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.
Dragons even series with Wesleyan after complete game from Tilley
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 8, 2023
Norcross, Ga — On Wednesday, March 8th, the Pickens Dragons traveled to Norcross to take on the Wesleyan Wolves in game 2 of a 3 game series. The Wolves, took game 1 of the series on Tuesday, March 7th in Jasper by a score of 6-1. The Dragons, got a monster performance from James Tilley as they evened up the series with a 4-3 win.
In the top of the first, Connor Shouse would lead off with a walk. The Wolves, would then induce a ground ball double play. Cade Sutton, kept the inning alive with a 2-out double. Sutton, would be left stranded at 2nd as they went to the bottom of the first scoreless. In the bottom of the frame, Wesleyan’s lead off man reached after a dropped 3rd strike. After a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch, the Wolves had a runner on 2nd with 1-out. The Wolves then drew a 1-out walk.
Wesleyan, then executed a double steal to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Dragons starter James Tilley, got a line out to 2nd and a strikeout to leave the runners stranded and send it to the top of the second still scoreless.
In the top of the second, Dawson Holland would lead off by drawing a walk on a full count. Holland, would then be thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Trey Payne, then smacked a solo home run over the left field fence to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead going to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the inning, the Wolves lead off man reached on an error. He would be thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Tilley then got a strikeout and a fly out to get out of the inning. Going to the third, the Dragons led, 1-0.
In the top of the third, Evan Giddens led off with a single. Trace Ledbetter, then drew a 1-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. They would advance to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch. The Wolves, were able to get out of the jam with a pop out and a strikeout. In the bottom of the third, the Wolves got a 1-out double. The runner would advance on a throwing error on the same play. A sacrifice fly to right field brought the runner in to tie it at 1 going to the top of the fourth.
In the top of the fourth, Holland, led off with a single. Trey Payne followed it up with a single of his own. Christian Starks, moved them over to 2nd and 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Holland, would then come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 2-1 Dragons. Trey Payne, would be left stranded at 3rd as the Wolves got a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the fourth.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Wolves got a lead off home run to tie things up at 2. After Tilley got back to back ground outs, the Wolves would hit a 2nd solo home run to take a 3-2 lead going to the top of the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Ledbetter, followed up with a single to center that moved Shouse over to 3rd. Ledbetter would advance to 2nd on an error. Sutton, followed with a single that brought in both Shouse and Ledbetter to give the Dragons a 4-3 lead going to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Wolves went down in order on 8 pitches. Going to the sixth, the Dragons now led the Wolves, 4-3.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons got a 2-out single by Giddens, but that would be all as we’d head to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, the Wolves got a 2-out double, but that would be all that Tilley allowed as he ended the inning with his 6th K. Going to the seventh, the Dragons held a 4-3 lead over the Wolves.
In the top of the seventh, the Dragons got a 1-out walk by Sutton, and a 2-out hit by Holland. They would be left stranded as they went to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the seventh, Tilley finished what he started as he collected 2 K’s and a grounder to 1st base to give the Dragons the 4-3 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, 1 single, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-3 with a double, a single, a walk, and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 2-4 with a home run, a single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1 sacrifice bunt
Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles
James Tilley: 7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 8 K on 100 pitches
After splitting the first two games of the series, it comes down to the third and final game as both teams will meet one more time. Game three, will be back in Jasper on Thursday, March 9th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons shut out Mountaineers at home
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 2, 2023
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back on the diamond as they welcomed the North Murray Mountaineers to Dunn Field on Wednesday, March 1st, for a non-region tilt. The Dragons, defeated the region mate of the Mountaineers on Tuesday, February 28th, while the Mountaineers fell in a tough one to an old region mate of the Dragons, the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. Pickens, got a great start from James Tilley and the offense put up 10 runs to take this one in 5 innings.
In the top of the first, Tilley got off to a strong start as he induced 2 gound outs, and picked up his first strikeout of the game during a 12 pitch top half of the first inning. In the bottom half of the first, the Dragons got a 1-out walk from Trace Ledbetter. The Mountaineers, were able to turn a double play and send it to the top of the second, with the game still scoreless.
In the top of the second, Tilley said hot from the mound as he picked up his 2nd & 3rd K of the game in another 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons got back to back walks from the Payne brothers as Tyler and Trey were on base with nobody out. After a fly out by Dawson Holland advanced Tyler Payne to 3rd, Harlan Will drove him in with an RBI single. Tilley, helped himself out as he followed that up an RBI single to bring in Trey Payne.
The Mountaineers, were able to get out of the bottom of the second as they turned their 2nd double play of the game to avoid any more damage. Going to the top of the third, Pickens now led North Murray, 2-0.
In the top of the third, Tilley, continued his fantastic start as he would strikeout the side to bump his total to 6 on the night. The bottom of the third got a little wacky so stick with me. Connor Shouse, led off with a single. Ledbetter, then followed that up with a walk. Cade Sutton, then reached on an error. Shouse, would be thrown out at home as Tyler Payne reached on a fielder’s choice. The same happened to Ledbetter as he would be out at home as Trey Payne reached on a fielder’s choice as well.
