Dragons shut out Rebels on Senior Night
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 17, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — It was a night for celebration and to recognize as the Pickens Dragons (13-12, 5-10) welcomed the Fannin Rebels (6-19, 3-12) to Dunn Field on Friday, April, 16th for the second game of their home and home series. Before the game, Seniors Seth Densmore, Drake Sutton, Hunter White, and Jarod Whitmore were honored for their contributions to Dragons baseball over the years. The moms of the players then threw out a ceremonial first pitch to their sons. As for the game, the Dragons were able to pick up the sweep over the Rebels with a 9-0 win.
In the top of the 1st, Brady Martin was hit with a pitch and advanced to 2nd after a successful steal attempt. Sutton, the starter for the Dragons, collected his first strikeout of the game and induced a fly out to send it to the bottom of the 1st. In the bottom of the 1st, Trace Ledbetter reached 1st base after being hit by a pitch. Densmore, then followed with a 2-out double. Rebel starter, Wyatt Rogers, got a fly out for the 3rd out to send us to the 2nd, tied at 0.
In the top half of the 2nd, Rebels designated hitter Jake Kuna, reached on an error. Kuna, would be left stranded at 2nd as Sutton picked up his 3rd strikeout of the game to send us to the bottom of the 2nd. Pickens, broke through in the bottom half of the 2nd. Sutton got things going with a 1-out double. Harlan Will then reached 1st on a fielder’s choice. Colby Brooks, who courtesy ran for Sutton, scored on a passed ball to make it 1-0 Dragons. James Tilley, then reached on an error. Connor Shouse, cleared the bases as he belted a 3-run home run, the first of the season for the freshman, to make it 4-0. After a strikeout, Ledbetter hit a single, then scored on an RBI double from Densmore to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the top of the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Martin drew a 2-out walk. Martin, would be left at 2nd after Sutton collected his 5th strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the frame, Sutton and Will were hit by pitches on back to back at bats with 1-out. Shouse, drove in courtesy runners Brooks and Ethan Gemberling with a 2-RBI double to make it 7-0. White, followed that up with an RBI single to bring in Shouse. Going to the 4th, the Dragons led the Rebels, 8-0.
The top of the 4th saw Fannin threaten with another scoring chance to try to cut the Pickens lead down. Logan Hughes and Sawyer Moreland reached with back to back singles with 1-out. After a ground out advanced the runners to 2nd and 3rd, Sutton forced a grounder to 1st to end the top half of the 4th. In the bottom of the 4th, Densmore led off by drawing a walk. Logan Shirley came in to pitch run for Densmore. After advancing to 2nd after Anthony Antinozzi was hit by a pitch, and to 3rd after a steal attempt, Shirley came in to score after Sutton reached 1st on a fielder’s choice to make it 9-0.
In the 5th, Densmore came on in relief of Sutton who pitched extremely well through 4 innings of work for the Dragons. Martin, tried to get a rally going for the Rebels as he reached base with a 2-out double. Densmore, got out of the top of the 5th by collecting his 2nd strikeout of the inning to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 5th, the Rebels right fielder Jason Pearson, who came on in relief in the bottom of the 4th, got the first 1-2-3 inning of the game in the bottom of the 5th to send us to the 6th, Dragons ahead, 9-0.
In the top of the 6th, Moreland reached base after a 2-out walk. A nice play over at 3rd base by Sutton on a dribbler by Kuna ended the top half of the inning and sent us to the bottom of the frame. Pearson, again fired another 1-2-3 inning as he collected his first two strikeouts to send us to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Rogers, reached on a 1-out single. Pearson, was then hit by a pitch. With 2 outs, Densmore was able to induce a grounder to third for the 3rd out and the Dragons took this one, 9-0.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a home run, a double, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Hunter White: 1-4 with a single, and 1 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a hit by pitch, a single, and 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 2-3 with 2 doubles, 1 walk, and 1 RBI & 3 IP, 3 K, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 hit by pitch
Drake Sutton: 1-3 with a double, a hit by pitch, and 1 RBI & 4 IP, 5 K, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 76 pitches
Harlan Will: 1 hit by pitch
James Tilley: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 2 runs scored
Ethan Gemberling: 2 runs scored
Logan Shirley: 1 run scored
Rebels Stats:
Jason Pearson: 1 hit by pitch
Brady Martin: 1-2 with a hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 1 double
Logan Hughes: 1-3 with a single
Sawyer Moreland: 1-2 with a single, and a walk
Wyatt Rogers: 1-3 with a single
Dragons pick up road win against Fannin
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 14, 2021
Fannin County, Ga — It was a 515 Tuesday as the Pickens Dragons (12-12, 5-10) headed north to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin Rebels (6-17, 3-11) for a non-region ball game. The Dragons and Rebels bot came into the game looking to get back in the win column after both dropped a series last week. In a game that was very much a pitchers duel for the majority of it, the Dragons got 3 runs in the final 3 innings to pick up a 5-2 win.
In the top of the 1st, Hunter White got things going by reaching on an error. Seth Densmore then drew a 2-out walk. Jarod Whitmore, drove in White with a single to make it 1-0 Dragons. Anthony Antinozzi, then followed by getting hit with a pitch to load the bases. Rebels starter Logan Hughes, got out of the jam to keep the score 1-0 going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 1st, the Rebels got back to back hits from Brady Martin and Bradley Holloway.Dragons starter JP Nunn, got out of a jam of his own as he left Bradley and Martin stranded at 2nd and 3rd to send us to the 2nd, Pickens ahead, 1-0.
In the top of the 2nd, Tyler Payne led off by getting hit with a pitch. The Rebels, got a big lift when they picked up a strikeout/pick off double play. With 2 outs, Connor Shouse drew a walk. Shouse would be left stranded at 1st as we’d head to the bottom of the 2nd, still 1-0 Dragons. In the bottom of the frame, Carter Mann led off with a single. Landon Norton, then followed by drawing a walk. After back to back strikeouts by Nunn, Jason Pearson got hit by a pitch to load the bases full of Rebels. Nunn, got out of a jam for the 2nd straight inning to keep the Dragons ahead going to the 3rd, 1-0.
Densmore got the top of the 3rd going for Pickens after he reached on an error. Antinozzi, drew a 2-out walk, but that would be all in the top half of the 3rd for the Dragons. In the bottom half of the 3rd, Nunn picked up his 4th strikeout of the game as he worked the first 1-2-3 inning for either side. Going to the 4th, Pickens still led the Rebels, 1-0.
In the top of the 4th, James Tilley drew a 1-out walk to reach base. White, brought Tilley home with a 2-out double to make it 2-0 Dragons. Nunn, continued his impressive outing by again working a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the 4th. Going to the 5th, the Dragons held a 2-0 advantage.
