Dragons Baseball Season Ends In 1st Round Of State Playoffs
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 30, 2018
This past Friday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, made their way down to Cartersville to take on the Purple Hurricanes in the first round of the 4-A State Baseball Tournament. Pickens came in as the #4 seed from region 6, while Cartersville came in as the #1 seed out of region 5. These games, were originally scheduled for Thursday, but weather pushed it back. Cartersville even had a helicopter out to help dry the field prior to first pitch of game 1.
Game 1:
The Dragons, were the away team in game 1, & looked to get things going against the top team from region 5. Pickens, would be unable to get on base in the top half of the 1st, sending us to the bottom of the inning. Dragons starting pitcher, Caswell Smith, found himself in an early jam, but was able to hold Cartersville to 1 run & strikeout 2 in the process. We’d head to the 2nd, Purple Hurricanes up, 1-0. In the top of the 2nd, the Dragons saw a total of 8 pitches, & flew out in order, sending us to the bottom of the frame. Smith, came back with an 11 pitch inning, & picked up his 3rd K of the game, sending us to the 3rd, Cartersville leading Pickens, 1-0.
With 2-outs in the top of the 3rd, Dylan Huffman sent a a fly ball to shallow left field, the left fielder could not come up with the catch, & Huffman made it to 2nd on the play. Joseph Gossett, then drew a walk to put runners on 1st & 2nd. Jace Franklin then battled & kept fouling off pitches. With a 2-2 count, Franklin laced a double in right center, scoring Huffman & tying the game up a 1. Cartersville, looking to retake the lead in the bottom of the inning, had 2 runners on with nobody out. Smith, with help from the defense behind him, was able to get out of that jam, keeping it a 1-1 game, going to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, the Purple Hurricanes brought in a new pitcher, & he was able to get the Dragons in order. In the bottom of the 4th, Cartersville, was able to reclaim the lead, 2-1, going to the 5th.
Gossett, would get a 2-out single in the top of the 5th, but that would be all for the Dragons in the top half of the frame. The Purple Hurricanes, would plate 2 more runs in the bottom of the 5th, making it 4-1, going to the 6th. With 2-outs in the top of the 6th, Pickens got back to back singles from Chad Pacas & Colby James. Tyler Vreeland, made it three straight hits, but Evan Jones (running for Pacas), would be called out at the plate, trying to score from 2nd, keeping the score 4-1. In the bottom of the 6th, Cartersville, got a solo home run, to make it 5-1, going to the 7th. The Purple Hurricanes, would take game 1, 5-1.
Stats:
Caswell Smith: 6IP, 8H, 5R, 4ER, 7K, 106 pitches
Joseph Gossett: 1-3 with a walk & a single
Jace Franklin: 1-3 with a double & 1 RBI
Brady Moore: 1 walk
Chad Pacas: 1-3 with a single
Colby James: 1-3 with a single
Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single
Dylan Huffman: 1 run scored
Game 2:
The two teams switched roles for game two as Pickens was now the home team, & Cartersville was the away team. The Purple Hurricanes, jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first as they would plate 3 runs, to take an early 3-0 lead. The Dragons, went quietly in the bottom of the 1st, sending us to the 2nd, Cartersville leading, 3-0. In the top of the 2nd, the Purple Hurricanes added 2 more runs, to stretch the lead out to 5-0. In the bottom of the frame, Pickens, again would be unable to get anything going, & we’d head to the 3rd, Dragons trailing Cartersville, 5-0.
In the top of the 3rd, Cartersville, plated 1 run, to make it 6-0. In the bottom of the inning, Tyler Vreeland, would lead off the inning with the Dragons 1st hit of the game. The Purple Hurricanes, got out of the inning without any damage done, as we’d go to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, Cartersville, would score 6 times to make it 12-0. The Purple Hurricanes would go on to take game 2, 12-0 in 5 innings. Winning the series 2-0.
Heritage Takes Game 2 From Dragons, Game 3 This Afternoon
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 5, 2018
Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, were once again in Ringgold to take on the Heritage Generals, in game 2 of their 3 game set. This game, was originally supposed to take place on Friday, but was moved up to yesterday, because of impending weather. Pickens, was looking to get back into the series after a tough first game on Tuesday.
The 1st inning saw the Dragons put the bat on the ball in the top half of the frame, unfortunately, those hits were right to General defenders & Pickens went in order. Dragons starter Dylan Huffman, needed 12 pitches to get out of the bottom of the 1st, as he struck out two Heritage batters in the process. The Dragons had a good start to the top of the 2nd with a lead off single from Jace Franklin, but a double play turned by the Generals stopped any potential scoring chance. In the bottom of the 2nd, Heritage was able to get on the board after plating 5 runs to take a 5-0 lead, going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Pickens got a pair of 1-out singles from Hunter Hermann & Brady Moore, to set the Dragons up with a good scoring opportunity. The Generals however, got a ground ball & a fly out, to get out of the top of the 3rd. The bottom half of the 3rd saw Heritage plate another run to extend their lead over the Dragons, 6-0, going to the 4th. Pickens, got a 1-out single, & a 2-out double from Colby James in the top of the 4th, but again, the Generals were able to manage to escape the threat without any damage done. Heritage, would score 8 times in the bottom of the 4th to make it 14-0. The ball game would be called after the top of the 5th due to run rule, as the Generals got the win, 14-0 in 5 innings.
Stats:
Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a single
Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a single
Chad Pacas: 1 walk drawn
Colby James: 1-2 with a double
Hunter Hermann: 1-2 with a single
These two teams will meet again this afternoon for the 3rd & final game of the series. Game 3 will be at PCMS, with a start time of 5:55.
