
Crenshaw, would then pick up a big strikeout for the second out. B. Ford, would draw a bases loaded walk to score Hill to tie the game at 2. Crenshaw, would get out of the fifth with a ground out. Kam Jenkins, would look to get a rally going in the bottom of the fifth as he would reach with a 1-out single. After a fly out, Davis, would reach on an error by the shortstop. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on the play.
Christian Starks, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI single to give the Dragons a 3-2 lead. Davis, would advance to 3rd on the play. Starks, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Warriors, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led it, 3-2.
Chase Hulsey, would come on in relief of Crenshaw in the top of the sixth. S. Kunz, would reach with a 1-out single. Rovak, would follow that with a single of his own as Kunz would advance to 3rd. Hulsey, would force a pair of pop outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. Dunlap, would start the bottom of the sixth by reaching after catchers interference was called.
Truitt Grubbs, would then reach on a bunt single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Turner, would move the runners over with a sacrifice bunt. Rice, would drive in both Dunlap and Grubbs with a 2-RBI single to make it 5-2 Dragons. Rice, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. A single by Jenkins, would put runners at the corners with 2-out.
Lowitt, would bring in Rice with an RBI single to make it 6-2. Pitch runner Cal Morrison, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. At the same time, courtesy runner Kirchoff, would steal home to make it 7-2. Davis, would then get hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A second single by Starks, would load the bases with 1-out. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth with a double play as the Dragons led it, 7-2.
Turner, would come on for the top of the seventh to try and close things out for the Dragons. Jones, would lead off the seventh with a solo shot to right center to make it 7-3. Turner, would collect himself and pick up a pop out and a ground out. Edwards, would keep the game alive for the Warriors with a 2-out single. Turner, would end the game with a strikeout as the Dragons would come away with a 7-3 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 1 walk, 1 sacrifice bunt, 1 run scored and 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K on 24 pitches
AJ Rice: 2-4 with 1 double, 1 single, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 2 singles
Dawson Lowitt: 1-3 with 1 HBP, 1 single, and 1 RBI
Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 HBP
Christian Starks: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 steal, and 1 RBI
Jennings Allen: 2 walks and 1 RBI
Drew Dunlap: 1-2 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1 steal and 2 runs scored
Cal Morrison: 1 steal
Everett Grubbs: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 HBP, 7 K on 70 pitches
MT Crenshaw: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K on 29 pitches
Chase Hulsey: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER on 17 pitches
The Dragons, will be back at Dunn Field on Wednesday, February 25th as they host the Ringgold Tigers. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons run rule Haralson County to move to 6-0
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 21, 2026
Jasper, Ga — After defeating the Pepperell Dragons on Thursday, the Pickens Dragons, were back at Dunn Field on Friday, February 20th as they took on the Rebels of Haralson County. The Dragons, came into the game with a 5-0 record. The Rebels, came into the game at 2-1. The Dragons, took control of this one early on as they plated 9 runs in the first inning on their way to a 10-0 win in 5 innings.
Jackson Nunn would get the start for the Dragons. After a pop out, C. Watkins, would draw a walk to reach base. Watkins, would be caught trying to steal 2nd for the second out. K. King, would then draw a 2-out walk to keep the inning going for the Rebels. C. Myers, would follow that with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Nunn, would get out of the first with a strikeout.
Robert Turner, would lead off the bottom of the first with a double. After advancing to 3rd on a wild pitch, Turner, would come in to score after an RBI double by AJ Rice. Kam Jenkins, would then reach with a single to put runners at the corners. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Boogie Lowitt, would drive in both Rice and Kirchoff with a 2-RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons.
Matthew Davis, would keep the line moving with a single. After a single by Christian Starks loaded the bases, Jennings Allen, would bring in both Lowitt and Davis with a 2-RBI single to make it 5-0. The Rebels, would get the first out of the inning via strikeout. Truitt Grubbs, would reach on an error that would score Starks to make it 6-0. Turner, up for the second time in the inning, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 7-0.
After a ground out, Jenkins, would bring in both Grubbs and Turner with a double to make it 9-0 Dragons. The Rebels, would get out of the first after a pop out. Heading to the second, Pickens led Haralson County, 9-0.
Nunn, would get the first out of the second inning on the first pitch with a pop out. L. Kilgone, would then reach on an error. K. Bacon, would follow that with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a line out, J. Huston, would draw a 2-out walk to load the bases. Nunn, would get out of the jam with a ground out to send it to the bottom of the second. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the second as they would take a 9-0 lead into the third.
In the top of the third, the Rebels, looked to get something going again as Myers and D. Pruitt, would reach with back to back 1-out singles. Nunn, would settle in and pick up back to back strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. Cal Morrison, now in for Everett Grubbs, would battle back from being down 0-2, to drawing a lead off walk. Truitt Grubbs, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Drew Dunlap, now in for Turner, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Grubbs would be forced out at 2nd. MT Crenshaw, would bring in Morrison with an RBI ground out to make it 10-0 Dragons. The Rebels, would get out of the third with a ground out to send it to the fourth.
Tanner Bail, would come on in relief of Nunn in the top of the fourth. Bacon, would draw a four pitch walk to lead off the inning. L. Wright, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Bacon would be forced out at 2nd. After a ground out, Watkins, would draw a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Bail, would pick up a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the frame.
Brock Teal, would look to get something started for the Dragons after drawing a 1-out walk. The Rebels, were able to get out of the fourth with a pair of strikeouts to send it to the fifth with Pickens still leading, 10-0.
