Rice tosses shutout; Dragons advance to Sweet 16
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 26, 2023
Jasper Ga — It was win or go home on Tuesday, April 25th for both the Pickens Dragons and Hart County Bulldogs as they took the field for the 3rd and final game of their best of three series in the first round of the GHSA 3A State Baseball Tournament. The Bulldogs, won game 1, 4-3 in 9 innings, while the Dragons won game 2, 5-4 on Monday. The Dragons, got a complete game shutout from Freshman A.J. Rice as they won game 3, 8-0.
In the top of the first, Rice tossed a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons, went down in order also with a fly out and 2 ground outs to send it to the second with the game tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Rice needed 12 pitches to get a pop out and 2 more ground outs in another clean inning. In the bottom half of the inning, designated hitter Tyler Payne, led off with a single. Dawson Holland, would move pitch runner Ezra Faber over to 2nd with a sacrifice bunt. After Kam Jenkins reached on a walk, ’23 Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, came through with a 2-out RBI single to bring in Faber to make it 1-0 Dragons going to the third.
In the top of the third, the Bulldogs, picked up their first base runner and first hit of the game with a 1-out single. The Bulldogs, would then get another runner on after being hit with a pitch with 2-out. Rice, as he’s done all season it seems, kept his composure and was able to induce a ground out to 3rd to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, ’24 Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, led off by drawing a walk.
Trace Ledbetter, followed that up by reaching on a fielding error to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Trey Payne, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases with nobody out. Shouse, would come in to score on a wild pitch. Ledbetter and Trey Payne would advance to 2nd and 3rd on the same pitch. Tyler Payne, would reach on a full count walk to load the bases again.
Holland, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Ledbetter would be thrown out at home after a grounder to 3rd for the first out. The Bulldogs, got out of the jam with only the 1 run given up as they induced an inning ending double play. Going to the fourth, the Dragons, now led the Bulldogs, 2-0.
In the top of the fourth, Rice, found himself in a little bit of a jam again as he gave up a single, and then hit a batter with 1-out. His defense, which had been making plays behind him all game, got some more help from them as his Freshman battery mate Jenkins, threw out a runner trying to steal 3rd for the 2nd out. Rice, finished off the top of the fourth in strong fashion with his 2nd strikeout to send it to the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the fourth, Giddens and Colby Brooks, both reached on back to back fielding errors with 1-out. Shouse, would then get hit with a pitch on an 0-2 count to load the bases. Giddens, would come in to score on a fielder’s choice by Ledbetter. Ledbetter, would catch the Bulldogs off guard and steal 2nd. Trey Payne, would then drive in Brooks and Ledbetter with a single to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Rice, picked up his 3rd strikeout and 2 ground outs in a 9-pitch top half of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Sam Hammontree, pitch hitting for James Tilley, sent the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a 2-out double. Tilley, would then re-enter to run for Hammontree. Giddens, drove in Tilley with an RBI single to make it 6-0 Dragons going to the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, after giving up a lead off single, Rice, picked up his 4th strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Lebetter, reached on a 1-out single. Davin Abernathy, would come in to pitch run for Ledbetter. Abernathy, would then get to 2nd on a wild pitch. Trey Payne, would reach base with a single. Abernathy and Payne, would then advance on a wild pitch.
With Senior Harlan Will at the plate, he would drive in both Abernathy and Payne with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-0 Dragons going to the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Rice, ended his very impressive outing with a 1-2-3 frame as Shouse made three great plays at short for all three outs. The Dragons, get the win 8-0 in game 3 to take the series, 2-1.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single, 2 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single, and 1 walk
Harlan Will: 1-1 with a double and 2 RBI
Dawson Holland: 1 sacrifice bunt
Kam Jenkins: 1 walk and 1 runner thrown out
Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with a double
Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
Davin Abernathy: 1 run scored
Ezra Faber: 1 run scored
James Tilley: 1 run scored
A.J. Rice: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 HBP, 4 K on 89 pitches
The Dragons, will now look towards Saturday, April 29th as they begin a best of three series with the Gordon Lee Trojans with a doubleheader. The Trojans, are representing region 6 as the #2 seed. They are 20-8 overall. The Trojans, swept Cedar Grove in the first round to get to this point. It should be an entertaining series between a pair of good teams.