Holland, knocked a single through which scored Sutton to make it 3-0. A wild pitch brought in Tyler Payne and Trey Payne came in on a throwing error by the catcher. Holland, would also come in to score to make it 6-0. Will, Tilley, and Evan Giddens all drew walks consecutively to load the bases. Shouse, the career RBI record holder for Pickens Baseball, added to his total as he brought 3 runs in on an RBI triple. Shouse, would also come in to score on the play after a throwing error to make it 10-0 Dragons going to the fourth.
In the top of the fourth, Tilley came back out after the long bottom of the third. The Mountaineers, got their first hit of the game, but Tilley would strikeout the side for the 2nd inning in a row to give him 9 on the evening. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons would go down quietly and we’d go to the top of the fifth with the Dragons leading, 10-0.
In the top of the fifth, the career saves leader for Pickens Baseball, JP Nunn, came on in relief of Tilley to close this one out. Nunn, would strike out the side in between giving up a walk and a single to give the Dragons the 10-0 win in 5 inning.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 3 RBI & 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2 walks
Cade Sutton: 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 walk, & 2 runs scored
Trey Payne: 1 walk, & 2 runs scored
Dawson Holland: 1-2 with a single & 1 run scored
Harlan Will: 1-1 with a single & a walk
James Tilley: 1-1 with a single, 1 RBI, & 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K on 55 pitches
Evan Giddens: 1 walk & 1 run scored
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
Jackie Jarrett: 1 run scored
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K on 20 pitches
Dragons pick up road win over Rebels
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 1, 2023
Blue Ridge, Ga — On the final day of the month of February, the Pickens Dragons traveled up 515 to take on the Fannin County Rebels in non-region action. This game, was the first of two between these two teams as they began a home and home series on Tuesday, February 28th. Hits and runs were at a premium for both teams for the majority of this one. The Dragons, used big 5th and 6th innings to come away with the 7-2 win.
In the top of the first, the Dragons would go down in order and we’d head to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the first, Dragons starter and Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, struck out the side in between walking a batter. Going to the top of the second, it was still scoreless between the Dragons and the Rebels.
In the top of the second, Trey Payne reached on a 1-out error for the Dragons first base runner. Dawson Holland, then beat out a double play to reach base. James Tilley, followed that up by drawing a full count walk. Holland and Tilley would be left stranded however as Fannin got a fly out to end the top half of the second. In the bottom of the second, the Rebels led off by getting hit by a pitch. Shouse, then got the ground ball for the double play.
Second baseman Evan Giddens, then caught a line drive to him for the third out. Going to the top of the third, the Dragons and Rebels were still tied.
In the top of the third, the Dragons had their best scoring chance so far. Giddens, led off with a single, the Dragons first hit of the game. Cade Sutton, then reached on an error. Shouse, drew a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Somehow, someway, the Rebels were able to get out of it with no damage done. The Rebels, got a strikeout, an infield fly out, and a ground out to send to the the bottom of the third still scoreless.
In the bottom of the third, the Rebels again led off by getting hit with a pitch. After a ball that got passed the catcher to advance the runner to 2nd, Shouse picked up his 3rd K of the day for the first out. Another ball would get by the catcher to advance the runner to 3rd with 1-out. Shouse, shook that off and picked up his 2nd K of the inning and 4th overall for the 2nd out. Shouse, forced a grounder right back to him for the 3rd out. Going to the fourth, there was still no score.
In the top of the fourth, Tilley would reach on an error. He then would steal 2nd to put a runner in scoring position for the Dragons with 1-out. The Rebels, once again avoided a potentially big inning as they got a fly out and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the frame, The Rebels had a runner reach after a dropped 3rd strike. With 2-outs, after a wild pitch, a passed ball, and a walk, Fannin had runners at the corners. Shouse, picked up his 3rd K of the inning to keep it scoreless and send it to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, the Dragons broke through. Sutton, led off with a double. Shouse, moved him over to 3rd with a grounder. Trace Ledbetter, drove him in with an RBI single. After Tyler Payne drew a walk, Trey Payne drove in Ledbetter with an RBI single. Tyler Payne would also come in to score and Trey Payne advanced to 3rd on a throwing error. Holland, brought in Trey Payne on the grounder to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Rebels led off by drawing a walk. Fannin then tried a hit and run play, but would only get the steal of 2nd. A wild pitch moved the runner over to 3rd with 1-out. The Rebels, would then get their first hit and first run on the same play with an RBI double to make it 4-1. Shouse, picked off the runner at 2nd, then got a grounder to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-1.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons loaded the bases with 1-out after a walk by Giddens, a single by Sutton, & a walk by Shouse. Ledbetter brought in Giddens after a grounder to 2nd to make it 5-1. Tyler Payne then drove in Sutton and Shouse with a 2-RBI single to make it 7-1 Dragons going to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Tee Knight came on in relief of Shouse. Knight, worked around giving up a lead off single, and a 2-out walk. Going to the seventh, the Dragons led the Rebels, 7-1.