Whitmore picked up his 2nd hit of the game with 1-out in the top of the 5th. Antinozzi and Drake Sutton then followed by drawing back to back walks to load the bases. With 2 outs, Tilley drew a walk to bring in Whitmore. Shouse, followed by drawing the 4th walk of the inning to bring in Antinozzi. Going to the bottom of the 5th, the Dragons now led the Rebels, 4-0. In the bottom of the 5th, Fannin looked to get things going offensively. Pearson, reached with a 1-out double. Martin, followed with a single. Holloway, drove in Pearson with an RBI single. Martin, was thrown out at home trying to come in to score. Nunn then forced a ground out to end the 5th and send us to the top of the 6th with the Dragons up, 4-1.
The top of the 6th saw the Rebels collect their first 1-2-3 inning of the game to keep the score at 4-1. In the bottom of the 6th, Tyler Fox reached after drawing a 1-out walk. Norton, then followed with a single. After a strikeout, Luke Bright drew a walk. Pearson, then brought in Fox with an RBI single. On the same play, the Dragons threw out a runner for the final out of the frame. Going to the top of the 7th, Pickens led Fannin, 4-2.
In the top of the 7th, Antinozzi led off with a walk. Sutton then moved him over to 2nd with a sacrifice bunt. Payne then drew a walk. Tilley, kept the line moving by reaching on an error. Shouse, brought in Antinozzi after drawing his 3rd walk of the game. After a strikeout and a force out, we’d head to the bottom of the 7th with the Dragons up, 5-2. In the bottom of the 7th, Holloway picked up a 1-out single. Densmore, was able to get a 6-4-3 double play from his defense and the Dragons picked up the win, 5-2.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 3 walks and 2 RBI
Hunter White: 1-5 with a double, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI
Seth Densmore: 1 walk
Jarod Whitmore: 2-4 with 1 run scored
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 hit by pitch, 3 walks, and 2 runs scored
Drake Sutton: 1 walk
Tyler Payne: 1 hit by pitch, and 1 walk
James Tilley: 2 walks, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
JP Nunn: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 K, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 R, 1 ER, 68 pitches
Rebels Stats:
Jason Pearson: 2-3 with a single, a double, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Brady Martin: 2-4 with 2 singles
Bradley Holloway: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 1 RBI
Carter Mann: 1-2 with a single
Tyler Fox: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Landon Norton: 1 walk and 1 single
Luke Bright: 1 walk
These same two teams will meet in Jasper on Friday in the finale of their home and home series. First pitch set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons open series with win over Southeast Whitfield
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 7, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — The Pickens Dragons (11-10, 5-8), hosted the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (8-13, 2-11) in a crucial game 1 of a 3-game set. Coming into the series, the Dragons were in 5th place in 7-AAAA. The Raiders, came in 7th in 7-AAAA. The bats for the Dragons came to life and led them to a 14-4 win in 5 innings.
In the top of the 1st, the Raiders got on the board first with a solo home run. Going to the bottom of the 1st, Southeast Whitfield led the Dragons, 1-0. In the bottom of the 1st, Hunter White got things going with a 1-out single. Trace Ledbetter then followed by getting hit with a pitch. After White and Ledbetter advanced to 3rd and 2nd respectively after a double steal, Seth Densmore drove in White to tie the game at 1 a piece. Jarod Whitmore, then hit a 2-out single, and advanced to 2nd on the throw attempt to home. Anthony Antinozzi, drove in both Ledbetter and Whitmore to make it 3-1 Dragons. Antinozzi, would come around to score after Harlan Will reached on an error. Parker Rhodes, drove in Colby Brooks, who was courtesy running for Will to make it 5-1 Dragons going to the 2nd.
The Raiders, would pick up 2 hits off of Dragon starter JP Nunn, but that would be all as Nunn picked off a runner at 2nd to end the top half of the 2nd inning. In the bottom half of the frame, the Dragons added to their lead after Whitmore drove in White to make it 6-1 Pickens going to the top of the 3rd.
With nothing doing for either side in the 3rd inning, we’ll move along to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, Southeast Whitfield plated a run to make it 6-2. In the bottom of the 4th, Connor Shouse got things going with a lead off triple. White, continued his hot hitting as he drove in Shouse with an RBI single to make it 7-2. After advancing to 2nd on a passed ball, White would move to 3rd after a single from Ledbetter. With 1-out, Densmore stepped up and sent a lined shot over the left field wall for a 2-run home run to make it 9-2. Whitmore, followed by drawing a walk. Will, then reached on an error for the second time. Rhodes, continued his good play over the last week and drove Whitmore home with an RBI single to make it 10-2 Pickens, going to the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, the Raiders scored twice to cut the Dragons lead to 10-4. In the bottom of the 5th, White reached base for a fourth time by drawing a 1-out walk. Ledbetter and Densmore followed by getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. Antinozzi, drew a 2-out walk to bring in White to make it 11-4. Will, then drew a walk as well to bring in Ledbetter. Rhodes, blooped one into shallow right center to score Matt Satterfield, who pitch ran for Densmore, and Antinozzi to give the Dragons a 14-4 win over the Raiders in 5 innings.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a triple and 1 run scored
Hunter White: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 4 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single, 2 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored
Seth Densmore: 1-2 with a home run, 1 hit by pitch, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jarod Whitmore: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Anthony Antinozzi: 1-3 with a single, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Harlan Will: 1 walk and 1 RBI
Parker Rhodes: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 3 RBI
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
Matt Satterfield: 1 run scored
With the win, the Dragons are now tied in the win column with the current 4th place team in 7-AAAA, Central-Carroll, who fell in game 1 of their series with Ridgeland, 14-0. Pickens, will head to Southeast Whitfield on Friday, April 9th for a doubleheader with the Raiders. First pitch of the first game of that twin bill is set for 5 :30 pm.
Chances aplenty in game 3 between Cedartown and Pickens
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 3, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — In between games 2 and 3, the Pickens Dragons honored two brave women and their families for their Pink Out night. Jamie Stone, Debbie Dart, and their families were recognized. One family member each got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Game 3, saw plenty of opportunities for both the Dragons and Cedartown Bulldogs. In the end, the Bulldogs took game 3, 10-4.
In the top of the 1st, the Bulldogs again got on the board early with a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Hunter White drew a 2-out walk, but that would be all as we’d head to the top of the 2nd, Cedartown leading Pickens, 1-0.