Dragons’ Bats Come Alive Late, Fall To Heritage In Series Opener
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 4, 2018
Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, headed up to Ringgold, to take on the region leading Heritage Generals, in a big first game of a 3-game set. Coming into the game, Pickens, were coming off of a series sweep of Lafayette, & held down the 2nd spot in 6-AAAA at 7-2.
Colby James, got the start for the Dragons, and got off to a good start. James, would collect his first K of the game, & left a runner stranded in the bottom of the 1st, sending us to the 2nd. In the bottom of the 2nd, Heritage got on the board after two runs would come across to score, one via a solo home run. We headed to the 3rd, Pickens down 2-0.
Early on offensively for the Dragons just seemed to be a case of being unlucky. Pickens, were getting contact on the ball, but they just would not fall. The Generals, extended their lead in the bottom of the 3rd, plating 3 runs to lead the Dragons 5-0, going to the 4th. Pickens, finally got on the base path in the top of the 4th as Brady Moore would reach on an error by the 2nd baseman, & Dylan Huffman would collect the Dragons first hit of the game with a single. James, got out of the bottom of the 4th on 13 pitches, & sent us to the 5th, Pickens still trailing, 5-0.
The Dragons, had their first scoring threat of the game in the top of the 5th, with runners at 1st & 2nd with just one out. However, Heritage was able to get out of it, & send us to the bottom of the 5th. James, again needed 13 pitches to get out of the bottom of the 5th, & also got his 2nd K of the game. Joseph Gossett, gave the Dragons their first extra base hit of the game in the top of the 6th with a 1-out double. The Generals, would again get out of the jam as we’d head to the bottom of the 6th. Heritage, added two more runs in the bottom of the frame with a 2-run home run, to stretch their lead out to 7-2, going to the 7th.
Jace Franklin, began the Dragons’ 7th with a single, Caswell Smith followed that up with a double, Will Lawrence then drew a walk, then Hunter Hermann delivered a 2-out, 2-run double to get the Dragons on the board. The late rally would not be enough, as Heritage took game 1, 7-2.
Stats:
Joseph Gossett: 1-3 with a double
Dylan Huffman: 1-3 with a single
Jace Franklin: 1-3 with a single & 1 run scored
Caswell Smith: 2-3 with a single, a double, & 1 run scored
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a double & 2 RBI
Due to impending weather on Friday, Game 3 of the series was moved up to today. It now becomes game 2, & game 2 now becomes game 3, & will be a PCMS on Thursday. Game 2 today, is scheduled for 5:30.
Dragons Honor Fallen Teammate, Defeat Rabun County In Home Opener
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2018
Late yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Rabun County Wildcats of gthe 2-A classification for their 2018 home opener. Pickens, came into the game 1-0 on the young season after defeating the Wheeler Wildcats out of 7-A on the road 13-11 on Tuesday. Prior to the game, the Dragons honored the late Shawn Mask, who died late last year. Standing next to a picture of Shawn, Shawn’s little brother threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The starting pitcher for the Dragons was Will Lawrence. Lawrence, started off very well in the top of the 1st, striking out two batters. In the bottom of the 1st, the Dragons got on the board early after a 2-out, 2-run double by Chad Pacas. Pickens held a 2-0 lead over Rabun going to the 2nd. In the top of the 2nd, the Wildcats had a major threat developing. However, with the help of two more strikeouts from Lawrence, and a good defensive play at 3rd, Rabun was only able to score one run. Pickens would go down in order in the bottom of the inning to send us to the 3rd, Dragons ahead, 2-1.
The top of the 3rd, saw the Wildcats tie things up at 2 a piece after a passed ball. The Dragons would strand a runner at third in the bottom half of the frame, as that sent us to the 4th inning, tied up at 2. Pacas, came in for Lawrence in the top of the 4th & much like Lawrence, pitched very well. Pacas, was able to strike out two Wildcats in his first inning of work to keep us at 2 going to the bottom of the 4th. The bottom of the 4th was the key inning in this game. Pickens, batted around in the half inning, scoring 8 runs in the process. The Dragons, took a 10-2 lead over Rabun County to the top of the 5th.
Pacas, again struck out two batters in the top half of the 5th. He & Lawrence combined for 9 K’s on the night. RBI hits from seniors Dylan Huffman & Joseph Gossett in the bottom of the inning, gave the Dragons a 10-run lead and the win over Rabun County, 12-2.
Stats
Will Lawrence: 3 IP, 3 H, 5 K, 63 pitches, & 1-2 with a double & 1 run scored
Chad Pacas: 2 IP, 4 K, 36 pitches, 2-2 with 2 doubles, 4 RBI, & 1 HBP
Colby James: 2-3 with a double, a single, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Joseph Gossett: 2-4 with a double, a single, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a double, a walk, & 1 run scored
Dylan Huffman: 1-3 with a single, a walk, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Caswell Smith: 1-1 with a single
Hunter Hermann: 2 runs scored
Alex Snelgrove: 1 run scored
Tyler Vreeland: 1 run scored
Pickens, will look to keep their winning ways going early on this season as they will be at Murray County this coming Tuesday to take on the Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons Look To Take Game 3 After Tough Game 2 Against Ridgeland
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 13, 2018
Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, hosted the Ridgeland Panthers, in game 2, of a critical 3-game set. On Tuesday, Ridgeland scored 9 runs in the bottom of the 6th, to take game 1, 11-2. Pickens, came in looking to even up the series. Prior to the game, PHS Baseball recognized the 1st responders around the county for all that they do. We also, saw Jake King hit a towering home run.