Bail, on in his second inning of relief, was looking to close this one out. Myers, would draw a walk to lead off the fifth. Bail, would keep the Rebels scoreless as he picked up back to back strikeouts and a ground out to seal the 10-0 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 2-2 with 1 double, 1 single, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored
AJ Rice: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 RBI
Dawson Lowitt: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Matthew Davis: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Truitt Grubbs: 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Cal Morrison: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
MT Crenshaw: 1 RBI
Brock Teal: 1 walk
Drew Dunlap: 1 steal
Jackson Nunn: 3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K on 56 pitches
Tanner Bail: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K on 40 pitches
The Dragons, will finish off a busy week with an afternoon tilt at Dunn Field on Saturday, February 21st as they take on the North Atlanta Warriors.
Rice tosses gem as Dragons defeat Pepperell
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 20, 2026
Jasper, Ga — After a successful trip to Ellijay on Monday, the Pickens Dragons, were back home on Thursday, February 19th for the first of three straight at Dunn Field as they took on the Pepperell Dragons in non-region action. Pickens, came into the game at 4-0 and ranked in the top ten in AAA. Pepperell, came into the game a 3-1 and ranked in the top ten in 1A D-1. While it took a little bit for the offense to break through, the Pitching was solid for Pickens as they came away with a 7-1 win.
Pickens starter and Auburn signee AJ Rice, took the mound in the top of the first. After back to back strikeouts to start the inning, M. Garcia, would look to get a rally going with a 2-out double to center. Rice, would settle down to strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the first. Pickens, would go down in order in the bottom half of the first as we’d head to the second inning still tied at 0.
Rice, would continue his hot start in the top of the second by picking up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the second, Boogie Lowitt, would lead off with a double. Matthew Davis, would then reach by getting hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A sharp single by Christian Starks, would load the bases with nobody out.
Lowitt, would be forced out at home as Jennings Allen would reach on a fielder’s choice. Pepperell, would get out of the second by turning a double play to keep the score tied at 0 heading to the third.
Rice, would strikeout the side for the second time in three innings to send it to the bottom of the third. Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the third with a single. Kam Jenkins, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Grubbs, would be tagged by the 3rd baseman after a grounder for the third out to send it to the fourth still scoreless.
Rice, fully in a groove, would pick up a fly out and a pair of strikeouts in the top of the fourth. Pickens, would go down in order in the bottom of the inning as we were still deadlocked at 0 heading to the fifth. Rice, would need just four pitches to get out of the top of the fifth as he forced two pop outs and a ground out. Pickens, would finally break the tie in the bottom of the fifth.
Everett Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the fifth with a single. Everett’s brother, Truitt, would advance him over to 2nd with a sacrifice bunt. Robert Turner, would drive in Everett with an RBI double to make it 1-0 Pickens. Rice, would help himself out by bringing in Turner with an RBI triple to make it 2-0. Jenkins, would pick up his 2nd hit of the game with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Pickens.
After a pop out, Davis, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. Davis, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Pepperell, would get out of the fifth with a ground out as Pickens would take a 3-0 lead into the sixth.
Rice, would end his outing the way he began it. For the third time in six innings of work, Rice would strikeout the side. Ending his night with 12 punch outs. In the bottom of the sixth, Pickens, would draw 6 walks in the bottom of the frame as 4 runs would come across to score to make it 7-0 heading to the seventh.
Turner, would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the seventh. T. Glenn, would lead off the seventh with a solo home run, to make it 7-1. Turner, would do a good job of settling in as he would pick up two ground outs and a strikeout to seal to the 7-1 win for Pickens.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, 2 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 13 pitches
AJ Rice: 1-3 with 1 triple, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, and 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K on 77 pitches
Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 2 singles and 1 RBI
Boogie Lowitt: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 RBI
Matthew Davis: 1 HBP, 2 walks, 1 steal, and 1 RBI
Christian Starks: 1-1 with 1 single
Jennings Allen: 1 walk, 1 steal, and 1 run scored
Everett Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored
Truitt Grubbs: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored
The Dragons, the Pickens Dragons that is, will be back at Dunn Field on Friday, February 20th as they take on the Haralson County Rebels in a late night tilt. First pitch is set for 7 pm.
Dragons continue win streak against Bobcats
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 17, 2026
Ellijay, Ga — The 515 rivalry shifted to the diamond on Monday, February 16th as the Pickens Dragons made the short ride up to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 3-0, while the Bobcats, were 1-2. In a game that saw nearly double digit hit batsman, it was a 6-run sixth inning that broke things open for the Dragons as they came away with a 15-3 win in six.
Robert Turner, who has been a hitting machine to start the season, continued his early tear with a lead off single. Turner, would then show off the wheels as he would steal 2nd. Turner, would then advance to 3rd after a balk was called. AJ Rice, would bring in Turner after reaching on an error. After a ground out, Boogie Lowitt, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Rice, would advance to 3rd after a pop out by Matthew Davis.
Christian Starks, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single that would score Rice to make it 2-0. Jennings Allen, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Bobcats, would get out of the top of the first with a ground out. Blake Grizzle, would lead off the bottom of the frame with a double. Grizzle, would come around to score after Cooper Cochran reached on an error to cut the lead to 2-1.
Peyton Chancey, would give the Bobcats 3-2 lead after a 2-run home run. Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would do a good job of settling down after giving up the home run as he picked up two ground outs and a fly out. Heading to the second inning, the Bobcats, led the Dragons, 3-2.
In the top of the second, Turner, would reach for the second time with a 1-out single. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Rice, would follow with a single of his own to put runners at the corners with 1-out. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Turner with an RBI ground out to tie the game at 3. Jayden Grizzle, would lead off the bottom half of the 2nd with a double.
J. Grizzle, would be forced out at 3rd as Landen McClure reached on a fielder’s choice. After a strikeout, Blake Grizzle, would be hit by a pitch to keep the inning going. Jenkins, would throw out McClure trying to steal 3rd to send us to the third with the score still tied at 3.
Davis, would draw a walk to lead off the top of the third. Starks, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Davis would be forced out at 2nd. Starks, would advance to 2nd after an error. Allen, would reach after drawing a four pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Brock Teal, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases with 1-out.