The Dragons retired the Bulldogs on 12 pitches in the top half of the 2nd to keep it 1-0. In the bottom half of the frame, Jarod Whitmore got hit by a pitch with 1-out. Parker Rhodes then drew a 2-out walk. Pickens, would be unable to tie things up as Whitmore was left stranded at 3rd as we went to the top of the 3rd, still 1-0 Bulldogs.
In the top of the 3rd, Cedartown plated 2 runs to extend their lead over the Dragons t0 3-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Anthony Antinozzi drew a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Colby Brooks, would make it all the way to 3rd base, but would be left stranded to end the 3rd inning and send us to the 4th, Bulldogs ahead, 3-0.
After nothing doing for the Bulldogs in the top half of the 4th, the Dragons again had another chance to cut into the lead as Drake Sutton and Whitmore drew back to back walks with 1-out. Back to back fly outs however ended the inning for Pickens as we’d go to the top of the 5th, Cedartown leading, 3-0.
In the top of the 5th, the Bulldogs added 2 runs to their total as they increased their lead to 5-0 going to the bottom of the frame. Pickens, went quietly in the bottom of the 5th and we’d head t0 the 6th with the Bulldogs up, 5-0.
In the top of the 6th, Cedartown plated a run to make it 6-0. In the bottom of the inning, let’s just say, the Dragons got their steps in. Pickens drew 6 walks, and 1 hit batsman to plate 4 runs and cut the Bulldog lead to 6-4, going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, the Bulldogs scored 4 runs of their own to extend their lead out to 10-4. In the bottom of the 7th, the Dragons got back to back hits from Densmore and Sutton. Those two hits, were the first two hits of the ball game for Pickens. Courtesy runner Brooks and Sutton, were left stranded a 3rd and 2nd respectively as Cedartown forced a pop out, and then got back to back strikeouts to get the win, 10-4.
Dragons Stats:
Harlan Will: 1 hit by pitch, & 1 RBI
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 walk
Hunter White: 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single & 1 walk
Drake Sutton: 1-3 with a single & 1 walk
Jarod Whitmore: 1 hit by pitch, 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Parker Rhodes: 2 walks, & 1 RBI
James Tilley: 1 walk, & 1 RBI
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 15-4 (8-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 17-4 (7-2)
Cedartown: 12-7 (9-3)
Central-Carroll: 11-7 (5-4)
Pickens: 10-10 (4-8)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-10)
Ridgeland: 3-12 (1-8)
Pickens, will be back home on Tuesday, April 6th as they welcome the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to Jasper for the start of a 3-game set. First pitch for game 1 is set for 5:30 pm.
Nunn shuts door on Bulldogs as Dragons take game 2
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 3, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — It was Pink Out Friday on April 2nd as the Pickens Dragons (10-9, 4-7) welcomed the Cedartown Bulldogs (11-7, 8-3) to Jasper for games 2 and 3 of their 7-AAAA 3-game set. The Dragons, wore pink jerseys as part of recognizing breast cancer awareness. In game 1 of the series on Tuesday, the Bulldogs came away with the win, 12-5. In a game where both teams had multiple run innings, the Dragons were able to hold on to get a 10-8 win in game two.
In the top of the 1st, the Bulldogs scored 2 runs to take an early 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons got a 2-out single by Hunter White, but that would be all as we’d head to the 2nd, Cedartown ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the 2nd, the Bulldogs added to their lead as they would plate one run to make it 3-0. In the bottom of the frame, Jarod Whitmore drew a 1-out walk. Trace Ledbetter then followed with a single. Parker Rhodes then drew a walk to load the bases. Starting pitcher James Tilley, would then be hit in the left arm to bring home Whitmore. Connor Shouse, brought in Ledbetter to make it 3-2. Anthony Antinozzi then brought in Rhodes as Antinozzi reached on an error. Going to the top of the 3rd, the ball game was knotted up at 3 a piece.
The tie would not last very long as the Bulldogs retook the lead in the top of the 3rd by scoring 1 run. Going to the bottom half of the inning, it was now 4-3 Cedartown. Pickens, began the bottom of the 3rd with back to back walks drawn by Seth Densmore and Drake Sutton. Unfortunately for the Dragons, the Bulldogs got a strikeout, and double play to end the home half of the 3rd, and send us to the 4th with Cedartown ahead, 4-3.
The Bulldogs, were limited to just 1 hit in the top of the 4th as the score remained 4-3. In the bottom of the 4th, the Dragons broke through, scoring 6 runs on 4 hits. Pickens got an RBI from Antinozzi, Whitmore, and 2 RBI from Rhodes and White during the rally as the Dragons to their first lead of the game, 9-4.
We move to the top of the 6th. Cedartown, was able to cut the Dragons lead down to 9-8 after plating 4 runs in the top half of the frame. In the bottom of the 6th, Ledbetter led off with a single to get it started. Ledbetter, would eventually come around to score to give Pickens an all important insurance run. Going to the top of the 7th, the Dragons held a 10-8 lead over the Bulldogs.
In the top of the 7th, JP Nunn, who came on in relief in the top of the 6th, shut down any comeback chances as the Dragons picked up the win in game 2, 10-8.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1-5 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Anthony Antinozzi: 2 RBI
Hunter White: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single, & a walk
Drake Sutton: 1-2 with a single, 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Jarod Whitmore: 2 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with 2 singles, & 2 runs scored
Parker Rhodes: 1 single, 2 walks, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored
James Tilley: 2 hit by pitch & 1 walk
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
After a long Monday night, Dragons Baseball back at it on Tuesday
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — The busy week for the Pickens Dragons (9-9, 3-7), continued on Tuesday, March 30th as they traveled to Polk County to start a 3-game series with the Cedartown Bulldogs (11-6, 8-2). The Dragons, came into this game sitting in 5th in the 7-AAAA standings. The Bulldogs, came into the game in 2nd in the region standings. Using a big 2nd inning, the Bulldogs were able to take game 1, 12-5.
The Dragons would go down in order in the top of the 1st. In the bottom half of the frame, Dragons starter Drake Sutton, picked up 2 strikeouts and left 2 Bulldogs stranded to send us to the 2nd, tied at 0.
In the top of the 2nd, Seth Densmore led off by getting hit by a pitch. Jarod Whitmore would then get on with a 1-out single. Trace Ledbetter worked a walk to load the bases. Parker Rhodes, knocked in Densmore with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. James Tilley, drove in Whitmore and Ledbetter with a 2 RBI single to make it 3-0. Connor Shouse, would keep the line moving as he drove in Rhodes with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons. The lead for Pickens would not last long however as the Bulldogs scored 7 runs in the bottom half of the 2nd to take a 7-4 lead going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Sutton worked the count full and drew a 2-out walk. Whitmore then followed by reaching on an error. That would be all the Dragons could muster as we’d go to the bottom of the 3rd, Cedartown ahead, 7-4. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Bulldogs would plate a run to make it 8-4 going to the 4th.