Dragons shut out Tallulah Falls on Senior Night
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 22, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a great day to celebrate as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Tallulah Falls Indians on Friday, April 21st for Senior Night. Prior to the ball game, the Dragons recognized their 4 Seniors from the 2023 class. Colby Brooks, Evan Giddens, Tee Knight, and Harlan Will were honored for their contributions to the Pickens baseball program. Their parents, threw out the first pitch to their sons to close out the ceremony. The Dragons, picked up their 26th win of the season with a 5-0 shut out of the Indians.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter Tee Knight, worked around a 1-out walk as he got some help from his defense as Connor Shouse picked up a ball that dropped in the outfield and threw a strike to Senior Evan Giddens who tagged out the runner for the 2nd out. Knight, picked up his 1st strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse, Trace Ledbetter, and Dawson Holland all reached on consecutive walks to load the bases.
Senior Harlan Will, drove in Shouse with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 1-0. After a single from Tyler Payne to load the bases again, Trey Payne brought in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 2-0. James Tilley, drove in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.
In the top of the second, Knight, worked around a lead off single as he got back to back pop ups an his 2nd strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the second, Senior Colby Brooks led off with an infield single. Brooks, advanced to 3rd on a 1-out single by Ledbetter. The Dragons, then pulled off a double steal as Ledbetter stopped halfway to 2nd which allowed Brooks to come in and score to make it 4-0 going to the third.
In the top of the third, after getting a fly out for the 1st out of the frame, Knight would be relieved by Tate Hales. Hales, worked around a 1-out walk to get a fly out and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Tyler Payne, reached on a 1-out single. Trey Payne, would reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner Davin Abernathy would be throw out at 2nd.
The Indians starter, Andrew Skvarka, got out of the bottom of the third with another ground out to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 4-0.
In the top of the fourth, Hales would be relieved by Cason Cannon. Cannon, had an impressive outing as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a fly out on 8 pitches to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Giddens, led off with a single. He would advance to 3rd on the play after a 2-base error. Shouse, brought in Giddens with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Cannon, continued his fantastic outing as he picked up two more strikeouts and a ground out to short in a clean fifth inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Sam Hammontree, who came in for Tyler Payne, reached on a 2-out single. Hammontree, would advance to 3rd after Trey Payne reached on an error. They would be left stranded and the game would go to the sixth, with the Dragons still leading, 5-0.
In the top of the sixth, JP Nunn came on in relief of Cannon. The Indians, had their first big threat of the game as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Nunn, got out of the jam with back to back strikeouts and a pop up to 1st to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Giddens, again led off with a single. After Shouse reached with a 1-out single, Christian Starks, who came on for Holland in the fifth, got on with a 2-out walk to load the bases.
The Indians, were able to get out of their own bases loaded jam to send it to the top of the seventh with the Dragons ahead, 5-0.
Nunn, came back out for the top of the seventh to close things out. Nunn did just that as he had a clean 1-2-3 inning with 2 strikeouts and a ground out to short as the Dragons picked up the win, 5-0.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1 walk
Harlan Will: 1 RBI
Tyler Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles
Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with a single
Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI
James Tilley: 1 RBI
Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 1-2 with a single and 1 run scored
Tee Knight: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K on 40 pitches
Tate Hales: .2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K on 19 pitches
Cason Cannon: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, on 25 pitches
JP Nunn: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 HBP, 4 K, on 27 pitches
The Dragons, finish the regular season at 26-4 overall and 7-AAA region champions. Next up for the Dragons, a first round best of 3 series with the Hart County Bulldogs in the GHSA 3A State Baseball Tournament. The Bulldogs, are the #4 seed out of region 8. The best of 3 series begins on Monday, April 24th with a doubleheader at Dunn Field. First pitch for game 1 is set for 5:00 pm.
Dragons defeat Shiloh in non-region action
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 19, 2023
Snellvelle, Ga — What a warm day for baseball it was on Wednesday, April 19th as the Pickens Dragons made the trip down to Snellville to take on the Shiloh Generals in non-region action. The Generals, are out of region 8 in the 6A classification. The bats for the Dragons, were just as hot as the weather as they scored 10 runs in the 4th in route to a 13-2 win in 5 innings.
In the top of the first, Trace Ledbetter reached by drawing a 1-out walk. He would be left stranded as Generals starter Rodney Mudd, got a fly out and a ground out to go along with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Dragons starter Trey Payne, worked around DuShawn Andrews reaching on a dropped 3rd strike, and Nicholas Johnson getting hit by a pitch with 1-out, as he picked up his 1st strikeout and a ground out.
Going to the top of the second, the Dragons and Generals were tied up at 0.
In the top of the second, Dawson Holland led off with a single. He then advanced to 2nd on an error. Freshman Kam Jenkins, drove him in with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. After a 2-out single by Senior Young Harris commit Evan Giddens reached with a single, Colby Brooks would bring Jenkins in on the fielder’s choice to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Anthony Vu led off with a single. Vu, would advance to 2nd after a sacrifice bunt from Malcolm Robinson. David Johnson, drove in Vu with an RBI double to cut the Dragons lead down to 2-1. Jaden Mercedes, would move Johnson over to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. Johnson, would come in to score on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2 going to the top of the third.