Drew Dunlap, would also be hit by a pitch to bring in Starks to make it 4-3 Dragons. Turner, would add to the lead as he would drive in Allen and Teal with a 2-RBI double to make it 6-3. Rice, would draw a walk to once again load the bases. The Bobcats, would escape further possible damage with an inning ending double play. After a long at bat, Cochran, would lead off the bottom of the third by drawing a walk.
After back to back strikeouts, Zander Shute, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Grubbs and the Dragons, would get out of the third after a line out to center to send it to the fourth with the Dragons ahead, 6-3.
Lowitt, would be hit by the first pitch in the top of the fourth. Davis, would follow by drawing his second walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Lowitt and Davis, would then advance after a wild pitch. Starks, would also draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Lowitt, would come in to score as the Bobcats would turn a double play. Davis, would advance to 3rd on the play.
Teal, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons as he would be hit by a pitch for the second time in as many innings. The Bobcats, would get out of the fourth with a ground out as the Dragons led it, 7-3. MT Crenshaw, would come on in relief of Everett Grubbs in the bottom of the fourth. Jayden Grizzle, would lead off the inning by drawing a walk. McClure, would follow by reaching on a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Jayden Grizzle, would then be thrown out trying to steal 3rd. After a strikeout, McClure, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Crenshaw, would get out of the fourth with his 2nd strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons, led the Bobats, 7-3.
In the top of the fifth, Rice, would reach by getting hit by a pitch. Rice, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. Jenkins, would then follow with a 1-out double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Tanner Bail, who came on as a defensive replacement for Lowitt in the bottom of the fourth, would drive in both Rice and courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff with a 2-RBI double to make it 9-3 Dragons. Davis, would then draw his third walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Starks, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Bail would be forced out at 3rd for the second out. The Bobcats, would get out of the fifth after a force out at 2nd. Crenshaw, on in his second inning of relief, would work around a 2-out single by Jase McCollum as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless frame. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons still led the Bobcats, 9-3.
Teal, would lead off the top of the sixth by drawing a walk. Truitt Grubbs, pitch hitting for Dunlap, would follow with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Turner, would drive in both Teal and Grubbs with a 2-RBI triple to make it 11-3. Rice, would follow that with an RBI triple of his own to make it 12-3. Jenkins, would keep the line moving with an RBI single to make it 13-3.
Kirchoff, would come in to pitch hit for Bail, and would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Courtesy runner Zach Williams and Kirchoff, would advance after a wild pitch. Jackson Walker, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Williams would be forced out at home. Starks, would bring in Kirchoff on an RBI ground out to make it 14-3. Allen, would drive in Walker with an RBI double to make it 15-3 Dragons heading to the bottom of the inning.
Chase Hulsey, would come on in relief of Crenshaw in the bottom half of the sixth. Hulsey, would work around a lead off double and a single as he picked up two ground outs and a strikeout to seal the 15-3 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 triple, 2 steals, 4 RBI, and 3 runs scored
AJ Rice: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 triple, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 2 RBI, 3 caught stealing, and 3 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-5 with 1 single, 1 double, and 2 RBI
Dawson Lowitt: 2 HBP, and 1 run scored
Tanner Bail: 1-1 with 1 double and 2 RBI
Caden Kirchoff: 1 walk and 2 runs scored
Matthew Davis: 3 walks
Jackson Walker: 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1-4 with 1 single, and 1 walk
Jennings Allen: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Brock Teal: 1 walk, 2 HBP, and 2 runs scored
Drew Dunlap: 1 HBP, and 1 RBI
Truitt Grubbs: 1-1 with 1 double and 1 run scored
Zach Williams: 1 run scored
Everett Grubbs: 3 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 3 K on 56 pitches
MT Crenshaw: 2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K on 40 pitches
Chase Hulsey: 1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 1 K on 17 pitches
The Dragons, will be back at Dunn Field on Thursday, February 19th as they take on the Pepperell Dragons in a battle of top ten teams. Pepperell, is ranked inside the top ten for 1A D-1. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Clutch moments help Dragons defeat Wolverines
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 14, 2026
Jasper, Ga — It was love and baseball on Saturday, February 14th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Walker School Wolverines for the third game of opening week. The Wolverines, were playing their second game of the day as they fell to North Atlanta 4-0. The Dragons, came in looking to complete a perfect week after defeating Northwest Whitfield and Sequoyah. Some late game offensive and defensive plays for the Dragons helped them pull away late and pick up a 5-1 win.
Jackson Nunn, got the start for the Dragons against the Wolverines. Nunn, would work around a 2-out single as he picked up a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out in a scoreless top of the first. Robert Turner, would lead off the bottom of the frame with a single. After a line out and a fly out, Boogie Lowit, would reach with a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Wolverines, would get out of the first with a fly out.
In the top of the second, the Wolverines, were able to plate a run on 1 hit, 1 HBP, 1 wild pitch, and 1 ground out. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second. Heading to the third, the Wolverines, led it, by a score of 1-0.
M.T. Crenshaw, would come on in relief of Nunn in the top of the third. Crenshaw, would toss a scoreless frame to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Drew Dunlap, would reach with a lead off single. Dunlap, would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. Turner, would reach after his second hit of the game. After Turner was picked off at 1st, AJ Rice, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Dunlap would be thrown out at home.
A single by Kam Jenkins, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons. Lowit, would drive in Rice with a single to tie the game at 1. The Wolverines, would get out of the third with a ground out. Heading to the fourth, the game was now tied at 1 a piece.
Crenshaw, would keep the game tied after a scoreless top of the fourth with a strikeout and a pair of ground outs. In the bottom of the inning, Everett Grubbs, would try to start a rally by drawing a 2-out walk. Dunlap, would then reach by getting hit with a pitch. A wild pitch, would move the runners up a base. The Wolverines, would get out of the jam with a ground out as the game was still tied at 1 heading to the fifth.