In the top of the seventh, Holland led off by drawing a walk. Colby Brooks, then reached on a 1-out error. Both runners advanced after a wild pitch to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. The Rebels, got out of the top of the seventh with a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, the Rebels made it a little interesting. Fannin, got a run on a hit, a walk, and a couple of hit batsman. With 2-outs and the bases loaded, Cason Cannon got the final out to give the Dragons the 7-2 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Cade Sutton: 2-5 with 1 single, 1 double, & 2 runs scored
Connor Shouse: 2 walk, & 1 run scored 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K on 77 pitches
Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with 1 single, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 walk, 1 single, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1 walk, & 1 RBI
Evan Giddens: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
The Dragons, will be back in action on Wednesday, March 1st as they welcome the North Murray Mountaineers to Dunn Field for another non-region contest. First pitch it set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons lose heart breaker to 7A Hillgrove
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 24, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a rain filled afternoon on Thursday, February 23rd as the Pickens Dragons took on the Hillgrove Hawks out of the 7A classification as part of the Pickens Mountain Classic. After having to deal with two rain delays, the game was able to be played all the way through. Fans were treated to a good one as it came down to the very last out. The Hawks, were able to hold off a late rally by the Dragons and pick up a 6-5 win.
In the top of the first, the Hawks got on base with a lead off double. The runner, would then steal 3rd, and score on a wild pitch to put Hillgrove up 1-0. Dragons starter Connor Shouse, was then able to work around a pair of walks as he struck out the side to keep the Hawks from adding on. In the bottom of the first, Shouse led off by drawing a walk. He then took 2nd as the Dragons now had a runner in scoring position. Then, the rain came.
After about a 40 minute rain delay, the game was back underway. Dawson Holland, who was up when the delay started, drew a 1-out walk. Tyler Payne, flew out to right for the second out. The bottom of the first ended with the Hawks tagging Shouse at the plate to keep it 1-0 Hillgrove going to the top of the second.
In the top of the second, the Dragons made a pitching change after Shouse and the rest of the team had to sit for 40 minutes. Enter James Tilley, who competed with the Dragons basketball team in the first round of the 3A State Tournament at Monroe Area on Wednesday. In his first inning of work, Tilley collected 2 strikeouts, and Tyler Payne threw a runner out attempting to steal 2nd to send it to the bottom half of the second inning.
In the bottom of the second, Harlan Will led off by being hit with a pitch. Trey Payne then followed that up with the Dragons first hit of the game. After Cade Sutton bunted the runners over, Evan Giddens drew a walk to load the bases. The Hawks, were able to escape the danger and get two straight fly outs to keep it 1-0 going to the top of the third.
In the top of the third, Tilley, continued the good work in his first appearance of the season as he struck out the side in between giving up a single and a walk.. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the third. Going to the top of the fourth, Hillgrove still led Pickens, 1-0.
In the top of the fourth, Tilley gave up a 2-out double, but that would be it for the Hawks. Tilley picked up his 6th and 7th strikeout in his 3rd inning of work to keep the Hawks lead at 1-0. In the bottom of the fourth, Cade Sutton would be hit by a pitch with 2 outs, but he would be left stranded at 1st. Going to the fifth, the Hawks still maintained that slim 1-0 lead over the Dragons.
In the top of the fifth, the Hawks extended their lead as they were able to plate a run to make it 2-0. In the bottom half of the fifth, the Dragons were finally able to break through. After a 1-out double by Shouse and a 2-out walk by Holland, Tyler Payne brought in Shouse with an RBI single to make it 2-1. Sam Hammontree, who came on to hit for Will, reached on an error. That error, allowed Holland to come in and score to tie things up at 2 going to the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, the Hawks were able to take the lead right back as they scored 4 runs to take a 6-2 lead over the Dragons. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would cut that lead down to 6-3 as Sutton came in to score after Trace Ledbetter reached on an error. Going to the seventh, Hillgrove led Pickens, 6-3.
In the top of the seventh, the Dragons, now on their 6th pitcher of the game, turned to Freshman Christian Starks to keep the deficit at 3. That is exactly what Starks did as he kept them scoreless on just 12 pitches. In the bottom of the seventh, Harlan Will, who checked back into the game, drew a 1-out walk. Sutton, then kept the game alive with a 2-out double. Giddens, was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Kam Jenkins, who came on to pitch hit for Colby Brooks, also got hit with a pitch to bring in pitch runner Tee Knight to make it 6-4.
Shouse, on an 0-2 count, would then also be hit by a pitch to bring in Sutton to make it 6-5. The Hawks, were able to get the final out and escape the bases loaded jam with the 6-5 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a walk, a double, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1-4 with a single, & 1 RBI
Harlan Will: 1 hit by pitch, & 1 walk
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single
Cade Sutton: 1-1 with a sacrifice bunt, 1 hit by pitch, 1 walk, 1 double, & 2 runs scored
Evan Giddens: 2 walks, & 1 hit by pitch
Kam Jenkins: 1 hit by pitch, & 1 RBI
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
Dragons sweep home & home series against Union
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 22, 2023
Jasper, Ga — After a tough loss to 6A Sequoyah on Monday, February 20th, the Pickens Dragons were right back on the field on Tuesday, February 21st as they welcomed the Union County Panthers to Dunn Field for the second game of their home and home series. The Dragons, defeated the Panthers on February 14th, and looked to sweep the season series. Pickens, used big 4th and 6th innings to help earn a 10-0 win in 6 innings.
In the top of the first, the Panthers, threatened early, but a pop up and a couple of timely strikeouts by Dragons starter Trey Payne, left the bases loaded and sent it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom half of the inning, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Trace Ledbetter, and a 2-out walk from Tyler Payne. The Panthers, got out of it as they caught a line drive hit to center field to keep it tied at 0 going to the second.