In the top of the third, the Dragons tried to get a little 2-out rally going as Holland would draw a full count walk, and Jenkins would get hit with a pitch on a 3-0 count. Mudd, got a pop up to 2nd for the third out to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Trey Payne, worked around a lead off single by Andrews as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the fourth inning still tied at 2.
In the top of the fourth, the Dragons, broke the game open as they plated 10 runs on 6 hits, 3 walks, a balk, and a passed ball to lead it 12-2 going to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Week James Tilley, came on in relief of Trey Payne and picked up a 1-2-3 inning with a ground out, a strikeout, and a pop up to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading, 12-2.
In the top of the fifth, Holland and Tilley both reached on 1-out walks. Giddens, drove in Holland with an RBI single to make it 13-2 Dragons going to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, came on in relief of Tilley. Shouse, worked around a 1-out hit batter as he struck out 2 and induced a ground out as the Dragons defeat the Generals, 13-2 in 5 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored & 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K on 13 pitches
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored & 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K on 40 pitches
Harlan Will: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 2-2 with 2 singles, 2 walks, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1 walk and 1 run scored
James Tilley: 1 walk & 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 7 pitches
Evan Giddens: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 HBP, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Colby Brooks: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
The Dragons, will be back home on Friday, April 21st as they will host the Tallulah Falls Indians at Dunn Field for Senior Night. It will be the final game of the 2023 regular season. The first pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons capture first Region Championship
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 14, 2023
Jasper, Ga — While the weather outside at times looked uncertain, it held off enough so that the Pickens Dragons and the Lumpkin County Indians could get in game 2 of their 3-game 7-AAA series on Thursday, April 13th. Coming into the game, the Indians were up 1-0 in the series after winning 4-0 in Dahlonega on Tuesday. The Dragons, needing just one more win to secure a region championship, got it after James Tilley threw a complete game no hitter in a 2-0 victory.
In the top of the first, the Indians got their lead off man on as Harper Davenport reached on an error. Davenport, would be thrown out at 2nd as Narvaez reached on a fielder’s chioce. Dragons starter James Tilley, picked up his first K of the night for the second out. Catcher Kam Jenkins, would then throw out Narvaez trying to steal 2nd to send it to the bottom of the first inning.
In the bottom of the first, Junior Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, led off by reaching on a first pitch single to left field. Shouse would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. After a pop up for the first out, the Indians picked up a double play to get out of the first inning as they got another pop up to 2nd and threw out Shouse who over-slid 3rd base trying to tag from 2nd. Going to the second, it was tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Tilley, sat the Indians down in order with his 2nd strikeout, and two ground outs. In the bottom of the second, Dawson Holland reached after drawing a full count walk. Jenkins followed with a single to left center to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A.J. Rice, who was looking to bunt the runners over, reached after there was miscommunication between the Indians defense and there was no one covering 1st.
Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, brought in Holland and the Dragons took a 1-0 lead. Colby Brooks, kept the inning going as he reached on a fielder’s choice. Indians starter Adian Rogers, got a fly out to center to get out of the bases loaded jam and keep the deficit to just 1-0 going to the top of the third.
In the top of the third, Tilley, got the first two outs of the frame with his 3rd strikeout and a grounder to 1st. After Tyler Boggs drew a 2-out walk, Davenport would line the next pitch to center where Brooks made a diving catch for the third out of the top half of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Trace Ledbetter, led off by getting hit with a pitch. The Indians, got another double play with a line out to Rogers and pitch runner Sam Dart was throw out at 1st.
Rogers, would then get designated hitter Tyler Payne to ground out to short to end the third and send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 1-0.
In the top of the fourth, Cooper Scott, would reach after a dropped third strike. Peyton Wood, would reach on a fielder’s choice as he beat out the throw to 1st. Tilley, picked up his 5th strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the fourth. Rogers, got his first 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a ground out, a fly out, and his first strikeout to send it to the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 1-0.
In the top of the fifth, Tilley kept rolling with a 1-2-3 frame as he picked up two fly outs and his 6th strikeout. In the bottom of the fifth, Rogers, who was pitching just as well as Tilley, got three straight fly outs to send it to the sixth with Pickens still ahead of Lumpkin, 1-0.