Chase Hulsey, would come on in relief of Crenshaw in the top of the fifth. He would toss a scoreless frame with two strikeouts and a fly out. Rice, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by drawing a walk. After a line out, Lowit, would pick up his second hit of the game with a single. Truitt Grubbs, would come up with a clutch hit as he would drive in Rice with a 2-out RBI single to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead heading to the sixth.
Hulsey, on in his second inning of relief, worked around a lead off single and a 2-out HBP as he kept the Wolverines off the board in the top of the sixth. In the bottom of the inning, Dunlap, would reach with a 1-out double. Christian Starks, would come in as a pitch runner for Dunlap. The Wolverines, trying a snap throw over to 2nd, allowed Starks to advance to 3rd. Turner, would then draw a walk after a great at bat.
Turner, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. Rice, would then draw his second walk of the game to load the bases. After an infield fly was called for the second out, Lowit, would come up big with a 2-out bases clearing double to give the Dragons a 5-1 lead heading to the seventh.
Elijah Barton, would come on in relief of Hulsey to try and close this one out. Barton, would work around a lead off walk and a 2-out HBP as he would pick up a ground out, a fly out, and a line out as the Dragons would come away with a 5-1 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 steal
AJ Rice: 2 walks and 3 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with 1 single
Dawson Lowit: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 walk, and 4 RBI
Truitt Grubbs: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Everett Grubbs: 1 walk
Drew Dunlap: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 HBP
Christian Starks: 1 steal and 1 run scored
Jackson Nunn: 2 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 HBP, 1 K on 30 pitches
MT Crenshaw: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K on 14 pitches
Chase Hulsey: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 HBP, 3 K on 35 pitches
Elijah Barton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 HBP, on 17 pitches
The Dragons, will be on the road for the first time this season as they make the short drive up 515 to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats on Monday, February 16th. First pitch is set for 6:30 pm.
Dragons shut out Chiefs to move to 2-0
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 14, 2026
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons baseball team, were back at Dunn Field on Friday, February 13th as they took on the Sequoyah Chiefs in non-region action. After an opening day win on Tuesday against Northwest Whitfield, the Dragons, were looking to do the same in their second game of the week. A.J. Rice, Everett Grubbs, and Robert Turner, would combine for the shut out as the Dragons picked up a 10-0 win in six innings.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter and Auburn signee, Rice, would work around a 1-out walk and a wild pitch as the Chiefs would leave a runner stranded at 3rd. In the bottom of the frame, Turner and Rice, would reach with back to back singles. Carson-Newman signee Kam Jenkins, would then drive a ball over the left field fence to put the Dragons up 3-0.
Dawson Lowit, would then reach after drawing a walk. After back to back strikeouts, Jennings Allen, would keep the inning going by reaching on an error. Grubbs, would bring in Lowit with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons heading to the second.
In the top of the second, Rice, would work around a single, a stolen base, and a walk as he picked up his third and fourth strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. Turner, would lead off the bottom of the second with his 2nd single of the game. Turner, would show off the wheels as he would steal both 2nd and 3rd. Lowit, would drive in Turner with a 2-out single to make it 5-0 Dragons.
Matthew Davis Jr, would keep the line moving with a 2-out single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Chiefs, would get out of the inning with a ground out. Heading to the third, Pickend led Sequoyah, 5-0.
Rice, would end his night on the mound on a strong note as he would strikeout the side in the top of the fourth to bring his total to 7 for the game. Allen, would lead off the bottom of the third with a single. After Allen was picked off at 1st, Brock Teal, who came on to pitch hit for Grubbs, would draw a 1-out walk. After a strikeout, Turner, would draw a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Chiefs, would get out of the third with a strikeout to send it to the fourth with the Dragons still leading it, 5-0.
Grubbs, would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the fourth. D. Harmon, would lead off the fourth with a single. Grubbs, would then induce a double play. A line out to short, would end the top half of the inning and send it to the bottom of the frame. Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the inning with a single. Caden Kirchoff, would come in as a courtesy runner. Lowitt, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Tanner Bail, would come in to pitch run for Lowit. A 2-run double by Davis Jr, would make it 7-0 Dragons. After a strikeout, Allen, would drive in Davis Jr with an RBI single to make it 8-0. Allen, would advance to 2nd on the play. An error, would allow Allen to take 3rd. Grubbs, back in the lineup, would bring in Allen with an RBI single to make it 9-0 Dragons heading to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Grubbs, would pick up a strikeout and a ground out for the first two outs of the inning. After issuing back to back 2-out walks, Grubbs, would get out of the potential jam with his second strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fifth. Jenkins, would reach with a 1-out walk. Bail, would follow that up with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out.
The Chiefs, were able to get out of the fifth with back to back strikeouts. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons, would still lead it, 9-0.
Turner, would come on in relief of Grubbs in the top of the sixth. C. Gantt, would lead off the sixth by drawing a walk. Much like Grubbs, Turner, got a big double play to clear the bases. J. Brock, would then draw a 2-out walk. B. Winford, would then reach with a 2-out double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Turner, would be able to get out of it with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning.
Allen, would lead off the bottom of the sixth with his third hit of the game. Grubbs, would follow that with his third hit of the game. After a strikeout, Allen and Grubbs, would attempt a double steal. Allen, would take 3rd, while Grubbs would be thrown out trying to steal 2nd. While that was going on, Allen, would come in to score to walk it off for the Dragons who picked up the 10-0 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Robert Turner: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 3 steals, 2 runs scored, and 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K on 27 pitches
AJ Rice: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 run scored, 3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K on 54 pitches
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 home run, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Lowit: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 HBP, and 1 run scored
Matthew Davis Jr: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 3-4 with 3 singles, 2 steals, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Everett Grubbs: 3-3 with 3 singles, 2 RBI, and 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 K on 29 pitches
Tanner Bail: 1-1 with 1 double and 1 run scored
Caden Kirhoff: 2 runs scored
Brock Teal: 1 walk
The Dragons, will be back on the diamond on Saturday, February 14th as they will take on The Walker School. First pitch is set for 4 pm.