After nothing got going for Pickens in the top half of the 4th, the Bulldogs would score 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning to make it 11-4.
In the top of the 6th, the Dragons had back to back hitters get struck by pitches to put runners on 1st and 2nd with just one out. Back to back pop outs to the second baseman ended the potential rally and sent us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 6th, the Bulldogs tacked on another run to make it 12-4 going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Hunter White led off by getting hit with a pitch. Densmore, then followed with a single. Whitmore, then drove in White to make it 12-5. Ledbetter followed by drawing a walk, and Rhodes collected his 2nd hit of the day after that. The Bulldogs, were able to prevent any further possible damage as Cedartown would take game 1, 12-5.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single, 1 RBI, and 1 hit by pitch
Hunter White: 2 hit by pitch and 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single, a run scored, and 1 hit by pitch
Drake Sutton: 1 walk
Jarod Whitmore: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2 walks and 1 run scored
Parker Rhodes: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1 hit by pitch
James Tilley: 1-3 with a single, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 RBI
These two teams will meet again on Friday in Jasper for games 2 and 3 of the series. First game of the doubleheader is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons take game 2 against Heritage
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — We had Monday night baseball on Monday, March 29th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Heritage Generals for game 2 and 3 of their 3-game series. The doubleheader, was originally scheduled for Friday, March 26th, but the storms that blew through on Thursday, March 27th, forced the doubleheader to be moved to Monday. The Dragons, got runs in the 1st, 4th, and 6th innings as they took game 2 against the Generals, 6-2.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, picked up two strikeouts as we would head to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse led off with a single. In a long at bat, Anthony Antinozzi, drew a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. With 1-out, Seth Densmore drove in courtesy runner Colby Brooks to make it 1-0. Drake Sutton, brought in a run to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the 2nd.
In the top of the 2nd, the Generals cut the Pickens lead in half after a walk and a hit led to a run to make it 2-1. In the bottom of the inning, Heritage sat the Dragons down quietly to send the game to the 3rd inning with Pickens ahead, 2-1.
In the top of the 3rd, Shouse forced three pop outs from the Generals and got out of the 3rd with an 8-pitch frame. In the bottom half of the 3rd, the Dragons got hits from Hunter White and Densmore with 2-outs, but were unable to bring a run home as we’d head to the 4th, still 2-1 Pickens.
In the top of the 4th, another walk and hit for the Generals led to Heritage tying things up at 2 a piece. In the bottom of the inning, Jarod Whitmore would lead off with a single. With 1-out, Parker Rhodes laid down a beautiful bunt to have runners on the corners at 1st and 3rd. With 2-outs, James Tilley would drive in Whitmore to regain the lead for the Dragons at 3-2, going to the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, Tilley came on in relief of Shouse, who pitched very well. Tilley, got out of the top of the 5th in 14 pitches with no damage down. In the bottom of the 5th, the Dragons got a lead off single from Antinozzi, but that would be all. Going to the 6th, the Dragons led the Generals, 3-2.
Much like Shouse in the top of the 3rd, Tilley needed just 8 pitches in the top of the 6th to retire the side. In the bottom of the 6th, Whitmore drew a 1-out walk, Trace Ledbetter got on with a 1-out single, and Rhodes drew another 1-out walk to load the bases. Tilley, then got drilled in the back with a pitch as Whitmore came in to make it 4-2. After a 2nd run would score, Shouse brought in a 3rd run to make it 6-2 Dragons going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Tilley, had a somewhat long half inning with 20 pitches, but kept Heritage off the board as the Dragons took game 2 of the series, 6-2.
With the win, the Dragons picked up their 9th win of the season and their 3rd in 7-AAAA play. After the 2nd game against the Generals, the Dragons were slotted in 5th place in the region standings.
Close game 1 between the Dragons and Generals
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 24, 2021
Ringgold, Ga — The Pickens Dragons (8-7, 2-5) traveled to Ringgold in Catoosa County on Tuesday, March 23rd to begin a 3-game set in the 7-AAAA region with the Heritage Generals (11-3, 4-0). Coming into the series, the Dragons have run into some tough luck with some close losses, but came into the series with some momentum after a 7-2 win over Northwest Whitfield in game 3 of the series on Friday. Heritage, came into the series having spent the last week in out of region play. The Generals swept Southeast Whitfield two weeks ago. In another close ball game, the Generals were able to come away with a 6-5 win.
In the top of the 1st, Freshman Connor Shouse, who went 6-6 in the doubleheader against Northwest Whitfield on Friday, continued his hot hitting by leading off with a single. With 1-out, Hunter White was able to break up a double play attempt and reached 1st base. Seth Densmore then followed with a 2-out single. Heritage, was able to get out of the inning and keep it tied at zero. In the bottom of the 1st, the Generals used a long inning to take an early lead. Heritage, scored 4 runs on 3 hits to take a 4-0 lead going to the 2nd.
The Dragons would go quietly in the top of the 2nd as it remained 4-0 Generals. In the bottom half of the frame, Heritage plated another run to extend their lead out to 5-0 going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, the Generals again held the Dragons scoreless to keep it at 5-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Densmore, now in his second full inning of relief, needed 13 pitches to send us to the top of the 4th, still 5-0 Heritage.
In the top of the 4th, the Dragons got things going. White, led off with a walk. Densmore, then would be hit by a pitch. After White advanced to 3rd and courtesy runner Colby Brooks advanced to 2nd, Drake Sutton drove in White with an RBI single. With 1-out, Sutton attempted to steal 2nd. While he was caught stealing, Brooks was able to come home on the throw. Going to the bottom of the inning, the Generals lead was now, 5-2. In the bottom of the 4th, Sutton came on in relief for Pickens. Sutton, would be able to get out of a little jam to keep the score, 5-2, going to the top of the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, the Dragons were unable to get things going as it would still be 5-2 going to the bottom of the frame. Sutton, needed only 10 pitches to retire the Generals in the bottom of the 5th. Going to the top of the 6th, Heritage still led Pickens, 5-2.
In the top of the 6th, the Dragons held a walk-a-thon. In total, the Dragons drew four walks in the top half of the 6th. The 4th walk of the inning, drawn by Trace Ledbetter, brought in White to make it 5-3 Generals. In the bottom of the 6th, Heritage would get that run back as we headed to the top of the 7th, with the Generals leading the Dragons, 6-3.