In the top of the second, Union had another scoring chance as they would get a 2-out triple. On the next pitch, Trey Payne would force a pop up to shortstop for the third out and send it the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the second, the Dragons, would go down in order and we’d head to the top of the third still scoreless.
In the top of the third, the Panthers again tried to break the tie in this pitchers duel as they had a runner reach on a 1-out error, followed up by a single to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Trey Payne, worked around it and picked up a strikeout and a fielder’s choice out to send it to the bottom of the third still tied at 0. In the bottom of the third, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, hit a 1-out double. Trace Ledbetter, would then drive him in with an RBI single to make it 1-0.
Later on in the inning, after Trey Payne drew a walk, Tyler Payne brought in Ledbetter with a grounder to first base to make it 2-0. Union, escaped even more potential danger as Trey Payne was left stranded at 3rd. Going to the top of the fourth, the Dragons led the Panthers, 2-0.
In the top of the fourth, Trey Payne had his best inning on the mound as picked up two more strikeouts and induced a grounder to 2nd base to get out of the the top half of the fourth on just 7 pitches. In the bottom of the fourth, Dawson Holland led off with a single. Evan Giddens then reached on a 1-out error. Cade Sutton, then drew a walk to load the bases for Shouse. on a 2-0 count, Shouse got a hold of one and sent it over the right field fence for a 3-run homer. Going to the top of the fifth, the Dragons led the Panthers, 5-0.
In the top of the fifth, the Panthers, were looking to get back into the game with a 1-out single, followed by a walk. Tee Knight, who came on in relief of Trey Payne, kept the score 5-0 as he was able to get the final two outs of the top of the fifth on 8 pitches. In the bottom of the fifth, Trey Payne led off by getting hit with a pitch, Tyler Payne reached on an error, and Harlan Will drew a walk to load the bases with no outs.
Union, got out of that jam without giving up any runs as they got a double play, then a pop up to send it to the top of the sixth with Pickens still leading, 5-0.
In the top of the sixth, Knight, still on the mound, worked around a 2-out walk as he kept the Panthers scoreless and sent it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Giddens, led off by getting on base. AJ Rice, who came in to play 3rd for Sutton in the top half of the frame, drew a walk. Shouse, collected his 3rd hit of the day with a single to load the bases. Ledbetter, drove in Giddens and Rice with a 2-RBI single to make it 7-0.
After a ground out by Ezra Faber that advanced Shouse over to 3rd, Jackie Jarrett drove in Shouse with an RBI single to make it 8-0. Kam Jenkins, then brought in Jarrett with an RBI double to make it 9-0. Bradley Prince, put a bow on this one as he drove in Jenkins to give the Dragons the 10-0 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 3-4 with a double, 3-run homer, a single, 2 RBI, & 3 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 3-4 with 3 singles, 3 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Tyler Payne: 1 walk, & 1 RBI
Jackie Jarrett: 1-1 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-1 with a double, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single, & 1 run scored
Evan Giddens: 2 runs scored
Cade Sutton: 1 walk, & 1 run scored
AJ Rice: 1 walk, & 1 run scored
The Dragons, will continue their busy week on Thursday afternoon as they’ll host the Hillgrove Hawks at Dunn Field. Hillgrove, is out of the 7A classification so it will be another chance for the Dragons to take on a bigger school. First pitch is set for 3 pm.
Dragons suffer first loss of the season to 6A Sequoyah
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 21, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was makeup Monday as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Sequoyah Chiefs to Dunn Field as part of the Pickens Mountain Classic Tournament on Monday, February 20th. This game, was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 16th, but was pushed back due to a weather threat. The Chiefs, used a 5 run top of the 5th to break the game open and come away with a 9-3 win.
In the top of the first, the Chiefs got on the board early as they scored 3 runs on 3 hits to take a 3-0 lead going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the first, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, got down 0-2 quickly, but fought off a pitch to send it to right field for a lead off single. Sequoyah, was able to get a double play and a grounder to the 2nd baseman to end any potential scoring chances for the Dragons. Going to the second, it was 3-0 Chiefs.
In the top of the second, Dragons starter and Jacksonville State commit JP Nunn, settled down after a tough first inning and forced two ground outs and collected his lone strikeout of the game during a 9 pitch top half of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Pickens drew three straight 1-out walks to load the bases. The Chiefs, got out of the jam with back to back strikeouts and to keep the lead at 3-0 going to the third.
In the top of the third, the Chiefs extended their lead with a solo home run to left field to make it 4-0. The Dragons defense, then got a ground out to 3rd, catcher Tyler Payne threw out a runner trying to steal 2nd, and Nunn was able to glove a ground ball and flip it to 1st to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons offense broke threw. They did that, by using patience.
Shouse, Trace Ledbetter, and Trey Payne all walked to load the bases with nobody out. Shouse, came home to score on an error to make it 4-1. Harlan Will, brought in Ledbetter on a sacrifice fly to make it 4-2. Dawson Holland, picked up the Dragons 2nd hit of the game with an RBI single to bring in Trey Payne and make it 4-3 Chiefs going to the fourth.
Nunn, carried that momentum built by the offense in the bottom of the third to the top of the fourth as he sat down the Chiefs on 7 pitches with 2 ground outs and a fly out. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons couldn’t get anything going as Sequoyah struck out the side to send it to the top of the fifth with the Chiefs still ahead, 4-3.