Dragons baseball opens season with win over Bruins
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 11, 2026
Jasper, Ga — It was opening day for the Pickens Dragons baseball team on Tuesday, February 10th as they hosted a former region rival in the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. The Dragons, came into this season with lofty expectations as they were ranked in the top ten in AAA, and in the top 25 in the state of Georgia. The Dragons, were able to come away with a 10-5 win to open the season.
Senior and Auburn signee AJ Rice, would take the mound for the Dragons and was as good as advertised in his outing. Rice, would work around a 1-out single as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Gadsen State signee Robert Turner, would reach with a lead off single. After advancing to 2nd on a passed ball, Rice, would drive Turner in with an RBI double to make it 1-0 Dragons.
Rice, would advance to 3rd after a fly out by Carson-Newman signee Kam Jenkins. Dawson “boogie” Lowit, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners. Matthew Davis Jr., would bring in Rice with an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. Heading to the second inning, Pickens led Northwest Whitfield, 2-0.
Rice, would end his night on the mound tossing a clean top of the second with two more strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the frame. Jennings Allen, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single. He would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. Allen, would advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Allen, would come in to score as Brock Teal would reach on an error.
Drew Dunlap, would drive in Teal with a double to make it 4-0 Dragons. After a fly out, Rice, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Bruins, would get out of the second with a fly out and a pop out to send it to the third with the Dragons leading, 4-0.
Dylan Walls, would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the third. Max Harrison, thought he had a lead off ground rule double. The field umpire, ruled that he did not touch first base while rounding the bag and was called out. Walls, would then pick up two strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. Davis Jr, would draw a lead off walk to start the bottom of the third.
After a pop out, Davis Jr, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Teal, would then work some 2-out magic as he would drive in Davis Jr with an RBI single to make it 5-0. Dunlap, would keep the inning alive by drawing a 2-out walk. Turner, would bring in Teal with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Rice, now playing 3rd, would knock in both Dunlap and Turner with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the fourth.
The Bruins, would get on the board in the top of the fourth as they would plate four runs. Everett Grubbs, would come on in relief of Walls, and pick up the final two outs of the top of the fourth. In the bottom half of the fourth, Davis Jr, would reach for the second time after a 1-out single. Davis Jr, would steal 2nd and 3rd, but would be left stranded as the Bruins picked up a strikeout and fly out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading, 8-4.
Grubbs, who stayed in for the top of the fifth, would pick up a strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out in a clean frame. Dunlap, would reach with his second double of the game with 1-out in the bottom of the inning. Turner, would drive Dunlap in with a 2-run home run to make it 10-4. After a ground out, Jenkins, would draw a full count walk to reach. Tanner Bail, who pitch hit for Lowit, would line out to second as they went to the sixth with the Dragons ahead, 10-4.
Turner, would come on in relief of Grubbs in the top of the sixth. He would work around a 2-out hit batsman as he struck out the side in his lone inning of work on the mound. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the inning as they would go to the seventh with the Dragons up, 10-4.
Jackson Nunn, would come on in relief of Turner to try and close things out in the top of the seventh. The Bruins, would end up cashing in on a lead off double to plate a run, but Nunn would hold them to just that as the Dragons would come away with a 10-5 win.
Dragons Stats:
Robert Turner: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 home run, 1 steal, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 1 HB, 3 K on 19 pitches
AJ Rice: 2-3 with 2 doubles, 1 walk, 3 RBI, 1 run scored, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 4 K on 26 pitches
Kam Jenkins: 1 walk
Dawson Lowit: 1 HBP
Matthew Davis Jr: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 3 steals, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 steal, and 1 run scored
Brock Teal: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Drew Dunlap: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 1 walk, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored
Everett Grubbs: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K on 17 pitches
Jackson Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 HB, 1 K on 19 pitches
The Dragons, will be back at Dunn Field on Friday as they take on the Sequoyah Chiefs in non-region action. First pitch is set for 6 pm.
Dragons defeat Bobcats in 515 match up
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 19, 2025
Ellijay, Ga — It was rivalry Tuesday on February 18th as the Pickens Dragons, took the short bus ride up to Ellijay to battle the Gilmer Bobcats. The Dragons, came into the game with a record of 3-0. The Bobcats, came in with a record of 1-1. While this game was tightly played the majority of the way, the Dragons, pulled away late to pick up the 14-6 win.
AJ Rice, would lead off the game with a single. He would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball and to 3rd on a wild pitch. Rice, would come in to score on another passed ball as Christian Starks would reach on a walk. Cade Sutton, would drive in Starks with an RBI double. Kam Jenkins, would follow that up with his own RBI double as he brought in Sutton to make it 3-0.
A single by Dawson Lowitt, would put runners at the corners with nobody out. Sam Hammontree, would then reach on an error as courtesy runner Coleman Keener, would come in to score to make it 4-0. Lowitt, would come in to score after an RBI knock by Dawson Holland. After a sacrifice bunt by Matthew Davis moved the runners over to 2nd and 3rd, The Bobcats, were able to send it to the bottom of the first trailing 5-0.
The Bobcats, would get 2 runs back in the bottom half of the first as Noah Gutillo would bring in Haden West with a double, and Hayden Berry would drive in Gutillo with an RBI sacrifice fly. Heading to the second, Pickens led Gilmer, 5-2.
Starks, would lead off the top of the second with a first pitch double to center. Sutton, would then bring in Starks with his second double of the game to make it 6-2. After Jenkins drew a walk to reach 1st, the Bobcats, would pick up a fly out and two ground outs to send it to the bottom of the frame. The Bobcats, would cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second as Blake Grizzle would come in to score on a passed ball. Heading to the third, The Dragons led it, 6-3.