In the top of the sixth, Tilley, picked up strikeout number 7 and 8 in-between a ground out to short to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Ledbetter led off with a double. Trey Payne, moved Ledbetter over to 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Brewton Parker College commit, Harlan Will, came on to hit for Tyler Payne and did his job as he brought in Ledbetter with the sacrifice fly RBI to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Tilley, finished off his masterpiece with a fly out to right, a ground out to 2nd, and his 9th strikeout to give the Dragons the 2-0 win and to secure their first region championship.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a hit by pitch, a double, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1 sacrifice bunt
Harlan Will: 1 sacrifice fly and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with a single
A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a single
Evan Giddens: 1 RBI
James Tilley: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K on 101 pitches
7-AAA Standings:
Pickens: 23-4 (15-2) Region Champions
Wesleyan: 14-7 (11-3)
Lumpkin: 19-6 (10-4)
Dawson: 13-13 (8-7)
White County: 11-14 (6-9)
West Hall: 6-18 (2-12)
Gilmer: 6-19 (0-15)
The Dragons, will be back in Dahlonega on Friday, April 14th as they will finish off the 3-game series with the Lumpkin County Indians. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm weather permitting.
Dragons defeat Bobcats to push win streak to 10 games
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 29, 2023
Ellijay, Ga — It was a nice but windy day on Tuesday, March 28th as the Pickens Dragons traveled the short distance up to Ellijay for game 1 of their 3-game region series against their 515 rival, the Gilmer Bobcats. Coming into the game, the Dragons were riding a 9 game win streak and were tied atop the 7-AAA Standings with Lumpkin. The Bobcats, came into the game looking to break a bad string of luck and to pick up their first region win. The Dragons, piled up 15 K’s as a team continued their winning ways with a 7-1 victory.
In the top of the first, the Dragons wasted no time getting on the board as Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, worked a full count and then sent a baseball over the left field wall to give Pickens the 1-0 lead. Harlan Will, reached on a 2-out walk, but the Bobcats starter Ethan McCollum, got out of the top half of the first only allowing the 1 run. In the bottom of the first, Austin Zabala led off by drawing a walk.
Shouse, the starter for the Dragons, settled down and got a grounder to 3rd base, and 2 strikeouts to send it to the top of the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, James Tilley reached after drawing a full count walk. Colby Brooks, then reached on a bunt single with 2-outs. Shouse, followed that up by drawing a walk to load the bases. McCollum, again was able to avoid the scoring threat and send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the frame, the Bobcats, got a 1-out walk, and a 2-out walk. Shouse, was able to work around those pair of walks to send it to the third with the Dragons up, 1-0.
In the top of the third, Dawson Holland led off by reaching on an error. Will, followed up with a single. Holland, came in to score after a single by Trey Payne to make it 2-0. Kam Jenkins, reached after a dropped 3rd strike. Tilley, brought in pitch runner Ezra Faber with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Shouse, had his cleanest inning of the game as he picked up 2 K’s and a grounder on 8 pitches.
Going to the top of the fourth, the Dragons now led the Bobcats, 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, Shouse led off by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He then stole 2nd base to put himself in scoring position for Trace Ledbetter. Ledbetter, drove in Shouse with an RBI double to make it 4-0 Dragons. Holland, followed that up by reaching on an error. Tyler Payne, pitch hitting for Will, drove in Ledbetter with a grounder to make it 5-0. Holland, would come around to score as Jenkins reached on a 2-out single and Tilley drew a full count walk.
In the bottom of the fourth, Shouse picked up his 2nd consecutive 1-2-3 inning as he struck out the side on 11 pitches to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons leading the Bobcats, 6-0.
In the top of the fifth, Brooks led off with his 2nd hit of the game. Brooks, then advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. After the Bobcats got Shouse out on a fly out, they would get Brooks out in a rundown for the 2nd out. Hayden Berry, who came on in relief of McCollum, got a come backer for the 3rd and final out of the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, finished his outing off strong with 2 more K’s and a grounder to send it to the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, Haden West, who came on in relief of Berry, picked up the Bobcats first 1-2-3 inning as he got 2 grounders and a pop up to send it to the bottom of the inning with the Dragons leading 6-0. Cason Cannon, came on in relief of Shouse in the bottom of the sixth and he was impressive in his 1 inning of work. Cannon, picked up 2 K’s and a pop up to send it to the seventh, with Pickens leading Gilmer, 6-0.