In the top of the fifth, the Chiefs added 5 runs as a 3-run double was the big blow in the top half of the frame. Going to the bottom half of the fifth, Sequoyah now led it, 9-3. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons got a lead off hit from Ledbetter. Trey Payne, then reached on a fielder’s choice as Ledbetter would be out at 2nd. Tyler Payne, was then hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Chiefs, were able to get out of trouble again as they forced back to back pop ups to send it to the top of the sixth with Sequoyah up, 9-3.
In the top of the sixth, Freshman AJ Rice, did a really great job of bouncing back after a tough fifth inning as he needed 10 pitches to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons again got the lead off man on as Cade Sutton was hit by a pitch. Evan Giddens then followed it up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs. As they had done all game, the Chiefs got out of trouble with back to back strikeouts and a fly out to keep it 9-3 going to the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Tate Hales came on in relief of Rice and he picked up where Rice left off in the top of the sixth as Hales needed 9 pitches to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Trey Payne led off with a walk. He then moved over to 2nd after Tyler Payne grounded to 1st. Payne would be left stranded at 2nd as the Chiefs got a strikeout and a fly out to end the game and take this one, 9-3.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 2 walks & 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 sacrifice bunt, & 1 hit by pitch
Harlan Will: 1 walk, 1 sacrifice fly, & 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1 walk & 1 hit by pitch
Evan Giddens: 1-3 with a single
The Dragons, will be back on the field on Tuesday, February 21st as they host the Union County Panthers for the conclusion of their home and home series. Pickens, won 8-2 at Union on February 14th, and will look to take the series outright with a win on their turf. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons sweep Luella, earn first trip to Sweet 16
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 28, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After sweeping the Ridgeland Panthers last week, the Pickens Dragons earned the #2 seed for 7-AAAA. For the first time in school history, the Dragons would be hosting a playoff series as they welcomed the #3 seed out of region 5, the Luella Lions. The 4A State Baseball Tournament format is a doubleheader on one day, and if needed, a third and final game the next day. Two wins advances you to the next round. The Dragons, had outstanding pitching in both games on Wednesday, April 27th, and the bats weren’t bad either as they swept the Lions in the doubleheader, 16-1 and 12-1.
Game 1:
Trey Payne took the mound for the Dragons in game 1 of the best of 3 series and he was fantastic. Payne, got the Lions in order with a strikeout, a pop out, and a fly out to left field on 12 pitches to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the first, the designated hitter Sam Hammontree, led off with a double. Hammontree, would then advance to 3rd on a grounder by Trace Ledbetter. Anthony Antinozzi would drive in Hammontree on another grounder to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead going to the second.
In the top of the second, Payne picked up where he left off in the first as he again sat Luella down in order on 11 pitches. In the bottom half of the second, Payne led off by reaching on an error by the center fielder. After a pop out and a fly out, James Tilley drew a walk to reach 1st. Colby Brooks, then laced a single into the outfield as both courtesy runner Tee Knight and Tilley would come around to score to make it 3-0 Dragons. Hammontree, then hit another double, this one scoring Brooks to make it 4-0 Pickens going to the third.
In the top of the third, Payne got the bottom third of the Lions lineup in order on 11 pitches to send the Dragons bats back up to the plate. In the bottom of the third, Pickens broke things open. Using 6 hits, a couple of errors, and several stolen bases, the Dragons scored 7 runs in the bottom of the third to make it 11-0 going to the the fourth.
In the top of the fourth, Luella got it’s only hit and run of the game off of a solo home run. The Lions, would also draw a 2-out walk, but Payne would get the next batter to pop up to Evan Giddens on the next pitch to send it to the bottom of the fourth with Pickens leading, 11-1. In the bottom of the fourth, Cade Sutton reached on a 1-out walk. Giddens, then drove him in with an RBI single. Tilley, then reached on a single of his own. Brooks, would drive in both Giddens and Tilley with a 2 RBI single to make it 14-1. With 2 outs, Ledbetter stepped to the plate. On a 1-0 count, he would smack one over the left field wall for a 2-run home run and to walk off game one giving the Dragons a 16-1 win.
Game 2:
For game 2 of the best of 3 series, the Dragons were designated the “away” team, and the Lions were designated the “home” team. In the top of the first, the Dragons carried over their hot bats from game 1 as Sam Hammontree led off with a double. Trace Ledbetter would drive him in with an RBI single. Anthony Antinozzi, then drew a walk. After Ledbetter advanced to 3rd, the Dragons did a double steal as Antinozzi took 2nd, and Ledbetter came home on the throw to 2nd to make it 2-0. Antinozzi, was then able to tag up and advance to 3rd after a fly ball to right field by Harlan Will. Antinozzi, came in to score on a sacrifice by Trey Payne to make it 3-0 Pickens going to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the first, Dragons starter JP Nunn, got into a bit of a jam as he issued a 1-out walk and then the next batter would reach on an error to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Nunn, was able to shake it off and pick up his 1st and 2nd strikeout of the game to send it to the second with the Dragons ahead, 3-0.
In the top of the second, Pickens got hits from Hammontree, Antinozzi, and Will as they plated 4 runs on 3 hits and 2 errors to stretch the lead out to 7-0 going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Nunn had a less stressful half inning as he picked up his 3rd and 4th strikeout and sat the Lions down on just 9 pitches. Going to the third, the Dragons led Luella, 7-0.