The Bobcats, would pick up their first 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third as Cooper Cochran came on in relief of Berry. In the bottom of the third, Mel Mosley, would drive in Eli Cooper to make it 6-4 Dragons heading to the top of the fourth.
Jenkins and Lowitt, would draw a pair of back to back 2-out walks in the top of the fourth. Cochran, in his second inning of relief, would get out of the fourth with no damage done. Jackson Nunn, in his second inning of relief work for the Dragons, would send it to the fifth as the Bobcats would leave Peyton Chancey stranded at 2nd. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led it, 6-4.
Holland, would lead off the top of the fifth with a double. Davis, would follow with a single. He would make it to 2nd after a throw from the outfield. Jennings Allen, would bring in both Holland and Davis with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-4. After Rice drew a walk, he would steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Starks, would drive in Rice with an RBI triple to make it 9-4.
Sutton, would bring in Starks with an RBI ground out to make it 10-4. The Bobcats, would get out of the inning with a strikeout. Heading to the bottom of the fifth, Pickend led Gilmer, 10-4. The Bobcats, would once again stay within striking distance as they would score two runs off a pair of errors in the bottom of the inning. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 10-6.
The Dragons, got those two runs back in the top of the sixth as pitch runner Coleman Keener, would score on a ground out. Rice, would bring in Holland with an RBI single to make it 12-6 Dragons heading to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Chase Hulsey, on in relief of Nunn, worked around back to back singles as he forced a fly out, and induced a 5-3 double play to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 12-6.
Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh with his 3rd double of the game. Jenkins, would drive in Sutton with an RBI double to make it 13-6. Lowitt, would bring in courtesy runner Daven Abernathy, with an RBI single to make it 14-6. Hammontree, would then reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Holland, would line out to 1st and Hammontree would be tagged out by the 1st baseman for a double play.
A ground out, would get the Bobcats out of the top half of the inning and send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Hulsey, would force a pair of ground outs and pick up a strikeout in a 1-2-3 seventh to secure the 14-6 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
AJ Rice: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 2 steals, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Christian Starks: 2-3 with 1 double, 1 triple, 1 steal, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored & 2 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 3 K, 1 BB on 33 pitches
Cade Sutton: 3-5 with 3 doubles, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 3 walks, and 2 RBI
Dawson Lowitt: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1-5 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 3-5 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 double and 2 RBI
Coleman Keener: 2 runs scored
Daven Abernathy: 1 run scored
The Pickens Dragons, will be back at home on Wednesday, February 19th as they play host to East Paulding. First pitch is set for 4 pm.
Dragons run rule Phoenix to open season
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 11, 2025
Calhoun, Ga — It was opening day for the high school baseball season in the state of Georgia on Monday, February 10th as teams from around the state began their 2025 campaign. Two of those teams were the Pickens Dragons and the Sonoraville Phoenix. The Dragons, came in ranked 5th in AAA to start the season and were looking to continue the run of success they’ve built the past couple of seasons. Led by Auburn commit AJ Rice, and a offense that came out swinging, the Dragons, defeated the Phoenix 14-0 in five innings.
Rice and Christian Starks, would lead off the game by drawing back to back walks. Cade Sutton, would drive in Rice with an RBI double to give the Dragons an early 1-0 lead. Kam Jenkins, would follow that by knocking in Starks and Sutton with a 2-RBI double to make it 3-0 Dragons. The Phoenix, would get out of the top of the first with a pop out, and two strikeouts.
Rice, took to the mound in the bottom of the frame and started off sharp. Rice, would strikeout the side on 15 pitches to send it to the top of the second with the Dragons leading the Phoenix, 3-0.
Ezra Faber, would lead off the top of the second by getting hit with a pitch. Jennings Allen, would then reach on a fielder’s choice to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. A grounder by Rice, would move Faber and Allen to 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. Starks, would then bring in both Faber and Allen with a 2-RBI single to make it 5-0. Starks, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position.
A grounder by Sutton, would move Starks up to 3rd. Starks, would come in to score after a pick off attempt went past the infield to make it 6-0. The Dragons, would then load the bases as Jenkins would reach on an error, Dawson Lowitt would draw a walk, and Dawson Holland would get hit with a pitch. The Phoenix, would get out of the jam after forcing a pop out to send it to the bottom of the second.
After Rice picked up his fourth straight strikeout to begin the bottom of the second, Hudson Kinman would reach base with a 1-out single. Rice, would work around that as he picked up his 5th strikeout and forced a line out to Starks. Heading to the top of the 3rd, Pickens led Sonoraville, 6-0.
Faber, would lead off the top of the third with a double. Allen and Rice, would then draw back to back walks to load the bases with nobody out. Starks, would draw a bases loaded walk to bring in Faber to make it 7-0. Sutton, would drive in Allen with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 8-0. After Jenkins would draw a walk to load the bases once again, Lowitt, would bring in both Rice and Starks with a 2-RBI single to make it 10-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the third.
Jackson Nunn, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the third. Nunn, would pick up a fly out, and two strikeouts as he worked around a 2-out single by Eli Bailiew to send it to the top of the fourth with the Dragons on top, 10-0.
Daven Abernathy, would lead off the top of the fourth by getting hit with a pitch after falling behind 0-2. Abernathy, would then take 3rd after a wild pitch. Rice, would draw another walk to put runners at the corners with 1-out. Starks, kept his big night going as he drove in both Abernathy and Rice with a 2-RBI double to make it 12-0. Starks, would then come into score on a throwing error to make it 13-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the inning.
Nunn, on for his 2nd inning of relief, worked around a 1-out double by Will Patterson and a 2-out walk drawn by Sam Dixon to leave runners stranded at the corners. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led Sonoraville, 13-0.