In the top of the 7th, the Dragons made their comeback attempt. James Tilley, led off by reaching on an error, Shouse, then followed with a double. With 2-out, Densmore drove in both Tilley and Shouse with a single to make it 6-5. Brooks, now running for Densmore, stole 2nd and the Dragons had the tying run in scoring position. The Generals, were able to force a ground out to preserve the win, 6-5.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored
Hunter White: 2 walks and 2 runs scored
Seth Densmore: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 1 RBI
Drake Sutton: 1-4 with a single and 1 RBI
Jarod Whitmore: 1 walk
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk and 1 RBI
James Tilley: 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
The Dragons and Generals, will face each other in Jasper on Friday, March 26th as games 2 and 3 of the series will be played. Game 2 of the series has a first pitch time of 5:30. Game 3 will be played shortly after the conclusion of game 2.
Late inning rally falls just short for Dragons
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 20, 2021
Tunnel Hill, Ga — After falling in a tough game 1, the Pickens Dragons (7-6, 1-4) traveled up to Tunnel Hill to take on the Northwest Whitfield Bruins (12-2, 2-0) in game 2 of the 3-game set. After another back and forth ball game between these two teams, the Bruins were able to come away with a 6-4 win.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, got the game going with a lead off double. Hunter White, brought in courtesy runner Colby Brooks in on a sacrifice fly to give Pickens an early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 1st, a long half inning led to 2 runs for Northwest Whitfield as the Bruins took a 2-1 lead going to the 2nd.
In the top of the 2nd, Jarod Whitmore, led off with a walk. Northwest Whitfield, was able to get out of a jam to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Bruins plated a run to extend their lead to 3-1 going to the 3rd.
The top of the 3rd saw Shouse lead off with his second double of the game. Anthony Antinozzi, followed that up with an RBI triple to drive in courtesy runner Brooks to make it 3-2. White, followed that by bringing in courtesy runner Tee Knight on another sacrifice fly to tie things up at 3, going to the bottom of the 3rd. The bottom of the 3rd, was another long inning, but Shouse and the Dragons were able to get out of it to send us to the top of the 4th, all tied at 3.
Pickens got a 2-out walk from Shouse in the top of the 4th, but that would be all. In the bottom of the 4th, Shouse picked up his 4th strikeout and kept the Bruins scoreless to send us to the 5th, still knotted at 3.
In the top of the 5th, the Dragons got a 1-out walk by designated hitter Seth Densmore, and a 2-out single by Whitmore. A fly out forced by Northwest Whitfield kept the runners at 1st and 2nd, and sent us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 5th, Drake Sutton came on in relief of Shouse, who moved over to 3rd base. Sutton was able to shake off a tough start to the inning as he and the Dragons kept the Bruins off the board to send us to the 6th, still tied at 3.
In the top of the 6th, James Tilley, got on with a 1-out single. Northwest Whitfield, would then pick off Tilley at first for the second out. That play turned out to be a really important play as Shouse came up and hit his third double of the game. Shouse, would be left stranded at 2nd after the Bruins forced a pop up to send us to the bottom of the 6th. In the bottom of the inning, Northwest Whitfield retook the lead after plating 3 runs. Going to the top of the 7th, the Bruins were now ahead, 6-3.
In the top of the 7th, the Dragons were able to get a solo home run by Jackson Moore, but that would be all. The Northwest Whitfield Bruins took game 2, 6-4.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 3-3 with 3 doubles and a walk
Anthony Antinozzi: 1-4 with a triple and 1 RBI
Hunter White: 2 RBI
Seth Densmore: 2 walks
Jackson Moore: 1-1 with a home run, 1 run scored, & 1 RBI
Drake Sutton: 1-4 with a single
Jarod Whitmore: 1-2 with a single and 2 walks
James Tilley: 1-3 with a single
Colby Brooks: 2 runs scored
Tee Knight: 1 run scored
Dragons drop series opener to Northwest Whitfield in extras
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 17, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — Tuesday, March 16th was a windy, rainy filled day but it also was game day as the Pickens Dragons (7-5, 1-3) welcomed the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to Dunn Field for game 1 of a 7-AAAA three game set. The Dragons, were coming off of a tough series with Centrall-Carroll last week and looked to get back on track against a Bruins ream that was out of region play last week, and came in with a 10-2 overall record. In a back and forth game that saw both teams trade the lead, Northwest Whitfield came away with a 3-2 win in 8 innings.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Jackson Moore needed just 12 pitches to retire the Bruins and send us to the bottom of the frame, and the Dragons to the plate. After a 1-out single by Anthony Antinozzi and a 2-out single by Seth Densmore, the Bruins were able to get out of the early jam and send us to the 2nd, still scoreless.
In the top of the 2nd, Northwest Whitfield picked up a hit, but were held scoreless as we headed to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the 2nd, Jarod Whitmore led off with a double, and later scored on a passed ball to give Pickens a 1-0 lead going to the top of the 3rd.
Moore continued his impressive outing in the top of the 3rd as he needed just 9 pitches to retire the Bruins and send the Dragons bats back to the plate. In the bottom of the 3rd, Antinozzi and Hunter White both drew 1-out walks. Both runners then advanced to 3rd and 2nd base respectively after a passed ball. Northwest Whitfield, again avoided a potential big inning by the Dragons as we would go to the top of the 4th, Pickens still ahead, 1-0.
In the top of the 4th, the Bruins broke through and plated 2 runs on a double. With 2 runs already in, Northwest Whitfield was looking for more, but Drake Sutton came in and got the last out of the inning with his first pitch to send us to the bottom half of the frame. In the bottom of the 4th, the Dragons would be retired in order. Going to the top of the 5th, the Bruins now led it, 2-1.
In the top of the 5th, Sutton was able to work around a 24-pitch inning as he and the Dragons defense held Northwest Whitfield scoreless. In the bottom of the 5th, the Dragons were able to cash in on a lead off walk drawn by James Tilley as Antinozzi was able to bring him in on a grounder to 2nd base and tie the ball game up at 2 going to the 6th.
The Dragons brought in JP Nunn on in relief in the top of the 6th and Nunn continued his impressive start to the season by retiring the Bruins on 11 pitches. In the bottom of the 6th, with 1-out, Whitmore would secure his 2nd triple of the game. After the home plate umpire ruled catchers interference, Trace Ledbetter took 1st base. Parker Rhodes then drew a walk to load the bases. Unfortunately for Pickens, the Bruins were able to force a popup, and barely make a catch in deep right field, to keep the game tied at 2 going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Nunn kept rolling as he retired Northwest Whitfield on just 10 pitches to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 7th, the Dragons would go quietly in order. We headed to the 8th inning, still tied at 2.