In the top of the seventh, Christian Starks, pitch hitting for Tilley, reached on an error. Sam Hammontree, pitch hitting for Evan Giddens, followed up with a single. Brooks, reached on a 4-pitch walk to load the bases. Shouse, now at shortstop, hit a deep fly ball into the outfield that would bring in Starks to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Bobcats got a lead off walk. The Bobcats then got back to back 1-out walks to load the bases. Gilmer, picked up their first hit and their first run after a single to make it 7-1. JP Nunn, who came on in relief of Cannon, got back to back strikeouts to preserve the 7-1 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a solo home run, 2 walks, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, & 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 K on 77 pitches
Trace Ledbetter: 1-5 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 2 runs scored
Harlan Will: 1-1 with a single and a walk
Ezra Faber: 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 RBI
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single
Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with a single
James Tilley: 2 walks, 1 RBI
Christian Starks: 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with a single
Colby Brooks: 2-3 with 2 singles, and 1 walk
Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 13 pitches
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K on 34 pitches
The Dragons, got a little bit of help from the Dawson Tigers as they defeated the Lumpkin Indians in the first game of their series. With that Lumpkin loss, the Dragons are now in sole possession of 1st place in 7-AAA. Pickens, will be back home on Thursday, March 30th as they will host the Gilmer Bobcats for game 2 of their 3-game series. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons stay atop region standings after sweep of Spartans
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 25, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was another gorgeous day in Jasper, Ga on Friday, March 24th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the West Hall Spartans for the 3rd and final game of their 7-AAA series. The Dragons, came in tied for first with Lumpkin and on an 8-game win streak. The Spartans, looked to play spoiler and get the last game of the series. The bats stayed hot for the Dragons and AJ Rice, Tate Hales, and JP Nunn shut down the Spartans for a 10-0 win in 6 innings.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, worked around a 2-out double as he picked up a grounder to 3rd, and 2 K’s to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse led off with a single. Trace Ledbetter and Dawson Holland then followed with back to back walks. Tyler Payne, drove in both Shouse and Ledbetter to make it 2-0.
Trey Payne, then brought in Holland with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons. James Tilley and Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, reached base on back to back walks. Colby Brooks, drove in Trey Payne with an infield single RBI to make it 4-0. Shouse, who led off the inning, kept it going with a 2-RBI double bringing in Tilley and Giddens to make it 6-0 Dragons going to the second.
After giving up a bloop single to begin the top of the second, Rice got some help from Shouse as he made a diving stop on a grounder to start a 6-3 double play. Rice, ended the top of the second with his 3rd strikeout to send it to the bottom the inning. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons got a 2-out walk from Trey Payne, but that would be all as they headed to the third, with the Dragons leading the Spartans, 6-0.
In the top of the third, Rice picked up his 4th and 5th strikeout for the first 2 outs of the inning. After giving up a 2-out single, catcher Kam Jenkins, made a great toss to Shouse who applied the tag to the runner attempting to steal 2nd for the final out of the top half of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 2-out walk from Brooks, but that was it. Going to the fourth, the Dragons still led the Spartans, 6-0.
The top of the fourth was the last inning for Rice. He would pick up his 6th and 7th strikeout and a ground out in a scoreless fourth to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons got back to back 2-out hits from Harlan Will, and Trey Payne. They would be left stranded at 2nd and 3rd and they’d head to the fifth with Pickens leading West Hall, 6-0.
Tate Hales, came on in relief of Rice in the top of the fifth and looked impressive in his one inning of work. Hales, sat down the Spartans in order on just 7 pitches as he picked up a strikeout, and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Tilley led off by being hit with a pitch. Brooks, laid a bunt down the 1st base line and was able to avoid two tags to reach on the single.
Shouse, drove in Tilley on the fielder’s choice to make it 7-0. Shouse, would eventually come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 8-0 Dragons going to the sixth inning.
Jacksonville State commit JP Nunn, cam on in relief of Hales for the top of the sixth. After the lead off for the Spartans led off by getting hit with a pitch, Nunn settled in and struck out the side in his one inning of work. In the bottom of the sixth, Will and Trey Payne both reached by getting hit with pitches. Jenkins, then followed that up by drawing a walk to load the bases with nobody out.
Giddens, drove in Davin Abernathy on the sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0 Dragons. The game came to an end after Brooks hit a single to right field that brought in Payne to give the Dragons a 10-0 win in 6 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single and 2 RBI
Harlan Will: 1-1 with a single and a hit by pitch
Trey Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Kam Jenkins: 1 walk
James Tilley: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored
Evan Giddens: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, and 2 RBI
Davin Abernathy: 1 run scored
A.J. Rice: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K on 60 pitches
Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 7 pitches
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 HBP, 3 K on 20 pitches
7-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 16-3 (8-1)
Lumpkin: 15-2 (8-1)
Dawson: 10-7 (6-3)
Wesleyan: 6-6 (3-3)
White County: 6-10 (1-5)
West Hall: 3-13 (1-8)
Gilmer: 6-10 (0-6)
The Dragons, will continue 7-AAA play next week as they will begin a 3-game series with their 515 rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats, on Tuesday, March 28th in Ellijay. First pitch is set for 5:55 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 run rule Spartans to open up series
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 22, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful day in Jasper, Ga as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Spartans of West Hall in game 1 of a 3-game set in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Dragons were in a 3-way tie for first place in the region standings with Dawson and Lumpkin. The Spartans, came into the game in a 3-way tie for fourth in the region standings with Wesleyan and White County. The Dragons, kept up their winning ways as they were able to pull out a 12-2 win in 6 innings.