In the top of the third, James Tilley reached on an error by the 3rd baseman with 2-out to keep the inning alive. Colby Brooks, drove in Tilley with a double to make it 8-0 Pickens going to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Nunn kept rolling as he picked up his 5th and 6th strikeout of the game and sent it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 8-0.
In the top of the fourth, Ledbetter led off with a walk. After Antinozzi flew out to right, Will drew a walk. Payne, brought in both runs with a base hit to make it 10-0. After a fly out by Sutton, Giddens drew a walk. Tilley, would then bring in Payne with an RBI single to make it 11-0. Brooks, followed that up with an RBI single of his own as Giddens would come in to score. Going to the bottom of the fourth, Pickens led Luella, 12-0. In the bottom of the fourth, the Lions got on the board again with a solo home run to make it 12-1. Luella followed that up with a little bloop hit down the right field line. Payne, patrolling right, got to the ball and threw a strike to Tilley covering 2nd to get the runner trying to stretch a single into a double. Nunn, did the rest of the work in the fourth as he picked up his 7th and 8th strikeout to send it to the fifth with the Dragons up, 12-1.
In the top of the fifth, the Dragons brought in some substitutions to get an at bat. First up, Cason Cannon, who sent a shot right back where it came from, but was caught by the pitcher. After a line out to right by Stephens, Jackie Jarrett drew a 2-out walk. He would be left stranded at 1st as the Lions got a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Ledbetter came on to try to finish this game off. After striking out the first two batters looking, the Lions were able to draw a 2-out walk. Not fazed by the walk, Ledbetter struck out the next batter looking to seal the win 12-1, and send the Dragons to the Sweet 16.
Up next for the Dragons, a date with the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets in the Sweet 16. The Yellow Jackets, are the #1 seed out of region 1. They swept New Hampstead in the first round. This will be the Dragons first ever trip to the Sweet 16 of the state baseball tournament. Games 1 and 2 are set for Tuesday, May 3rd and the “if” game is set for May 4th. Times are to be determined.
Dragons sweep series with Southeast Whitfield
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 9, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After defeating the Raiders on Tuesday, 13-1, the Pickens Dragons welcomed Southeast Whitfield to Dunn Field for games 2 and 3 of the series on Friday, April 8th. After a tough stretch that included a 4 game losing skid, the Dragons looked to sweep the Raiders and keep pace near the top of the 7-AAAA standings. Using timely pitching in game 2, and hot bats in game 3, the Dragons did indeed pick up the sweep.
Game 2:
Trey Payne started for the Dragons in game 2 of the series. After giving up a 1-out solo home run, Payne settled down and sent it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the first, Trace Ledbetter and Anthony Antinozzi both reached on 1-out walks. Harlan Will, then reached on an error, which allowed both Ledbetter and Antinozzi to score. Trey Payne then laced a double into the outfield to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Raiders, were able to force two consecutive pop outs to get out of the inning. Going to the second, Pickens led Southeast Whitfield, 2-1.
In the top of the second, Payne worked around a pair of walks as he picked up his first two strikeouts of the game to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Evan Giddens reached with a 1-out single and Ledbetter reached with a 2-out walk. They would be left stranded however as the Raiders once again forced a fly out to end the inning and keep it 2-1 Dragons going to the third.
In the top of the third, Southeast Whitfield retook the lead using two hits and two walks to plate 2 runs to make it 3-2 Raiders. In the bottom of the third, Pickens went down in order. Going to the top of the fourth, the Raiders now led the Dragons, 3-2.
Tate Hales came on in relief of Trey Payne in the top of the fourth and Hales had a phenomenal outing. Hales, kept the Raiders bats quiet in the top of the fourth to send it to the bottom of the frame. Hales, then reached on a 1-out single. Tyler Payne, then reached on a 2-out single. The Raiders, were able to get the runner at the plate to end the inning and send it to the fifth with Southeast Whitfield still leading, 3-2.
In the top of the fifth, Hales again held the Raiders scoreless as his impressive outing continued. In the bottom of the fifth, Antinozzi reached on a 1-out single. Will, then reached after drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with still 1-out. After the runners moved up to 2nd and 3rd, Trey Payne drove in Antinozzi with a grounder to the second baseman. After a 2-out walk drawn by Cade Sutton, the Dragons had runners at 1st and 3rd. The Raiders, were able to get out of the inning having just given up the 1 run. Going to the sixth, Pickens and Southeast Whitfield were tied at 3.
In the top of the sixth, Hales needed just 5 pitches to sit the Raiders down in order, and send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Hales, reached with his second hit of the game. Colby Brooks, running for Hales, stole 2nd to get in scoring position. Sam Hammontree, who came on in the top of the inning as a replacement for Ledbetter, drove in Brooks with an RBI single to give the Dragons a 4-3 lead going to the seventh.
JP Nunn came on in relief of Hales to try and close it out. The Raiders, made it interesting as they drew three straight walks to load the bases. Nunn, then forced a grounder to the shortstop Giddens who threw home for the force out. Nunn, then got back to back strikeouts to close it out and give the Dragons the 4-3 win.