In the top of the 1st, Ridgeland got on the board with 3 runs to take an early lead. In the bottom of the frame, Pickens had runners at 1st & 2nd after Jace Franklin reached on an error, & Caswell Smith hit a 2-out single. The Panthers, were able to get out of it, as we’d head to the 2nd Ridgeland leading, 3-0. In the top half of the 2nd, the Panthers added to their lead after a 2-run home run, to take a 5-0 lead over the Dragons. Pickens, went in order in the bottom of the 2nd. Ridgeland took a 5-0 lead into the 3rd.
Dragons starter, Dylan Huffman, needed 7 pitches in the top of the 3rd, to bring Pickens up to bat, looking to cut into the Panther lead. Cut into the lead is what they would do as Joseph Gossett would get a 2-out single, & would come all the way around to score on an RBI double by Franklin. Franklin, would then come in to score after Smith reached on an error, to make it 5-2 Ridgeland, heading to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, the Panthers swung momentum right back to their side as they would plate 5 runs, to stretch their lead out to 10-2. In the bottom of the frame, Will Lawrence beat out an infield hit, Huffman drew a walk, Gossett then drew a walk to load the bases with 2 out. Franklin would then walk to score Lawrence. Smith would follow, getting in on the walk-a-thon as Huffman would come in to score. Two runs would be all the Dragons would be able to get as they left the bases loaded, now trailing, 10-4.
In the top of the 5th, the Panthers again pulled away from Pickens as they would score 4 runs in the top half of the inning to take a 14-4 lead. Ridgeland was able to get the win in 5 innings, 14-4.
Stats:
Joseph Gossett: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a double, a walk, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI
Will Lawrence: 1-2 with a single, 1 HBP, & 1 run scored
Dylan Huffman: 1 walk, & 1 run scored
The Dragons, will look to grab game 3 this afternoon as they will head to Rossville to take on the Panthers in the series finale. First pitch is at 5:55.
Dragons Take Game 1 Over Lafayette, Doubleheader Scheduled For Friday
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 28, 2018
Yesterday afternoon & into evening, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, hosted the Lafayette Ramblers, for the first game of what looks to be an important series in terms of region standings, Pickens, came into the series in 2nd place at 4-2, but was looking to shake off a tough series with Northwest Whitfield. The Ramblers, came in just behind the Dragons at 3-3 in the standings.
The top of the 1st saw the starter for the Dragons, Isaiah Payne, work quickly as he sat the Ramblers down on 9 pitches. Pickens, went quietly as well in the bottom of the 1st, sending us to the 2nd, still tied at 0. Payne, found himself in a little trouble in the top of the 2nd, but was able to pitch around it, and send us to the bottom of the frame. A lead off walk drawn by Jace Franklin, came back to haunt Lafayette as Caswell Smith would bring in Franklin on an RBI double, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead, going to the 3rd.
Payne, got out of the top of the 3rd, needing only 10 pitches to send us to the bottom of the inning. Hunter Hermann, got things started in the Dragons half of the 3rd, by getting hit by a pitch, taking 2nd base on a passed pick off attempt, & scoring on an RBI single by Dylan Huffman, to make 2-0 Pickens, going to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, Payne again worked around trouble as he would strikeout two Ramblers, sending us to the bottom of the inning. The Dragons, got hits from Chad Pacas, & Tyler Vreeland in the bottom of the frame, but left runners stranded at the corners, sending us to the 5th, Pickens still ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the 5th, Lafayette cut the Dragons lead in half, as Payne got through the top half of the 5th, giving up the one run. Pickens, got a lead off double from Huffman, but were unable to bring him around, & we would head to the 6th, Dragons now leading 2-1. Cobly James would come on in relief of Payne in the top of the 6th, & needed 12 pitches, & collected 2 strikeouts to send the Dragons offense back up. A two out single by Vreeland, would be all Pickens would get in the bottom of the 6th, & we’d go to the 7th, Dragons up, 2-1.
In the top of the 7th, Lafayette, was threatening to tie the ball game up or even take the lead, loading the bases up at one point in the frame. James, was able to get out of it, with the help of some good defensive plays, to give the Dragons the narrow 2-1 win over the Ramblers.
Stats:
Isaiah Payne: 5IP, 4K, 1R, 1ER, 72 pitches
Cobly James: 2IP, 3K, 0R, 0ER, 28 pitches
Dylan Huffman: 2-3 with a single, & a double, & 1 RBI
Jace Franklin: a walk, & 1 run scored
Chad Pacas: 1-3 with a single
Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a double, & 1 RBI
Tyler Vreeland: 2-3 with 2 singles
Will Lawrence: 1-3 with a single
Hunter Hermann: hit by pitch, & 1 run scored
Games 2 & 3 will be played at Lafayette in a doubleheader on Friday. First pitch for game 2 is scheduled for 4:40.
Dragons Fall In High Scoring Series Finale, Host Lafayette On Tuesday
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 25, 2018
On Friday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, hosted the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield in the 3rd & final game of their 3-game set. The night before, the Dragons took the lead in the top of the 7th, only for the Bruins to get the win in the bottom of the inning, setting up the rubber game in this crucial region series.
Colby James, started for the Dragons, and his evening began rather smoothly as he only needed 5 pitches to send us to the bottom of the 1st. Both pitchers got through the first two innings giving up nothing to either team. Northwest Whitfield, broke through in the top of the 3rd, with 2 runs scoring on 3 hits, to take a 2-0 lead over Pickens.