In the top of the first, the Spartans were able to bring their lead off man home to score after a single, a walk, a bunt, a hit by pitch, and a sacrifice fly to put the Spartans up 1-0 going to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached on a 1-out error. Dawson Holland, followed that by reaching on a single. Tyler Payne, would bring in Ledbetter with a grounder to 3rd to tie the game up at 1 going to the second.
In the top of the second, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout and a ground out in an 8- pitch inning. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons, opened things up a bit as they scored 6 runs on 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and an error to make it 7-1 going to the third.
In the top of the third, the Spartans used 2 walks, a hit by pitch, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly to plate a run and cut the Dragons lead down to 7-2. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 2-out walk by Colby Brooks, but that would be all as they went to the fourth, Pickens leading West Hall, 7-2.
Cason Cannon, came on in relief of Shouse in the top of the fourth. In his first of two innings of work, Cannon sat down the Spartans in order to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fourth, the Dragons would go down in order as the Spartans got two ground outs and a strikeout to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 7-2.
In the top of the fifth, Cannon, worked around a 1-out hit by pitch, and a 2-out single. The top half of the inning came to an end when the Spartans tried a double steal. Catcher Kam Jenkins, made a great throw over to Shouse at 2nd to get the runner for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the fifth, Trey Payne got things going with a lead off walk. Jenkins and James Tilley followed with back to back singles.
Evan Giddens, hit a shot down the 3rd base line that would score Payne and courtesy runner Tee Knight. After a wide throw on an attempt to get Tilley at 3rd, he would also come in to score to make it 10-2 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.
In the top of the sixth inning, JP Nunn came on in relief of Cannon. Nunn, worked around a little bit of trouble during the inning, but was able to keep runs off the board and send it the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the sixth, Holland led off with his 3rd hit of the game. Harlan Will, then reached after drawing a walk. Trey Payne, then hit a single to right field scoring Holland. A misplay by the right fielder led to the pitch runner, Knight coming in to score.
The Dragons, took game 1 of the 3 game series by a score of 12-2.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 double, and 2 runs scored
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single
Harlan Will: 1 walk
Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles
James Tilley: 1-2 with a single, a walk, and 2 runs scored
Evan Giddens: 1-2 with a single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 2 walks and 1 run scored
Tee Knight: 3 runs scored
These two teams will be back in action on Thursday, March 23rd for game 2 as the series shifts down to Oakwood. The Dragons, will look to win their 3rd straight region series and keep pace with Dawson and Lumpkin. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons sweep home and home series with Rebels
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 21, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a cold, but beautiful day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons began a busy week by hosting the Fannin County Rebels on Monday, March 20th. This game, was the 2nd game of a home and home series. Prior to the game, Dragons all-time home run leader Jake King, added to his record with a big shot. Offensively, the Dragons got a big scoring outburst to pick up the 12-2 victory in 6 innings for their 6th straight win.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter Trey Payne, sat the Rebels down in order as he got a pop up to 2nd, a fly out to left field, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Ga Tech baseball commit Connor Shouse, led off with a single. He’d then take 2nd after a passed ball. After a single by Trace Ledbetter, Shouse would score on the errant throw and Ledbetter would make it all the way to 3rd on the throw as the Dragons took a 1-0 lead.
Dawson Holland, then drove in Ledbetter with the RBI to make it 2-0. Harlan Will, reached on a 2-out single, then Trey Payne followed by reaching on an error. They would then reach 2nd and 3rd after a wild pitch. The Rebels, were able to get out of the long inning with just the 2 runs allowed to send it to the top of the second.
In the top of the second, Trey Payne got out of the top half of the inning with 13 pitches to bring the Dragons bats back up. In the bottom of the second, James Tilley, led off with a full count walk. Young Harris baseball commit Evan Giddens, followed that up with a single. A fly out by Shouse moved Tilley and Giddens over to 2nd and 3rd. Ledbetter, brought in Tilley with an RBI ground out to make it 3-0.