In the top half of the 8th, things got interesting to say the least. Nunn, got two quick outs to start the inning. The Dragons, thought the third out was made at first base, but a catchers interference call was made by the home plate umpire and awarded the base to the Bruins batter. Later in the inning, with a Bruin runner on 3rd base, the third strike got away from the catcher. Antinozzi, threw it to 1st base where it looked like the runner was out. The field umpire however ruled that the throw pulled the 1st baseman off the bag and the run scored giving Northwest Whitfield a 3-2 lead going to the bottom of the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th, Whitmore got on base for the third time with a 1-out single. The Bruins were able to get the final two outs to get the win, 3-2.
Dragons Stats:
Anthony Antinozzi: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 RBI
Hunter White: 1-3 with a single and a walk
Seth Densmore: 1-4 with a single
Jarod Whitmore: 3-4 with 2 triples, 1 single, and 1 run scored
Parker Rhodes: 1 walk
James Tilley: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
These two teams will play games 2 and 3 of the series in a doubleheader on Friday at Northwest Whitfield. First pitch for the first game of the doubleheader is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons fall to Lions in tough series finale
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 13, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — After the craziness that was the first game of the doubleheader, the Dragons and Lions took a much needed break, then began game 2 of the doubleheader and the 3rd and final game of the series. Central-Carroll, scored runs in the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th innings to get win in the series finale, 8-2.
In the top of the first, the Lions would get a base hit, but would leave the runner stranded as we would head to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Anthony Antinozzi would find himself at 3rd after a 1-out triple. Hunter White, drove in Antinozzi with a sacrifice fly to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead over Central-Carroll going to the 2nd.
In the top half of the 2nd, the Lions were able to plate 2 runs to take a 2-1 lead. After two quick outs in the bottom of the 2nd, Trace Ledbetter reached after an error and Parker Rhodes reached after a single. Central-Carroll, was able to escape the potential Dragon threat as we headed to the 3rd, Lions leading, 2-1.
Unfortunately for the Dragons, Central-Carroll was able to take advantage of some ill-timed miscues in the top of the 3rd which helped lead to 3 runs for the Lions. Going to the bottom of the 3rd, the Lions led Pickens, 5-1. The bottom of the 3rd saw the Dragons go quietly in order as we would go to the 4th with Central-Carroll leading, 5-1.
After he came in during the top of the 3rd, JP Nunn, settled in and retired the Lions on just 8 pitches in the top of the 4th. In the bottom of the 4th, Seth Densmore led off with a single. Jarod Whitmore then reached on an error, and Ledbetter follwed by drawing a walk. After a controversial strike out call of Rhodes for the 2nd out, the Lions forced a pop up for the 3rd out to send us to the 5th with Central-Carroll leading the Dragons, 5-1.
Nunn, got into a little bit of trouble in the top of the 5th, but was able to escape with no damage down to keep it 5-1. In the bottom half of the 5th, after a 1-out single by Antinozzi, and a walk drawn by White, the Lions again were able to escape a potential big inning by the Dragons after forcing a double play to send us to the 6th with Central-Carroll still ahead, 5-1.
In the top of the 6th, Nunn continued his sold work in relief as he again only needed 8 pitches to send us to the bottom of the frame. Pickens, would go down in order in the bottom of the 6th as we headed to the 7th, Lions leading, 5-1.
In the top of the 7th, Central-Carroll was able to add 3 runs as they extended their lead to 8-1. In the bottom of the 7th, James Tilley drew a 1-out walk. With 2 outs, Antinozzi drew a walk himself. White, then drove in Tilley with an RBI single. The Lions, were able to get the 3rd and final out of the game as they picked up the win in game 3, 8-2. With the win, Central-Carroll would take the series, 2-1.
Dragons Stats:
Anthony Antinozzi: 2-3 with a triple, a single, a walk, and 1 run scored
Hunter White: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 2 RBI
Seth Densmore: 1-4 with a single
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk
Parker Rhodes: 1-3 with a single
James Tilley: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 9-2 (3-0)
Cedartown: 6-4 (3-0)
Central-Carroll: 7-3 (2-1)
Pickens: 7-4 (1-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 7-4 (0-3)
Ridgeland: 1-8 (0-3)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-2 (0-0)
Next week, the Dragons will begin another 7-AAAA series. This one, will be against the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. This will be the first region series of the season for the Bruins. Game 1 of the 3 game series is set for Tuesday, March 16th at Dunn Field at Pickens High School. First pitch set at 5:30.
Dragons win high scoring affair with Central-Carroll
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 13, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — It was such a great day for baseball, the Pickens Dragons (7-3, 1-1) and the Central-Carroll Lions (6-3, 1-1) decided to play two as games two and three of their region 7-AAAA series took place in Jasper on Friday, March 12th. Game 1 of the series saw the Lions win a tight back and forth game at their place on Tuesday, March 9th. If it was any indication, this series was gonna be close. Powered by 16 runs in the first three innings, the Dragons were able to hang on late to take game 2, 16-13.
In the top of the 1st, the Lions struck first as they held an early lead, 1-0. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons bats were lively early. Pickens, scored 8 runs on 6 hits as Jarod Whitmore, Trace Ledbetter, Connor Shouse, & Anthony Antinozzi, all picked up an RBI. James Tilley drove in 2 with a 2 RBI double to make it 8-1 Dragons going to the 2nd inning.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Central-Carroll plated 2 runs to make it 8-3. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley, brought in Drake Sutton after drawing a bases loaded walk. Shouse, nearly had himself his first varsity home run as the freshman hit the base of the wall in left center field, scoring Whitmore, Ledbetter, and Tilley for a bases clearing RBI double. Going to the top of the 3rd, the Dragons led the Lions, 12-3.
The Dragons held Central-Carroll scoreless in the top of the 3rd to send the bats back to work. In the bottom of the 3rd, Hunter White got the scoring started with a solo home run to make it 13-3. Pickens, scored 3 more times as Whitmore and Shouse picked up an RBI each to make it 16-3 Dragons going to the 4th.
Here’s where things start to get a bit nutty. The top of the 4th saw the Lions score 3 runs to make it 16-6 Dragons. After giving up a lead off single to White to start the bottom of the 4th, Central-Carroll would get a double play and a pop up to send us to the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, the Lions inched ever closer as they scored 4 times to make it 16-10 Dragons. Pickens, went down in order in the bottom of the inning as we would head to the 6th with the Dragons leading Central-Carroll, 16-10.