Matthew Davis, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing a walk. Coleman Keener, would then reach on a 1-out single. Rice, would drive in Davis with an RBI single to make it 14-0 Dragons. Sutton, would reach base on an error to load the bases with 2-out. The Phoenix, would pick up the strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fifth with the Dragons leading it, 14-0.
Chase Hulsey, would come on in relief of Nunn in the bottom of the fifth. Hulsey, would work around a lead off walk as he would force a ground out, and strikeout two to help seal the 14-0 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
AJ Rice: 1-2 with 1 single, 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored & 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K on 30 pitches
Christian Starks: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 walks, 1 steal, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, 1 sac fly, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 2 RBI
Dawson Lowitt: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 RBI
Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Ezra Faber: 1-1 with 1 double, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored
Daven Abernathy: 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1 walk and 2 runs scored
Coleman Keener: 1-2 with 1 single
Jackson Nunn: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K on 40 pitches
Chase Hulsey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 HBP, 2 K on 21 pitches
The Dragons, will be at Dunn Field for the 2025 home opener on Thursday, February 13th as they take on the Woodland Wildcats in non-region action. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons pitching wows in doubleheader against Warriors
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 13, 2024
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 March 8, 2024
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 March 7, 2024
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 February 24, 2024
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 stay hot with 8th straight win
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 23, 2023
Oakwood, Ga — It finally felt like Spring time weather on Thursday, March 23rd as the Pickens Dragons made the trip over to Oakwood, Ga to take on the West Hall Spartans in game 2 of their 3-game series. After winning game 1 on Tuesday, 12-2, the Dragons looked to keep up their winning ways and pick up their 3rd straight region series win. Hot bats and great pitching by James Tilley and Tee Knight, led to the Dragons taking game 2, 11-0 in 5 innings.
In the top of the first, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, led off with a single. He would be thrown out at 2nd as Trace Ledbetter reached on a fielder’s choice. After a double by Dawson Holland, he and Ledbetter would come in to score after Harlan Will reached on an error to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the first, the Spartans led off with back to back singles.
Dragons starter James Tilley, collected himself and proceeded to strike out the side to send it to the second inning with the Dragons on top, 2-0.
In the top of the second, AJ Rice led off with a single. After advancing to 2nd, Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, drove in Rice to make it 3-0 Dragons. The Spartans, were able to get out of the top of the second with just the 1 run given up. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley picked up his 4th and 5th K of the game in between a fly out to Holland. Going to the third, the Dragons led the Spartans, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Holland led off with a single. Will, followed that up by drawing a 4-pitch walk. Trey Payne, then reached on an error. A 1-out RBI single from Rice brought in Holland to make it 4-0 Dragons. In the bottom of the third, Tilley, kept rolling as he picked up his 6th and 7th strikeout in between a grounder to Giddens. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 4-0.
In the top of the fourth, Colby Brooks led off by reaching on an error. Ledbetter, was than hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Holland, would drive in Brooks to make it 5-0. Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for Will, knocked in Ledbetter with the RBI single to make it 6-0. A single from Trey Payne, brought in Holland to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the fourth.
The bottom of the fourth was Tilley’s last inning of work. He struck out the side during the half inning to give him 10 on the night. Going to the top of the fifth, Pickens led West Hall, 7-0.
In the top of the fifth, Giddens led off with a double. Brooks, followed with a single. Shouse, then followed that up with a single. Ledbetter, picked up his first hit of the game as the Dragons started the fifth by scoring 2 runs on 4 straight hits. Tyler Payne and Bradley Prince, hit back to back 1-out singles as both Shouse and Ledbetter would score. Going to the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 11-0.
Tee Knight, came on in relief of Tilley in the bottom of the fifth. After the lead off man reached on a walk, Knight would force a double play to get 2 quick outs. The Spartans, did not go quietly as the next two batters reached and were standing on 2nd and 3rd. Knight, got out of the trouble with no damage done as the Dragons took game 2, 11-0 in 5 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored
Dawson Holland: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Harlan Will: 1 walk
Tyler Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 RBI
Trey Payne 1-3 with a single
Bradley Prince: 1-1 with a single and 1 RBI
AJ Rice: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 1-3 with 1 single and 2 runs scored
James Tilley: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K on 58 pitches
The Dragons, win their third straight 7-AAA series as they move to 15-3 overall and 7-1 in region play. They stay atop the region standings along side Lumpkin, who is 14-2 overall and 7-1 in region play as well. The Dragons, will wrap up their series with the West Hall Spartans on Friday, March 24th, in Jasper. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons sweep Warriors after pitchers duel
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 18, 2023
Cleveland, Ga — It was a good day to be the teams wearing green as the Pickens Dragons took to the road to face the White County Warriors in the 3rd and final game of their region series on Friday, March 17th. Weather pushed the start time back almost 2 hours, but they were able to get the game in. The fans in attendance, were treated to a low scoring pitchers duel as the Dragons edged out a 1-0 win.
In the top of the first, the Dragons went down in order as the Warriors got 2 fly ball outs and 1 strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, The Warriors lead off man reached after being hit with a pitch on a full count. Dragons starter AJ Rice, collected himself and picked up his 1st strikeout for the first out. The runner at 1st base, would then be throw out by catcher Kam Jenkins trying to swipe 2nd.
Rice, picked up his 2nd K on the next pitch to send it to the top of the second, with Pickens and White County still scoreless.
In the top of the second, the Dragons got back to back 1-out hits from Dawson Holland and Jenkins. They would be left stranded on the base paths as the Warriors were able to get a line out to center, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the second, Rice would pick up his 3rd K of the night in between two fly outs to send it to the third with both teams still tied at 0.