The Bruins, added to their lead in the top of the 6th, by plating 6 runs, to take a 8-0 lead over the Dragons. Pickens, got an RBI single from Chad Pacas, & a 2-RBI double from Caswell Smith, to cut into the Northwest Whitfield lead, 8-3, going to the 7th. In the top of the 7th, the Bruins scored two runs, to stretch their lead to 10-3. The Dragons, would score two runs themselves in the bottom of the frame, but would fall, 10-5.
Stats:
Brady Moore: HBP, 1 run scored
Joseph Gossett: 1-4 with a single
Colby James: HBP, 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a single, 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Chad Pacas: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Caswell Smith: 1-3 with a double & 2 RBI
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a single & 1 stolen base
Dylan Huffman: 1 run scored
Even after dropping that tough series to Northwest Whitfield, the Dragons still find themselves in 2nd in 6-AAAA (9-7, 4-2). They will host the Lafayette Ramblers at PCMS, to begin a 3-game set starting on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 5:55.
Dragons Get Win Over Northwest Whitfield In Series Opener
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 21, 2018
Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to Dragons Field to begin their 3-game set. Pickens, came into this game 8-5 overall, but more importantly, 3-0 in region play after sweeping the Gilmer Bobcats to start region play. The Bruins, went 2-1 against Southeast Whitfield, & dropped all three games against Heritage in close fashion.
Caswell Smith took to the mound to start for the Dragons and pitched very well. Smith would strikeout 2 Bruins batters to begin the game. Pickens, had an early chance to put some runs on the board, but would leave two runners stranded to send us to the 2nd, still scoreless. Smith would add to his strikeout total in the top of the 2nd, giving him 3 in two innings. Smith then led off the bottom of the frame with a single, but the Dragons would not be able to score as we’d head to the 3rd, still tied at 0.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Pickens broke through and broke the tie after a 2-out RBI single from Jace Franklin brought in Dylan Huffman. Going to the top of the 4th, the Dragons held a 1-0 lead over the Bruins. Smith, struck out 2 in the 4th, bringing his total to 7 for the game, & keeping the lead at 1-0 in favor of Pickens. In the bottom of the 4th, the Dragons again did damage with 2-out as Brady Moore had a 2 RBI triple, & Joseph Gossett would follow that up with an RBI single to stretch the lead to 4-0 over Northwest Whitfield, going to the 5th.
We pick up the action in the top of the 6th, as Northwest Whitfield got on the board, and cut the Dragons lead in half. Isaiah Payne came on in relief of Smith, & needed 1 pitch to get out of the 6th. In the the top of the 7th, Payne was able to end any potential game tying threats by the Bruins, and sealed the win for Pickens, 4-2.
Stats:
Caswell Smith: 5 2/3rd innings, 9K, 2R, 2ER, 110 pitches, & 1-3 with a single
Isaiah Payne: 1 /1/3rd innings, 1K, 20 pitches
Brady Moore: 1-3 with a walk, a triple, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Joseph Gossett: 1-2 with a HBP, a single, & 1 RBI
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a walk, a single, & 1 RBI
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a single, & 1 run scored
Dylan Huffman: 1-3 with a double, & 1 run scored
Evan Jones: 1 run scored
These two teams will play again tomorrow at Northwest Whitfield in game two of the three game set. First pitch set for 5:55.
Dragons Fall In Back & Forth Game 2 With SE Whitfield, Celebrate Senior Night Tonight
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 20, 2018
Late yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to Dragons Field, for game 2 of their 3-game set. Pickens, took game 1 at Southeast 8-2, to clinch a playoff spot in the upcoming 4-A State Baseball Tournament on Tuesday, & looked to take the series outright with a win at home.
In the top of the 1st, the Raiders, jumped out in front with 2 runs on 2 hits. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Jace Franklin, but Franklin would be caught attempting to steal 3rd, after stealing 2nd, ending the scoring threat for Pickens in the 1st. Dragons starter Dylan Huffman, struck out 2 Raiders in the top of the 2nd, keeping the score at 2-0, going to the bottom of the frame. Brady Moore, liked the first pitch he saw and sent it over the left field wall to cut the Southeast Whitfield lead in half, 2-1, going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Huffman would record his 4th K of the day, but the Raiders plated a run to extend their lead back to two, 3-1 as we’d head to the bottom half of the inning. Pickens, got a 2-out walk from Franklin, Caswell Smith & Chad Pacas both reached on errors, but Southeast Whitfield was able to get out of the big time jam, to send us to the 4th, Raiders up, 3-1. The Raiders, again plated a single run in the top of the 4th, to lead the Dragons 4-1. Pickens, went quietly in the bottom of the frame, to send us to the 5th.
New Dragons pitcher Colby James, worked around a walk to strikeout the side in the top of the 5th. In the bottom half of the 5th, Pickens got back to back singles from Isaiah Payne & Joseph Gossett. Franklin, drove in Payne, to cut the Southeast Whitfield lead to 4-2, going to the 6th. In the top of the 6th, the Raiders got back to back to back triples, scoring twice in the process, to extend their lead to 6-2. Moore would lead off the bottom of the 6th with a double, & would come into score after a 1-out double from James. We went to the 7th, Raiders leading, 6-3. Southeast Whitfield, got out of the bottom of the 7th, & got the win, 6-3.
Stats:
Joseph Gossett: 1-4 with a single
Jace Franklin: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI
Brady Moore: 2-3 with a home run, a double, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Colby James: 2-3 with a single, a double, & 1 RBI
Isaiah Payne: 1-1 with a single & 1 run scored
Later today, the Dragons will again host the Southeast Whitfield Raiders, for the 3rd game of the series, & the final game of the regular season. Tonight, is also Senior Night. There will be a pregame ceremony recognizing the seniors for their contributions to PHS & the baseball program. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55.