Giddens, who moved over to 3rd, scored on an RBI single by Holland to make it 4-0. Tyler Payne, kept the inning going by reaching on an error. The Rebels, got out of the inning with a grounder to 3rd and as they headed to the third, the Dragons led the Rebels, 4-0.
Trey Payne, continued building on his good start to the game as he would strike out the side in the top half of the third. In the bottom of the third, freshman Christian Starks reached on a 1-out single. Giddens, would bring him in on a 2-out RBI single to make it 5-0. Shouse, kept the inning going with a double to move Giddens to 3rd. A fly out ended the inning and they’d go to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 5-0.
In the top of the fourth, the Rebels broke through. Fannin, plated a run on 3 hits and a walk to cut the Dragons lead down to 5-1. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Tyler Payne, a walk from Will, and an RBI single from Trey Payne that scored courtesy runner Tee Knight. Starks, was then hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Tilley, knocked in Will and Trey Payne with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-0 Dragons.
Giddens, brought in Starks with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0. Shouse, then sent one over the center field wall for the 2-run home run to make it 11-1 going to the fifth inning.
In the top of the fifth, the Rebels got a run on 3 hits and a hit by pitch to make it 11-2. In the bottom of the fifth, Holland led off with a walk. The Rebels, were able to get a double play and a fly out to send it to the sixth inning with the Dragons now leading, 11-2.
In the top of the sixth, Tee Knight came on in relief of Tate Hales and pitched really well in his one inning of work. Knight, needed just 7 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks reached on a 1-out error. Bradley Prince, who pitched hit for Tilley, followed by reaching on a walk. Giddens, then loaded the bases with a single. Shouse, ended the game with a single that brought in Starks to give the Dragons the 12-2 win in 6 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 4-5 with 2 singles, a double, a home run, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 2 RBI
Tyler Payne: 1-4 with a single
Harlan Will: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single, 1 hit by pitch, & 3 runs scored
James Tilley: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, & 2 runs scored
Evan Giddens: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 sacrifice fly, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
Bradley Prince: 1 walk
The Dragons, will be right back on the turf diamond this afternoon as they begin their 3rd 7-AAA series as they host the West Hall Spartans at Dunn Field for game 1 of the 3-game set. The Dragons, will look to keep pace with Lumpkin and Dawson and stay atop the region standings. First pitch is 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 take series against White County
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 17, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful day for high school baseball as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors in game 2 of their 3-game region series on Thursday, March 16th. After taking game 1 of the series, 4-3 on Tuesday, March 14th, the Dragons looked to get the series win in front of their home fans. Behind a complete game from James Tilley, and a great showing by the offense, the Dragons picked up a 7-2 win.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter James Tilley set the Warriors down in order with a strikeout and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on a double. After Shouse stole 3rd, Trey Payne brought in Shouse with an RBI single. Later on in the inning, Harlan Will would reach with a single, Dawson Holland would draw a walk, and Kam Jenkins would reach on a single to load the bases.
The Warriors, were able to get out of the bases loaded jam with a strikeout to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, the lead off man for the Warriors got on after getting hit with a pitch. Tilley, then got a pop up, catcher Kam Jenkins, then made a great throw to Shouse at 2nd to throw out the runner trying to steal. Tilley, picked up his 2nd K of the game to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the second, new Young Harris College commit Evan Giddens, led off by drawing a full count walk. Colby Brooks, followed that up with a single.
Shouse, brought in Giddens with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 2-0 Dragons. After a double by Trace Ledbetter, Trey Payne drove in both Brooks and Ledbetter with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0. Will, reached after being hit with a pitch. Holland, then reached on an error that would score Trey Payne to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the top of the third.
In the top of the third, Tilley snagged a come backer and took it to 1st himself for the first out. Tilley, then picked up his 3rd strikeout for the 2nd out. The top of the third came to an end as Tilley got another come backer. This one he would toss to Ledbetter to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Brooks, who then took 2nd after a steal attempt. The Warriors, got out of the third with back to back strikeouts. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 5-0.
In the top of the fourth, the Warriors picked up their first hit of the game with a lead off single. A great play by 3rd baseman AJ Rice, nearly led to a double play, but the Dragons settled for getting the lead runner. Tilley, then picked up his 4th and 5th K of the game to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, The Dragons, got a lead off walk by Trey Payne, a single by Tyler Payne, and a full count walk by Holland to load the bases with nobody out.