In the top of the third, the Dragons got a pair of 1-out walks from Connor Shouse and Trace Ledbetter. The Warriors, again escaped any potential trouble as they were able to get a ground ball double play to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Warriors had a big time scoring chance with runners on the corners and nobody out. Rice, got his 4th K of the night for the first out.
The Dragons, almost turned a double play to end the inning, but they were able to get the out at home. The final out of the inning came after the batter for the Warriors reached on an infield single. The runner at 2nd tried to score on the play, but was thrown out at home to keep it deadlocked at 0 between the two teams.
In the top of the fourth, designated hitter Harlan Will, led off with a single. Ezra Faber, came on to run for Will and he would be able to take 2nd. Faber, made it to 3rd after a wild pitch. Holland, got him in with an RBI grounder to break the tie and give the Dragons a 1-0 lead over the Warriors going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Warriors lead off man worked the count and reached on a walk.
Rice, got out of the inning by forcing a ground out, a fly out, and a line out to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons leading the Warriors, 1-0.
In the top of the fifth, the Warriors got the Dragons to go down in order with a fly out and a pair of strikeouts. In the bottom of the fifth, Rice would work around a 1-out walk as he would strikeout the side, Giving him 7 for the game. Going to the sixth, the Dragons still led, 1-0.
In the top of the sixth, Ledbetter led off with a single after working a full count. He would end up being left stranded at 3rd as the Warriors were able to get 3 straight outs to keep it at 1-0 going to the bottom of the sixth. JP Nunn, came on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth to try to get the save and preserve the win for the Dragons. Nunn, struck out the side on 11 pitches to send it to the seventh with Pickens leading, 1-0.
In the top of the seventh, the Dragons would go down in order to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Nunn was back out there to try to get the save. He was able to do just that as he got a fly out, his 4th strikeout, and a pop up to seal the 1-0 victory and the series sweep for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 1 stolen base
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a walk
Harlan Will: 1-2 with a single
Ezra Faber: 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single
AJ Rice: 5 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 7 K on 74 pitches
JP Nunn: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 27 pitches
The Dragons, will go into a busy week next week knowing they’ll be in a tie for first place in the region with Dawson or with Dawson and Lumpkin depending on how Lumpkin’s series with West Hall turns out. Pickens, will begin a busy week next week on Monday, March 20th as they host the Fannin County Rebels in a make up game that had been pushed back due to weather. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons run rule Wesleyan to win series
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 9, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a cold, and rainy day on Thursday, March 9th as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Wesleyan Wolves to Dunn Field for the third and final game of their 3-game region series. After the Wolves took game 1 on Tuesday, the Dragons rebounded and tied the series up with a win at Wesleyan on Wednesday. The Dragons, got a complete game shutout from Freshman A.J. Rice as they came away with a 10-0 win in 5 innings.
In the top of the first, Rice sat the Wolves down in order as he got a fly out, a ground out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons got back to back 1-out walks from Trace Ledbetter and Cade Sutton. Dawson Holland, then drew a 2-out walk to load the bases. Trey Payne, brought in Ledbetter and Sutton on a 2-RBI single. Kam Jenkins, drove in Holland with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.
In the top of the second, Rice again had a 1-2-3 inning as he got a ground out, and 2 more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the second, Colby Brooks laid down a bunt, and was able to get to 2nd after a 2 base error. Brooks, would then be thrown out on a fielder’s choice as Ledbetter reached. The Wolves, got out of the second with no damage done. Going to the third, the Dragons led the Wolves, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Rice went 1-2-3 for the 3rd straight inning as he picked up 2 more K’s giving him 5 on the night. In the bottom of the third, designated hitter Harlan Will, led off with a walk, and Holland followed up with a single. Trey Payne, moved the runners over to 2nd and 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Jenkins, then drew a walk on 4 straight pitches to load the bases up with 1-out.
Evan Giddens, drove in pitch runner Jackie Jarrett and Holland to make it 5-0 Dragons. Brooks, kept the line moving with a 2-strike hit, bringing in courtesy runner Tee Knight to make it 6-0. Connor Shouse, drew a walk on 4 straight pitches to load the bases up. The Wolves, got back to back strikeouts to prevent any more damage. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Wolves, 6-0.
In the top of the fourth, the Wolves, got a 2-out double and a single to put runners at the corners. Rice, facing his first jam of the night, picked up his 2nd K of the inning and his 7th overall to keep Wesleyan scoreless and send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Holland reached with a 1-out single. He would then be forced out at 2nd as Trey Payne reached on a fielders choice.
Jenkins, advanced Payne to 3rd on a single. Jenkins would move up to 2nd on the play.The Wolves, got a line out to left field to end the scoring threat and send it to the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 6-0.
In the top of the fifth, the lead off man for the Wolves got on base for the first time. the 2nd batter, then reached on an error. Rice, showing great poise for a Freshman, got 2 straight K’s and a line out to left to strand the runners and keep Wesleyan scoreless. In the bottom of the fifth, Brooks, led off with an infield single. Shouse, then hit a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs.
Ledbetter, hit a single up the middle to bring in Brooks and Shouse on the 2-RBI knock. Tyler Payne, who came in for Will in the fourth inning, drew a full count walk to reach 1st. Holland, then drove in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 9-0. A single by Trey Payne, brought in Rice, who pitch ran for Tyler Payne to give the Dragons the 10-0 win, and the 2-1 series win over Wesleyan.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a walk, a double, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Harlan Will: 1 walk
Tyler Payne: 1 walk
Dawson Holland: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 3 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, and 1 RBI
Evan Giddens: 1-3 with 1 single and 2 RBI
Colby Brooks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jackie Jarrett: 1 run scored
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
A.J. Rice: 1 run scored & 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K on 76 pitches
The Dragons, assured themselves of at least 2nd place in the 7-AAA standings after the first week of region play with their 2-1 series win over Wesleyan. Next week, the Dragons will begin a series with the White County Warriors on the road on Tuesday, March 14th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.