The 6th inning would be the only clean inning for both teams as we headed to the 7th, Pickens still ahead of the Lions, 16-10. In the top of the 7th, Central-Carroll, had already scored 3 runs and were looking for more. JP Nunn came in and needed just 3 pitches to close the door on the Lions comeback as the Dragons took game 1 of the doubleheader and game 2 of the series, 16-13.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-5 with a double, a single, and 5 RBI
Anthony Antinozzi: 1-4 with a single, a walk, and 1 RBI
Hunter White: 3-4 with a home run, 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI
Drake Sutton: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 3 runs scored
Jarod Whitmore: 2-3 with a double, a single, a walk, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a single, a walk, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI
James Tilley: 2-3 with a double, a single, a walk, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI
Dragons drop first game of season to 6A Wheeler
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 28, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — As we said in the Murray County/Pickens recap article, Saturday, February 26th was a busy day as far as baseball went. After the game between the Indians and Dragons finished, Murray County took on the Lumpkin County Indians. After a good back and forth game which saw Murray try to come back late, Lumpkin came away with a 10-6 win. The third game of the day saw Lumpkin take on the Wheeler Wildcats. Wheeler, was the biggest school in terms of classification as they are a 6A school. Lumpkin hung with Wheeler for the better part of the game as the Wildcats came away with an 11-4 victory in game 3. Game 4 saw the host team, the Pickens Dragons take on Wheeler in the night cap. After a tough time in the middle innings for the Dragons, Wheeler picked up the win, 16-2.
Freshman Connor Shouse made the start for the Dragons and pitched very well against the 6A school. The Wildcats, picked up 2 hits, but were held to just 1 run in the top of the first. In the bottom of the first, Pickens got a 2-out double from Hunter White, and Seth Densmore was able to reach 1st base on an error. The two runners were left stranded however and we headed to the second with the Wildcats lead the Dragons, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Shouse racked up his first three strikeouts of the game, but Wheeler was able to push across another run as they increased their lead to 2-0 going to the bottom of the second. In the bottom half of the inning, Jarod Whitmore led off with a single, Trace Ledbetter followed with a single of his own, and Evan Giddens brought in Whitmore after a sacrifice bunt to make it 2-1 Wildcats as we would head to the third.
Shouse found his groove in the top of the third as he needed only 11 pitches to get out of the frame and picking up his 4th strikeout in the process. The Dragons went quietly in the bottom of the third. As we went to the fourth inning, Wheeler still held a slim 2-1 lead.
After the first batter for the Wildcats reached on an error to begin the fourth inning, Shouse settled down and picked up his 5th and 6th strikeout of the game to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Ledbetter was left stranded on 1st after a 2-out single. Going to the top of the fifth, Wheeler still held a 2-1 advantage.
In the top of the fifth, Shouse picked up his 7th strikeout for the first out of the inning. The Wildcats, scored 5 runs in the top half of the inning to give them a 7-1 lead going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, now over a shortstop, got hit by a pitch with 1 out, White walked, Densmore got hit by a pitch, and Drake Sutton brought in Shouse after drawing a walk to make it 7-2 Wheeler going to the sixth.
The top of the sixth inning, was not kind to the Dragons. The Wildcats would score 9 runs in the top of half of the frame to make it 16-2 as we would head to the bottom of the inning. The Dragons, went down in order in the bottom of the sixth and the Wheeler Wildcats took this one, 16-2.
The Pickens Dragons will look to regroup as they will host the Lumpkin County Indians on Tuesday in non-region action. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm at Dunn Field.
Dragons stay hot to open the season, defeat Bobcats
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports February 25, 2021
Pickens, County Ga — The Pickens Dragons baseball team (4-0) have started the 2021 season off on an exciting note. They opened the season with an 8-7 comeback win at Dawson on February 17th. The Dragons again defeated the Tigers at home, 10-7 on February 18th. On Tuesday, February 23rd, the Dragons traveled to Lumpkin and defeated the Indians, 16-7. On Thursday, February 25th, Pickens welcomed their rival, the Gilmer Bobcats (1-3), to Dunn Field for a non-region contest. This game, was originally scheduled for Friday, but was moved up due to impending weather. The Dragons kept their hot start to the season going with a 13-3 win over the Bobcats in 5 innings.
In the top of the first inning, the Bobcats were unable to take advantage of two Dragon errors as Dragons starter Seth Densmore forced a ground out to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the first, Connor Shouse led off with a walk, Anthony Antinozzi reached on an error, Hunter White drove in Shouse with a single, Densmore drove in Antinozzi and White with a double, Drake Sutton walked, Jarod Whitmore drove in courtesy runner Parker Rhodes and Sutton with a 2 RBI ground rule double, and Trace Ledbetter drove in Whitmore. Going to the 2nd, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 6-0.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Brock Titus led off with a double for the Bobcats. With 1 out and the bases loaded, Densmore got out of the jam by striking out the batter for the second out, and picking off the runner at 2nd to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 2nd, Antinozzi led off with a walk, White followed with a double, Densmore drove in Antinozzi on a ground out, and Sutton drove in White with another grounder. Going to the 3rd, Pickens led Gilmer, 8-0.
In the top of the 3rd, Jess Buckner led off with a single, Spencer Merritt drove in Buckner with a single, Titus then drove in Merritt with a single. A 3rd run came across to score after Seth Darling was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The Bobcats were looking for more, but a Kobe Stonecipher line drive was caught by James Tilley to send us to the bottom of the 3rd with the Dragons ahead, 8-3. In the bottom of the 3rd, after a 1-out single by Tilley, Shouse reached on a fielders choice, Antiozzi walked, then White walked to bring in Tilley. Densmore, drove in Shouse and Antinozzi with a double, and Sutton brought in White after a grounder to make it 12-3 Dragons going to the 4th.
JP Nunn came on in relief of Densmore in the top of the 4th for the Dragons and pitched well. Nunn collected a strikeout, and got the Bobcats to fly out to Rhodes on consecutive at bats to send us to the bottom of the inning. Pickens, looked to add to their lead in the bottom of the 4th, but left two runners stranded as we would head to the top of the 5th, still 12-3 Dragons.
Nunn needed just three pitches to get out of the top of the 5th as he induced a line out to Tilley, a grounder to Tilley, and a fly out to left field on consecutive pitches to send us to the bottom of the 5th. Rhodes got things started with a 1-out single, Nunn followed that with a single, Harlan Will got hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Whitmore drove in Rhodes to give the Dragons the 13-3 win over the Bobcats in 5 innings.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 2 runs scored
Anthony Antinozzi: 2 walks, 3 runs scored
Hunter White: 2-2 with a single, a double, a walk, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Parker Rhodes: 1-1 with a single & 2 runs scored
Seth Densmore: 2-2 with 2 doubles, & 3 RBI & 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 K, 1 walk
JP Nunn: 1-1 with a single & 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 walks, 1 K
Drake Sutton: 1 walk, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Jarod Whitmore: 2-4 with a double, a single, 3 RBI, & 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 RBI
Trey Payne: 1 single
James Tilley: 1-2 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored
The Dragons, will be back on the diamond on Saturday as they host the Murray County Indians and the Wheeler Wildcats. The baseball filled day starts off with Dragons taking on Murray County at 10 am. Murray will then turn around and play the Lumpkin County Indians at 12:30. Lumpkin, will then play Wheeler at 3. The final game will see the Dragons take on the Wildcats at 5:30.