Dragons Get Series Sweep Over LaFayette, Face Heritage On Tuesday
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 1, 2018
This past Friday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team, traveled up to LaFayette, to take on the Ramblers in a doubleheader. Pickens, took game 1 last Tuesday in Jasper 2-1, & looked to gain as much momentum as they could, heading into a big series with Heritage next week.
Game 1:
In the first game of the doubleheader, Pickens looked to get things going early, loading the bases with no one out. However, a diving catch by the Ramblers 2nd baseman, a throw to the shortstop covering 2nd, & a throw to 1st, negated any scoring chance for the Dragons as LaFayette turned a 4-6-3 triple play. Dragons starter Dylan Huffman, needed 10 pitches to send us to the top of the 2nd, still scoreless. Colby James & Tyler Vreeland collected RBI hits in the 2nd to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead, heading to the bottom of the frame. Huffman, got his 1st K in the bottom of the 2nd, as we headed to the 3rd, Pickens ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the 3rd, Joseph Gossett, launched his 4th home run of the season, to extend the Dragons lead over the Ramblers to 3-0, going to the bottom of the 3rd. Huffman, breezed through the bottom of the 3rd on only 9 pitches, to send us to the 4th. Pickens, got hits from Chad Pacas & Hunter Hermann in the top of the 4th, but that would be all, and we would go to the bottom of the 4th. Huffman, continued to keep his pitch count down by needing 11 pitches to send us to the 5th, Dragons leading 3-0.
The Dragons, got RBI hits from both Brady Moore, & Jace Franklin, to extend their lead over LaFayette to 5-0, going to the bottom of the frame. In his longest inning of the game, Huffman threw 16 pitches, but got out of the half inning, with no damage done. Pickens had a scoring chance in the top of the 6th, but left two runners on. A 6 pitch bottom of the 6th from Huffman, sent us to the 7th, Dragons up, 5-0. Vreeland, brought in Pacas in the top of the 7th, to make it 6-0 Dragons. LaFayette, scored 3 in the bottom of the 7th, but that would be all as they Dragons took the first game, 6-3.
Stats:
Dylan Huffman: 6IP, 3H, 3K, 0R, 0ER on 65 pitches
Joseph Gossett: 2-2 with a home run, a double, 2 walks, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Brady Moore: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 2-4 with 2 singles, & 1 RBI
Caswell Smith: 1-2 with a single, 1 HBP, & 1 run scored
Chad Pacas: 2-4 with 2 singles, & 2 runs scored
Colby James: 2-4 with 2 singles & 1 RBI
Tyler Vreeland: 3-4 with 3 singles, & 2 RBI
Hunter Hermann: 2-4 with 2 singles
Game 2:
Pickens, got a 1-out hit from Joseph Gossett in the top of the 1st, but left him stranded at 3rd. LaFayette, jumped out to the early lead in the bottom of the inning, plating one run. That lead for the Ramblers would not last long as the Dragons got an RBI from Colby James & Tyler Vreeland in the top of the 2nd, to take a 2-1 lead. Dragons starter Caswell Smith, helped himself out in the top of the 3rd, driving in Gossett, to give Pickens a 3-1 lead.
In the top of the 4th, Pickens widened it’s lead on LaFayette, scoring 3 runs on 1 hit, to take a 6-1 lead. The Dragons, kept it rolling in the top of the 5th, as they again scored 3 runs on 1 hit, to extend their lead to 9-1. In the top of the 6th, Pickens got back to back home runs from Jace Franklin & Smith, to make it 11-1. James, came on in relief of Smith in the bottom of the 6th, and needed 9 pitches in his lone inning of work. With a 10-run lead after 5, the game was called and the Dragons took game 2 of the doubleheader, 11-1, to get the series sweep.
Stats:
Caswell Smith: 5IP, 9K, 1R, 1ER on 82 pitches & 2-4 with 1 double, 1 home run, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Colby James: 1IP, 2K on 9 pitches & 1-4 with a single & 1 RBI
Brady Moore: 2 runs scored
Joseph Gossett: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 walk, & 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 1-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Chad Pacas: 1-1 with a single, 2 walks, & 2 runs scored
Will Lawrence: 1-1 with a double
Tyler Vreeland: 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a single & 2 runs scored
Pickens, will look to keep their bats hot as they head to Ringgold on Tuesday to begin a big 3-game series with the Heritage Generals. Heritage, is leading 6-AAAA at 9-0, with the Dragons right behind them at 7-2. First pitch on Tuesday scheduled for 5:30.
Dragons Drop Close Game 2 To Bruins, Host Series Finale This Afternoon
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 23, 2018
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team traveled up to Tunnel Hill to take on the Northwest Whitfield Bruins in game two of the their 3-game set. On Tuesday, the Dragons got the upper hand in the series as they took game one, 4-2 over the Bruins. Coming into this game, Pickens looked to keep that momentum going, & take the series outright.
The top of the 1st got off to a promising start for the Dragons as lead off hitter Brady Moore reached base after an error. However, Northwest Whitfield got out of the half inning with out any damage done. The starting pitcher for Pickens, Dylan Huffman, got off to a good start to his day as he would K the side, to send us to the 2nd. Jace Franklin kicked off the 2nd with a lead off single. Franklin would be stranded at 2nd as the Dragons were unable to score. The Bruins, took advantage of a lead off walk in the bottom half of the inning, as that walk would come into score after a pitch got away from the catcher. We headed to the 3rd, Northwest Whitfield lead the Dragons, 1-0.