Jenkins, drove in Trey Payne after a come backer to the pitcher to make it 6-0. Sam Hammontree, pitch hitting for Rice, brought in Tyler Payne on a sacrifice RBI to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, after Tilley recorded his 6th K, the Warriors got a 1-out single. After a nice diving stop by Ledbetter at 1st, his throw would hit the runner as he tried to go to 2nd for the out. The Warriors, got another hit to load the bases with 1-out. A wild pitch brought in the Warriors first run to make it 7-1. A single then drove in the 2nd run to make it 7-2. A 3rd run would try to come in after a passed ball, but Jenkins fired it to Tilley for the tag at the plate.
After Tilley issued his first walk of the game, he settled down and picked up his 7th K of the game to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons would go down in order and they’d go to the sixth with the Dragons now leading, 7-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Ga Tech commit, Shouse, made an outstanding diving play and throw to 1st to get the runner for the first out. Tilley, polished off the inning with his 8th and 9th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Payne reached on an error with 1-out. Jenkins kept the inning alive with a 2-out single. The Warriors, got a fly out to send it to the seventh with the Dragons up, 7-2.
In the top of the seventh, Tilley put a bow on his incredible start with a pop out to Giddens at 2nd, and his 10th and 11th strikeout to give the Dragons the 7-2 win. With the victory, the Dragons take the series against the Warriors.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a double and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Harlan Will: 1-1 with a single and a hit by pitch
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 2 walks
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI
Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI
Evan Giddens: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored
James Tilley: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 11 K, on 92 pitches
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 drop region opener to Wesleyan
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 8, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful day at the ball park on Tuesday, March 7th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Wesleyan Wolves for game 1 of a 3 game series to begin 7-AAA play. The Dragons, came in with a 7-2 record entering region play. The Wolves, came in with a deceiving 3-3 record. While they did lose a lot from their 2022 State Championship team, they’re still a really good team. This game was tightly played up until the 7th inning as the Wolves were able to get a 6-1 win.
In the top of the first, the Wolves plated 1 run on 1 walk and 1 error as Dragons starter and Georgia Tech commit, Connor Shouse, limited the damage to just that as he tagged the runner out at 3rd to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the first, the Dragons would go down in order and we’d head to the top of the second with Wesleyan leading Pickens, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Shouse settled down and forced three ground ball outs on 8 pitches to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Tyler Payne got things going with a lead off double he smacked over the left fielders head. A ground ball to the 2nd baseman by Dawson Holland, moved Payne’s courtesy runner Tee Knight over to 3rd with 2 outs. With a 2 strike count on him, Harlan Will smacked an RBI single just underneath the 2nd baseman to bring in Knight and tie it up at 1 going to the top of the third.
In the top of the third, the Wolves led off with a bloop single that just got by the diving Evan Giddens. Shouse, then got a grounder right to him, a grounder to third, and his 2nd strikeout of the game to leave the runner stranded. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, would go down in order and the game would move to the fourth still tied at 1.
In the top of the fourth, the Wolves retook the lead after a 1-out walk and a 2-out double to make it 2-1. In the bottom half of the fourth, the Dragons couldn’t get anything going as they went down in order to send it to the fifth with the Wolves up, 2-1.
In the top of the fifth, the Wolves got a hit and a walk in between 2 Shouse strikeouts. The top half of the fifth ended when Shouse sniffed out a steal attempt, and the Dragons were able to tag him before the runner at 3rd scored to keep it at 2-1. In the bottom of the fifth, Holland led off with a single. He then advanced to 2nd on a steal. The Wolves, got a pop up and a strikeout to strand Holland at 2nd and send it to the sixth with Wesleyan still up, 2-1.
In the top of the sixth, the Wolves added to their lead with a 1-out solo home run to make it 3-1. JP Nunn, then came on in relief of Shouse and kept the Wolvesfrom potentially scoring more and send it to the bottom of the sixth with Wesleyan now up, 3-1. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons went down in order. They worked a pair of full counts during the bottom of the frame, but just couldn’t get anything going. Going to the seventh, Wesleyan led, 3-1.
In the top of the seventh, the Wolves plated 3 runs to stretch their lead to 6-1. In the bottom of the seventh, the Dragons got a lead off walk from Tyler Payne, and a single from Trey Payne. Holland, reached on a fielder’s choice as Tyler Payne’s courtesy runner, Knight, advanced to 3rd on the play. The Wolves, got out of the threat with two straight fly outs to get the 6-1 win in game 1 of the series.
Stats for the Dragons:
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a double and 1 walk
Trey Payne: 1-3 with 1 single
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base
Harlan Will: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
The Dragons, will have no time to dwell on this game as they will be right back at it on Wednesday, March 8th as they head down to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves in game 2 of the 3-game set. The Dragons, will look to even up the series before it comes back to 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 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.