Dragons pick up big region win over Ridgeland
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — It was a rare Saturday night football game as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Stadium. It was the first game for the Dragons since playing at Cedartown on October 16th. Coming into the game, Pickens was 2-4 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Ridgeland Panthers, came in with an overall record of 1-6, but tied for second place in 7-AAAA at 1-1. Traditionally, the games between Pickens and Ridgeland have been very exciting and very competitive. This one, was no different. Overcoming not having played in twenty-two days and missing some players, the Dragons came away with a 27-18 win.
Pickens, as they have for the majority of the season, won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Dragons, came out in their version of the wildcat offense to begin their opening drive with Senior running back Jarod Whitmore taking the snaps at the QB position. The opening drive ended in points for Pickens as Whitmore ran it in from 5-yds out to give the Dragons an early 7-0 lead. The defense for the Dragons did a good job in the opening quarter against what can be an explosive Panther offense. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland 7-0.
RB Jarod Whitmore taking the snap for the Dragons
In the second quarter, both teams, especially the Dragons, had chances for points, but just couldn’t connect. At the 6:40 mark of the second quarter, the Panthers broke through with a 5-yd TD run. The PAT was no good and Pickens kept the lead, 7-6. The Dragons had another good chance just before the half, but we would head into the break with Pickens ahead of Ridgeland, 7-6.
The Dragons defense was aggressive all night
The Panthers, got the ball first to start the second half and turned their first possession into points after a 50-yd TD run. the two-point conversion attempt was no good. With 10:33 left in the third, Ridgeland took the lead for the first time, 12-7. The Dragons came back with a good drive of their own as Junior Collin Kellogg, who took over at QB after the first possession of the game for Pickens, found Whitmore streaking down the middle of the field for a 28-yd TD. With 5:53 left in the third, the Dragons were back on top, 14-12. As time was running off the clock in the third, the Panthers scored on a 40-yd run. The snap on the PAT attempt was mishandled and the try was no good. Going to the fourth, Ridgeland held an 18-14 lead over Pickens.
Kellogg played well at QB for the Dragons
The Dragons were down, but definitely not out as they turned their first possession of the fourth quarter into points. After a bad snap pushed Pickens from the 6-yd line to the 22-yd line, a holding penalty was called on the Dragons on their fourth down play. The penalty was accepted, and the ball was moved back, making it fourth and goal from the Ridgeland 32-yd line. Kellogg, lofted it up to the left corner of the end zone where Senior WR Mykel Hand fought two Panthers defenders and came down with it to give the Dragons the lead. With 8:51 left in the game, Pickens went ahead, 20-18. On the ensuing kickoff, and without his regular kickers, Dragons head coach Jeff Nelson decided to go for an onside. The gamble paid off as Pickens recovered it. The Dragons cashed in on the recovery as Sophomore Kadyn Hampton took it in from 20-yds out. The PAT was good, and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 27-18. Needing a big play, Ridgeland turned to the passing attack. Junior Conor Browning, picked off a pass attempt, and helped seal the win for the Dragons. The final, 27-18 Pickens.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-2 (3-0)
Central-Carroll: 5-2 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-4 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-2 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (1-2)
Heritage: 4-4 (1-2)
Next week, the Dragons will again be at home as they welcome the Heritage Generals to Dragons Stadium. The game will be on Friday, November 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 in this 7-AAAA match up.
Dragons fall in tough region opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 17, 2020
Cedartown, Ga — On October 16th, the Pickens Dragons made one of the longer trips of the season to Polk County where they met the Cedartown Bulldogs to start 7-AAAA play. These two teams have met 6 times previously with the last meeting coming in 2013. The last time Pickens came to Cedartown in 2012, they came away with the win in a game that featured former University of Minnesota and Dragon great Shannon Brooks along with former University of Georgia standout and current Cleveland Browns running back, Nick Chub
The Dragons won the toss and elected to receive to begin the ball game. Pickens came out with a a strategy of using a quick pass game plan as Cedartown was bringing pressure early. The Dragons went for it on 4th down near midfield and appeared to make the line to gain, but it was ruled short and the Bulldogs took over. On their opening possession, Cedartown would also be faced with a go for it on 4th down situation. They chose to go for it and the Dragon defense stood tall and held them. Just before the end of the first quarter, things got a little wacky. After forcing the Bulldogs to punt, the Dragons reached into their bag of tricks and pulled out the old double pass play. Sam Streicher hit Jarod Whitmore who then connected with a wide open Andrew Burrell for a 56-yd touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Dragons had more surprises for Cedartown as they then went for an onside and recovered. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Bulldogs 7-0.
Dragons driving to begin the game
The Dragons had possession of the ball to start the second quarter after executing an onside kick just before the end of the first. Pickens got a long run from Whitmore, who then capped off the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run to make it 14-0 with 10:22 left in the first half. The Bulldogs got on the board for the first time at the 7 minute mark of the second quarter with a 3-yd touchdown run to make it 14-7 Dragons. Just before the end of the first half, Cedartown got on the board again. This time with a 10-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was no good however and the Dragons headed into halftime with a 14-13 lead over the Bulldogs.
Jarod Whitmore scores to make it 14-0 Dragons
In the third quarter, Cedartown took advantage of some miscues by the Dragons and turned those miscues into touchdowns. The Bulldogs scored three times off of turnovers to take the lead over Pickens going to the fourth, 31-14.
The Dragons defense fought hard against Cedartown
In the fourth quarter, Cedartown added to their lead with touchdown runs of 84, 11, and 35 yards. Pickens ended the ball game with something positive as Streicher found Tom Frechette in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yd touchdown pass. Final from Cedartown: Bulldogs 52 Dragons 21.
7-AAAA Standings
Central Carroll: 4-1 (1-0)
Cedartown: 3-2 (1-0)
Ridgeland: 1-5 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 4-1 (0-1)
Heritage: 3-3 (0-1)
Pickens: 2-4 (0-1)
Next week, the Dragons will be back home as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers into town as they continue 7-AAAA play. Ridgeland picked up it’s first win of the season against Heritage 21-14, holding on after leading 15-0 at halftime. Kickoff is set for 7:30.