Tyler Vreeland, led off the 3rd with a single, but again, the Bruins would be able to work around it and maintain their lead, 1-0, going to the bottom of the 3rd. Huffman, would bring his strikeout total to 5 in the bottom of the frame as he kept Northwest Whitfield in check, and sent us to the 4th, Pickens still trailing, 1-0. Both starting pitchers kept the offenses for both teams scoreless in the 4th, as we’d head to the 5th, Bruins still leading, 1-0.
The Dragons, broke through in the top of the 5th as Huffman, got hit by a pitch, advanced on a passed ball, & scored on a Moore RBI, to tie things up at 1, going to the bottom of the inning. With some good defensive help behind him, Huffman and the Dragons got through the bottom of the 5th, tied at 1 a piece. In the top of the 6th, Pickens had runners at 1st & 2nd, with 1 out, but could not take the lead. The bottom of the 6th saw Isaiah Payne come on in relief of Huffman, & got out of the inning with nothing doing for the Bruins.
In the top of the 7th, Hunter Hermann reached on a 1-out single, advanced to 2nd after a pick off throw got past the 1st baseman, then scored after a RBI double from Huffman, to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead, going to the bottom of the 7th. Northwest Whitfield, would display a little timely hitting of their own as a single would bring in two runners, & give the Bruins the win, 3-2.
Stats:
Dylan Huffman: 5IP, 1R, 1ER, 1H, 6K, 99 pitches, & 1-2 with a double, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Isaiah Payne: 1IP, 1K, 0R, 0ER, 14 pitches
Brady Moore: 1-4 with a single & 1 RBI
Colby James: 1-3 with a single
Jace Franklin: 1-1 with a single & 2 walks
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a single & 1 run scored
Tyler Vreeland: 1-3 with a single
The 3-game set between these two teams concludes today as the Dragons will welcome the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield to Dragons Field. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons Sweep Bobcats In Extras, Tied For 1st In 6-AAAA
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 11, 2018
On Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team hosted the Gilmer Bobcats at Dragons Field for game 3 of their 3-game region set. Pickens, had already secured the series win with 7-5, & 11-4 victories, & looked to complete the sweep of their rival.
Colby James was started the game for the Dragons, and had a strong outing. Pickens, got things going early in the bottom of the 1st as Brady Moore would come around to score after leading off with a walk. The Dragons, held a 1-0 lead going to the 2nd. James, would continue his good work from the 1st inning into the 2nd as he needed 13 pitches to get the offense for Pickens back up. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons had a good chance to add to their lead as Pickens began the 2nd with a walk from Chad Pacas, & a double from Caswell Smith. However, the Bobcats were able to get out of a no out jam to keep the Dragon lead a 1-0, going to the 3rd.
James, again needed 13 pitches to end the top of the 3rd, and get the bats for Pickens back up to the plate. In the bottom of the inning, Joseph Gossett, would send the ball over the left-center wall for a solo home run, giving the Dragons a 2-0 lead, as we’d head to the 4th. Gilmer, got on the board & cut the Dragons lead in half in the top of the 4th. Pickens, got a 2-out double from Tyler Vreeland, but that would be all as we’d head to the 5th, Dragons still leading the Bobcats, 2-1.
Both teams had chances in the 5th & the 6th innings, but things would start to get good in the 7th. Trailing 2-1 in the top of the 7th, with 1 down, Gilmer was able to plate two runs to take a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the frame, Gossett, sent the 2-2 pitch over the left-center wall for his 2nd homer of the game to tie things up at 3, and sent us to extra innings. Both teams had shots in the 8th inning, but nothing came about for either side, & we’d head to the 9th, still tied at 3 a piece.
In the top of the 9th, the Bobcats retook the lead, 4-3. In the bottom of the inning, Gossett got things started by beating out a grounder to put him at 1st. Jace Franklin would bring him in on a sac fly to tie things up at 4. Pacas, got on base, & found himself all the way at 3rd after the left fielder misplayed the ball. With 2 out, Smith came up to the plate and sent a fly ball right in front of the center field wall. The center fielder, had the ball in his glove, but then dropped it, allowing Pacas to come in and score the game winning run, giving the Dragons the sweep, 5-4.
Stats:
Colby James: 6IP, 1R, 1K, 87 pitches & 1-3 with 1 single
Brady Moore: 1-4 with a double, a walk, & 1 run scored
Joseph Gossett: 2-5 with 1 single, 2 home runs, 3 runs scored, & 2 RBI
Jace Franklin: 2 walks, & 1 RBI
Chad Pacas: 1-3 with a single, 1 walk, & 1 run scored
Caswell Smith: 1 double
Hunter Hermann: 1-3 with a single & 1 HBP
Tyler Vreeland: 2-4 with a double & a single
Dylan Huffman: 1 walk
Pickens, is now 7-4 on the season, which is the best record of all of the 6-AAAA teams, & tied with the Heritage Generals for 1st in the region at 3-0. The Dragons, will be in out of region action this week, as they will play 4 games. Their busy week starts tomorrow as they will host the Flowery Branch Falcons at 5:55 pm.
Dragons Get Series Win Over Bobcats, Go For Sweep Today
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 9, 2018
on a cold, somewhat windy night, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team made the short trip up 515 to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats in game 2 of the 3 game set. On Tuesday, Pickens used a late inning rally to get the win in game 1, 7-5, & looked to carry the momentum built in that dramatic win, over to this road game.