Game 3:
After winning game 2 and taking the series, the Dragons looked to get the three game sweep over the Southeast Whitfield Raiders. In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter James Tilley needed 11 pitches to get the Raiders in order. In the bottom of the first, Pickens struck early as Harlan Will led off with a walk, his courtesy runner Tee Knight, stole 2nd, reached 3rd on a wild pitch, then ended up scoring on that same wild pitch. Anthony Antinozzi, who drew to walk initially, reached 2nd during the madness. Tyler Payne, then drove in Antinozzi with a 1-out double to make it 2-0 Dragons. Cade Sutton, followed that RBI double with an RBI double of his own to score Payne to make it 3-0 Pickens going to the second.
In the top of the second, Tilley continued his stellar outing as he needed 10 pitches to get out of the top half of the second. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons bats came alive. Pickens, batted around and plated 7 runs to stretch their lead over the Raiders to 10-0 going to the third.
In the top of the third, Tilley struck out the side to bring his total to 4 on the night. Heading to the bottom of the frame, the Dragons still led Southeast Whitfield, 10-0. In the bottom of the third, Antinozzi started it off with a lead off walk. Trey Payne drove in Antinozzi with an RBI single to make it 11-0. Sutton, drove in Payne after a grounder to the third baseman to make it 12-0. Tilley, reached on a walk, and Sam Hammontree reached on an error. A single from Colby Brooks drove in Tilley and Hammontree to make it 14-0. Evan Giddens, then reached on a walk. Will, then blooped one into shallow left field to score Brooks to make it 15-0. With the run rule in place, the Dragons took game 3, 15-0, and earned the sweep of Southeast Whitfield.
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Cedartown: 16-7 (10-2)
Heritage: 15-9 (8-4)
Pickens: 14-9 (9-6)
Central-Carroll: 15-8 (7-5)
Northwest Whitfield: 13-10 (7-5)
Ridgeland: 7-12 (3-9)
Southeast Whitfield: 3-23 (1-14)
The Dragons, will be out of region play next week as they will play four games with three different teams. First up, a home and home series with the Sonoraville Phoenix. The first game of the series will be at Sonoraville on Monday, April 11th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons defeat Generals to begin region series
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 23, 2022
Jasper, Ga — Coming off of a series with Northwest Whitfield last week which saw the Dragons take two of three from the Bruins, Pickens began a series with the Heritage Generals on Tuesday, March 22nd. Heritage, swept the Southeast Whitfield Raiders two weeks ago, but did not participate in region play last week. The Generals, came into the game with a 9-5 overall record and 3-0 in 7-AAAA play. The Dragons, came into the game with an identical 9-5 overall record and a 4-2 record in 7-AAAA play. Off the strength of big time pitching performances by Connor Shouse and JP Nunn, the Dragons came away with a 5-1 win over the Generals in game 1 of the series.
Sophomore Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons in game 1 of the series. After giving up a lead off walk, Shouse was able to regroup as he would collect his first two strikeouts of the game and send us to the bottom of the first, still 0-0. In the bottom of the first, Shouse led off with a single to the right side. Shouse then took 2nd after a passed ball. He would be left at 2nd as the Generals were able to force a pop up to 3rd, a strikeout, and a ground out to send us to the top of the second, still scoreless.
In the top of the second, Heritage was again able to draw a lead off walk. After the walk, Shouse collected himself and struck out the side to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons were able to get on the board with a couple of runs. Tyler Payne worked the count full then drew a 1-out walk, Trey Payne then hit a single, James Tilley followed that up with a single of his own to load the bases. Colby Brooks, reached on a fielder’s choice as courtesy runner Cason Cannon and Trey Payne came around to score to make it 2-0. Shouse then drew a four pitch walk, and Trace Ledbetter followed with a single to again load the bases. Brooks came in to score after Anthony Antinozzi reached on an error to make it 3-0. The Generals, were able to force a fly out to center as we’d head to the top of the third with Pickens now leading Heritage, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Heritage, was able to force yet another lead off walk. Their third in three innings. The Dragons got a big double play after the walk as Ledbetter gathered the ground ball, stepped on first, then fired it to Tilley at second to complete the double play. Shouse then ended the top half of the third with his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the third, Cade Sutton led off by reaching on an error. After a beautiful bunt by Tyler Payne, Sutton found himself at 2nd. Trey Payne then reached on a 4 pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with just 1 out. Tilley, reached first on a fielder’s choice, which allowed Sutton to come in and score to make it 4-0 Dragons. Brooks, then nearly beat out a grounder to the third baseman as they’d go to the top of the fourth, with Pickens leading the Generals, 4-0.
In the top of the fourth, Shouse picked up his 7th strikeout of the game to begin the top half of the frame. While the pitches weren’t missing by much, Heritage was able to draw a walk for the 4th time to put a runner at 1st. After the walk, Shouse then collected his 8th strikeout for the second out of the inning. After the Generals picked up their first hit of the ball game, Shouse ended the top half of the fourth with his 9th strikeout to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Heritage got it’s first clean inning of the game as they were able to force two fly outs and a ground out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons ahead, 4-0.
In the top of the fifth, Shouse forced two ground outs and picked up his 10th strikeout in a clean top half of the frame to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Sutton reached on a 1-out single. Tyler Payne reached on a 4-pitch walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The runners then moved up to 2nd and 3rd as Trey Payne grounded out to first. Tilley, drove in the courtesy runner Cannon to make it 5-0 Pickens. Tilley, advanced to 2nd on the throw home and the Dragons had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-outs. Heritage, got out of the inning after a fly out to right field and they’d go to the top of the sixth with Pickens now leading the Generals, 5-0.