In the top of the 1st, Pickens got off to a quick start. Joseph Gossett & Jace Franklin had an RBI each in the top of the 1st for the Dragons as they raced out to an early 2-0 lead. The starting pitcher for the Dragons, Dylan Huffman, got out of an early jam in the bottom of the frame as Gilmer would leave runners at 1st & 3rd stranded. We headed to the 2nd, Pickens up, 2-0. The Dragons, had three runners come around to score in their half of the 2nd as Gossett & Franklin again provided an RBI each. Pickens now held a 5-0 lead over the Bobcats. Huffman, worked through the bottom of the 2nd, collecting his 2nd & 3rd K’s of the game, & sending us to the 3rd, Dragons leading Gilmer, 5-0.
Both teams were quite in the 3rd inning. Action picked up in the bottom of the 4th inning, when Gillmer loaded the bases with 1 out after two hits, & a walk. Huffman, was able to calm himself down, & strikeout the next two Bobcats he faced, to get out of the inning without giving up any runs. Pickens, still held a 5-0 lead, going to the 5th.
The Dragons, added another run in the top of the 5th, after Colby James came around to score after drawing a walk. In the bottom of the inning, Gilmer was able to get on the board, making it 6-1 Pickens, going to the 6th. The scoring, picked back up in the 7th inning as the Dragons batted around in the top half of the frame, plating 5 runs in the process, to stretch their lead to 11-1. Gilmer, plated 3 runs in the bottom half of the 7th, but it would not be enough as Pickens took this one, 11-4.
Stats:
Dylan Huffman: 5IP, 7K, 2BB, 4H, 1R, 0ER, 96 pitches & 1 run scored
Isaiah Payne: 1IP, 1K, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 12 pitches & 1-1 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Brady Moore: 1-3 with a single, 2BB, 2 runs scored, & 1 RBI
Joseph Gossett: 2-4 with 2 singles, a HBP, 2 runs scored, & 2 RBI
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a double, 1BB, & 2 RBI
Caswell Smith: 1-1 with a single & 1 RBI
With the win, Pickens takes the series. These two teams will meet for the 3rd and final time this week as the Dragons will look to complete the sweep when they host the Gilmer Bobcats at Dragons Field. First Pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons Suffer First Defeat Of Season Against Roswell
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 25, 2018
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team traveled to Emerson, just outside of Cartersville, to compete in the Ga Dugout Club Tournament. This tournament, featured teams from different areas including the Dragons 6-AAAA region mate, Northwest Whitfield. Pickens, would be playing two games on this day. First up, the Roswell Hornets.
Caswell Smith got the start for the Dragons in game one of the day. Smith, gave up two hits in the top of the 1st, but that would be all the damage the Hornets would do to start this one off. Pickens, got on the board early in the bottom of the frame as Jace Franklin would deliver a 1-out RBI single to put the Dragons up 1-0 going to the 2nd. In the top of the 2nd, Smith, collected his 1st K of the day, & needed only 9 pitches in the inning. The Dragons, would go in order in the bottom of the 2nd, to send us to the 3rd, Pickens ahead of Roswell, 1-0.
The top of the 3rd, saw the Hornets plate two in the top half of the frame to take the lead, 2-1. Pickens, again went quietly in the bottom of the inning as we headed to the 4th, Roswell now on top, 2-1. Smith & the Dragons, would keep the defecit at a run after getting Roswell in the top of the 4th. Pickens, had a chance to tie things up in the bottom of the inning, but left a runner stranded at 3rd. We’d go to the 5th, Hornets leading the Dragons 2-1.
In the top of the 5th, Roswell added to their lead by plating 5 runs in the frame. The Hornets, held a 7-1 lead over Pickens going to the bottom of the 5th. The Dragons, had a good scoring chance in the bottom of the 5th, but would leave two runners stranded on base, as we headed to the 6th, Roswell up 7-1. New Dragons pitcher Chad Pacas, who took over for Smith in the 5th inning, collected his 2nd K of the day and held the Hornets scoreless in the top half of the 6th. In the bottom half of the 6th, Pickens, did not get a single hit, but used would capitolize on a couple of Roswell mistakes, to plate 3 runs & trim the Hornets lead to 7-4, going to the 7th.
Pacas, working his 2nd full inning of the game, kept the Hornets lead at 3, and sent us to the bottom of the 7th. Roswell, was able to hang on in the bottom of the 7th, to get the win, 7-4.
Stats:
Caswell Smith: 4 2/3rd innings, 4K, 90 pitches
Chad Pacas: 2 1/3rd innings, 3K, 38 pitches, & 1-4 with a single & 1 run scored
Jace Franklin: 1-2 with a single, 2 HBP, & 1 RBI
A Very Good Friday For The Dragons, Take Series From Ridgeland
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 15, 2017
Yesterday, on a Good Friday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Field for the final game of their three game set. After the Dragons took game 1 on Tuesday, the Panthers came back and snagged game 2 at their place on Thursday. Prior to the ball game, PHS recognized & honored women & families affected by, and going through breast cancer.
Senior Dalton Sipsy started for the Dragons and what a game it turned out to be a part of. Ridgeland struck first in the top of the 1st, as they were able to connect for a three-run home run to take a 3-0 lead going to the bottom of the frame. Pickens cut into that lead when Wyatt Gooch knocked in Travis Huffman on a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1 Panthers going to the 2nd. Ridgeland added to their lead by driving in two runs to make it 5-1 going to the bottom of the 2nd. Pickens would lead a runner stranded at first after a 1-out walk & we headed to the 3rd, Panthers leading Pickens, 5-1.
The Panthers again added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd to increase their lead over the Dragons to 7-1 going to the bottom of the inning. sensing the urgency, the bats for Pickens started to get going in the bottom half of the 3rd as 3 runs would come to score on 5 hits including RBI hits from Jace Franklin, Dominic Stephens, & Joseph Gossett, to cut the Ridgeland lead down to 7-4 going to the 4th. Sipsy added his 3rd & 4th strike out of the game in the top of the 4th and kept the deficit at 7-4 going to the bottom portion of the 4th. The Dragons chipped at the Ridgeland lead even more when Franklin drove in T. Huffman with an RBI double to make it 7-5 Panthers going to the 5th.
The 5th was the final inning for Sipsy and again he did a good job of not giving Ridgeland anything and keeping the Panther lead at two and getting the suddenly hot bats of Pickens back up. A lead off double by Dalton Presley, would hurt the Panthers as Zack Moore drove in Andrew Hasbrouck, who was courtesy running for Presley. Joseph Gossett would eventually come around to score as well after he followed up Presley’s double with a single, advanced to 3rd after multiple passed balls, & came in to score after Dylan Huffman reached 1st base on an errant throw, to tie things up at 7 going to the 6th. Hasbrouck came in to pitch the top of the 6th for the Dragons & worked around two hit batsman to get out of the inning with no damage done. After leading off the bottom of the 6th with a single, and advancing to 3rd on miscommunication by the pitcher & catcher from Ridgeland, T. Huffman came in to score the go ahead run on a Stephens sacrifice fly. The Dragons had their 1st lead of the game at 8-7, going to the 7th.
Pickens called on Stephens to finish the game out and finish it out he did. Stephens would strike out the side in the top of the 7th to seal a crazy, come from behind 8-7 win over Panthers.
Dalton Sipsy: 5IP, 4H, 7R, 4ER, 5K on 105 pitches
Andrew Hasbrouck: 1IP, 0H, 0R on 14 pitches & 1 run scored
Dominic Stephens: 1IP, 0H, 0R, 3K on 21 pitches & 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Travis Huffman: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, & 4 runs scored
Jace Franklin: 2-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Wyatt Gooch: 1 RBI
Dalton Presley: 1-3 with 1 double
Joseph Gossett: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Zack Moore: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 walk, & 1 RBI
Pickens will now turn their attention to Southeast Whitfield as they finish up the regular season with a three game set with the Raiders. As it stands now, the Dragons are in 3rd place in 6-AAAA with a 9-6 mark & have a 15-9 overall record. Senior Night will be this coming Tuesday at Dragons Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Dragons Find Good Luck On St. Patrick’s Day Against Flowery Branch
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 18, 2017
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity baseball team faced another out of region opponent as they welcomed the Falcons of Flowery Branch to Dragons Field. Due to weather earlier in the week, this would be the Dragons first game since a doubleheader against Gilmer last Friday. Prior to the game, several members of the American Legion provided the field with a brand new American flag.
New St. Andrews University (NC) commit Dalton Sipsy took the mound for the Dragons and looked good during his short work. Sipsy would only allow 1 walk and struck out a batter in his inning of work. Pickens grabbed the early lead in the bottom of the 1st as Dominic Stephens drove in Travis Huffman to send us to the 2nd, Dragons leading the Falcons, 1-0. Andrew Hasbrouck came in to pitch in the 2nd and pitched well. The Dragons added to their lead in the bottom of the frame as Will Lawrence would drive in Jace Franklin to make it 2-0 going to the 3rd.
Luke Smith came in for Pickens in the top of the 3rd and did well to limit a potential big inning for Flowery Branch. The Falcons scored a run in the top of the 3rd to cut the Dragon lead in half, 2-1, going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the 3rd, Pickens picked up their 3rd run as Joseph Gossett came in after a pitch got passed the catcher. We would head to the 4th, Dragons ahead of the Falcons, 3-1. Right fielder Jace Franklin came in to pitch the top of the 4th for the Dragons. Flowery Branch scored three runs in the top half of the frame to take a 4-3 lead going to the bottom of the inning. The Falcons were able to work around a lead off double by Zack Moore as he would be stranded at 3rd. We headed to the 5th, Flowery Branch leading Pickens 4-3.
Dylan Huffman came on in the 5th to pitch for the Dragons, trying to keep it a one-run game. D. Huffman did just that, striking out two to send us to the bottom of the 5th. In the bottom of the inning, Dominic Stephens cranked a home run with 2-out to tie things up at 4, going to the 6th. D. Huffman was able to get out of the top of the 6th without giving up a run. Pickens, went in order in the bottom of the frame, & we would go to the 7th, tied at 4. Brady Moore came in to pitch the top of the 7th and held the Falcons scoreless, sending us to the bottom of the 7th. With Stephens at 2nd, 2-outs, & 1 1-2 count on him, Franklin smacked a single down the left field line to bring home Stephens and the win for the Dragons, 5-4.
Dalton Sipsy: 1IP, 0H, 0R 1K, 1BB on 15 pitches
Andrew Hasbrouck: 1IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB on 14 pitches
Luke Smith: 1IP, 1H, 1BB, 1R on 16 pitches
Jace Franklin: 1IP, 3R on 25 pitches & 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 run scored, & 1 RBI
Dylan Huffman: 2IP, 0R, 3K on 28 pitches
Brady Moore: 1IP 0R, 1K on 20 pitches
Travis Huffman: 1-4 with a single & 1 run scored
Joseph Gossett: 2-4 with 2 singles & 1 run scored
Dominic Stephens: 1-1 with 1 HR, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, & 2 RBI
Wyatt Gooch: 2-3 with 2 singles
Zack Moore: 1-2 with 1 single & 1 walk
Pickens, is now 9-3 on the season & in 1st place in 6-AAAA at 3-0. The Dragons will get back into region play next week as they will start a series with Northwest Whitfield Tuesday at Dragons Field at 5:30.