In the top of the sixth, JP Nunn came on in relief of Shouse. Heritage picked up a run on 3 hits in the top of the inning to cut the Dragons lead to 5-1. In the bottom of the frame, Ledbetter reached on a 1-out single. Antinozzi reached on a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Generals, forced to pop outs to send it to the seventh with the Dragons ahead, 5-1.
In the top of the seventh, Nunn worked around a lead off walk as he picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout and left that runner stranded to end the ball game and seal the win for the Dragons in game 1 of the series, 5-1.
Stats For The Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single and a walk (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K, 4 BB, 81 pitches)
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with 2 singles
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 walk
Cade Sutton: 1-4 with a single and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 2 walks, and 1 sacrifice bunt
Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored
James Tilley: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 RBI
Colby Brooks: 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Cason Cannon: 2 runs scored
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 9-6 (3-1)
Pickens: 10-5 (5-2)
Cedartown: 9-6 (5-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 8-7 (2-2)
Central-Carroll: 10-7 (3-4)
Ridgeland: 6-7 (2-4)
Southeast Whitfield: 3-14 (1-6)
The Dragons and Generals, will now turn their attention to the doubleheader that is set for Friday, March 25th at Heritage. The first game of the doubleheader has a first pitch time of 4:30 pm. The second game will follow shortly after the first game concludes.
Dragons sweep doubleheader to take region series from Lions
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 10, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After an exciting finish to the first game of the doubleheader, the two teams took a break to recharge and get ready for the second game. The second game, was just as exciting or even more exciting then the first game. The Dragons, again had to make a comeback as they swept the doubleheader and took the best of 3 series from the Lions with a 7-5 win in the nightcap.
The Dragons, were the visitors in the second game of the doubleheader so they had the first crack with the bats. Connor Shouse led off the game by drawing a walk. Trace Ledbetter advanced Shouse to third with a double. Shouse and Ledbetter would be brought in by consecutive productive outs by Trey Payne and Harlan Will. Going to the bottom of the first, Pickens led Central-Carroll, 2-0. In the bottom of the first, Dragons starter James Tilley needed just 6 pitches to get through the top of the Lions order as we headed to the second, with the Dragons leading, 2-0.
In the top of the second, Pickens would go down in order as the score remained 2-0. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley picked up his 1st and 2nd strikeout of the game, but the Lions were able to plate 4 runs on 4 hits to take the lead going to the third, 4-2.
In the top of the third, Shouse reached on an error with 1-out. He would eventually come around to score as the Dragons cut the Central-Carroll lead down to 4-3. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley had another quick half inning as he sat down the Lions on 9 pitches to send us to the fourth with Central-Carroll ahead, 4-3.
In the top of the fourth, Cade Sutton drew a 1-out walk and Colby Brooks legged out a 2-out single to put runners at first and second. The Lions were able to get out of that scoring threat, and send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Tilley, picked up his 3rd strikeout, but Central-Carroll added a run to their total to extend their lead to 5-3 going to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, both Ledbetter and Trey Payne reached on a pair of infield errors. Will then moved them over with a fantastic sacrifice bunt. Tyler Payne then also reached on an error. Ledbetter and Trey Payne would come around to score to tie things up at 5 going to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Tate Hales came on in relief of Tilley and he was impressive in his outing. Hales, kept the game tied at 5 and sent us to the sixth inning.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons loaded the bases after Shouse reached on a fielder’s choice, Trey Payne drew a walk, and Will was hit with a pitch. The Lions, were able to get out of that potential sticky situation and keep the game tied at 5 going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the sixth, JP Nunn, yes, the same JP Nunn who picked up the save in game 1 of the doubleheader, came on in relief of Hales in the bottom of the sixth. Nunn, was able to work around some at bats by the Lions and keep the game deadlocked at 5 going to the top of the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Antinozzi and Sutton reached on back to back singles. Tilley, then reached after drawing a walk to load the bases. Shouse, put up a good battle after being down 0-2 to drive in Antinozzi with a sacrifice fly and give the Dragons a 6-5 lead. Ledbetter, then drew a walk to load the bases once again. Trey Payne followed that up by drawing a walk of his own to bring in Sutton to make it 7-5 Pickens going to the bottom of the inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Nunn headed back to the mound to try to preserve the win and the series for the Dragons. The Lions, made things interesting as they loaded the bases with 2-outs. Nunn, was able to work around that and get a strikeout to seal the win for the Dragons, 7-5.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with a double, a single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored
Trey Payne: 2 walks, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Harlan Will: 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI
Anthony Antinozzi: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 walks, and 1 run scored
James Tilley: 1 walk
Colby Brooks: 2-4 with 2 singles
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 7-3 (2-0)
Heritage: 6-3 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-4 (0-0)
Ridgeland: 4-3 (0-0)
Cedartown: 4-4 (0-0)
Southeast Whitfield: 2-9 (0-1)
Central-Carroll: 7-5 (0-2)
The Dragons, will be back in action on Thursday, March 10th as they again host the Central-Carroll Lions for the third and final game of the series. With the series win already in their pocket, the Dragons will look to complete the sweep. First pitch set for 4 pm at Dunn Field at Pickens High School.