Diamond Dragons advance to Elite Eight

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Thursday, April 30th, the Pickens Dragons, were back at Dunn Field as they took on the Adairsville Tigers in the Sweet 16 of the AAA State Baseball Tournament. The Dragons, advanced after sweeping Cairo last week. The Tigers, advanced after sweeping Douglass-Atlanta. The Dragons, behind a pair of complete game shut outs by A.J. Rice and Everett Grubbs, swept the doubleheader to advance to the Elite Eight.

 

Game One:

Auburn commit A.J. Rice, took the mound for the Dragons in game one. Rice, would pick up a line out, and a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Tigers starter K. Coker, would pick up a pair of ground outs, and a strikeout in a 1-2-3 bottom of the first. Heading to the second, the game was still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Rice, would force a pair of pop outs and pick up his third strikeout. Coker, would also pick up a pair of pop outs and a strikeout in the bottom of the inning. Heading to the third, the game was still scoreless.

 

In the top of the third, Rice, would strikeout the side to send the bats back up to the plate. In the bottom of the inning, Matthew Davis Jr, would become the first base runner of the game as he would draw a four pitch walk with 2-out. Davis Jr, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Coker and the Tigers, would get out of the third with a ground out. Heading to the fourth, it was still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Rice, would sit the Tigers down in order after a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, would pick up the first hit of the game with a 2-out single. Rice, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Coker and the Tigers, would get out of the fourth with a line out. Heading to the fifth, we were still scoreless.

 

In the top of the fifth, Rice, would pick up a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons, would strike. Dawson “Boogie” Lowit, would reach after drawing a 1-out walk. His pitch runner, Tanner Bail, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. After Davis Jr drew his second walk of the game, Robert Turner, would reach on a bloop single that fell in shallow center field to load the bases with 1-out.

Bail, would be forced out at home for the second out as Jennings Allen would reach on a fielder’s choice. Kam Jenkins, would break the tie with a 2-RBI single to make it 2-0. Allen, would come in to score after Rice reached on an error to make it 3-0. Rice, would advance to 2nd and courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on the play. T. Grubbs, would then draw a walk to load the bases.

A single by Everett Grubbs, would drive in courtesy runners Kirchoff and Cooper Helmuth to make it 5-0 Dragons. A 2-RBI single by Christian Starks, would bring in the Grubbs brothers to make it 7-0 heading to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Rice, still looked sharp after that long bottom of the fifth as he would strikeout the side. In the bottom of the sixth, Turner, would reach with a 1-out single. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Turner, would then take 3rd on a wild pitch. After Allen drew a walk, Jenkins, would drive in Turner with an RBI sacrifice fly. Drew Dunlap, pitch hitting for Rice, would reach with a 2-out single.

The Tigers, would get out of the sixth with a line out. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Tigers, 8-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Rice, would pick up a pop out for the first out. B. Varner, would pick up the first hit of the game for the Tigers with a 1-out single. Rice, having lost the perfect game bid, would settle down and pick up a pop out and a strikeout to seal the win as the Dragons took game one, 8-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game One:

Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single, and 3 RBI

A.J. Rice: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 7 IP, o H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 13 K on 100 pitches

Truitt Grubbs: 2 walks and 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 single, and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1 walk

Matthew Davis Jr: 2 walks and 1 run scored

Drew Dunlap: 1-1 with 1 single

Tanner Bail: 1 steal and 1 run scored

Cooper Helmuth: 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

Game Two:

For the second game, the Dragons would be the visitors and the Tigers would be the home team. In the top of the first, Jennings Allen, would reach after drawing a 1-out walk. Allen, would advance to 2nd after a ground out. An RBI single by A.J. Rice, would drive in Allen to make it 1-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would pick up a strikeout, a ground out, and a line out. Heading to the second, the Dragons led the Tigers, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, Truitt Grubbs, would reach on an error to lead things off. E. Grubbs, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as T. Grubbs would be forced out at 2nd. After a line out, Dawson Lowit, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Starter H. Parr and the Tigers, would get out of the second with a pop out. E. Grubbs, would pick up three ground outs in the bottom of the second. Heading to the third, it was still 1-0 Dragons.

 

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the third after a pair of strikeouts and a pop out. In the bottom of the inning, H. Miller, would reach with a lead off single. B. Slocumb, would then be called out due to pine tar being too high on his bat. That would erase a fielder’s choice, and allow Miller to return to 1st. After a line out for the second out, Miller, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. E. Grubbs, would get out of the third with a ground out. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons were still in front, 1-0.

 

Rice, would lead off the top of the fourth with a single. Rice, would get caught trying to steal 2nd. After a strikeout for the second out, Parr, would force a ground out to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, B. Varner, would reach with a lead off single. After a strikeout, C. Sanford, would be caught trying to steal 2nd. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout to send it to the fifth with the Dragons up, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Dragons would go down 1-2-3 as Parr picked up a ground out, a strikeout, and a pop out. In the bottom of the fifth, W. Barfield, would reach with a lead off bloop single. The Dragons, would then turn a 4-6-3 double. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons, were still in front, 1-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Kam Jenkins, would be hit by a pitch to keep the inning alive for the Dragons. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Rice, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI double to make it 2-0. Parr and the Tigers, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout. In the bottom of the sixth, E. Grubbs, would pick up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led it, 2-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Christian Starks, would reach on a 1-out double. Starks, would then advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Lowit, would then draw a walk. Lowit, would then intentionally get caught in a rundown to allow Starks to steal home and make it 3-0. Lowit, would end up being safe at 2nd on the play. After a strikeout, Robert Turner, would drive in pitch runner Tanner Bail with an RBI single to make it 4-0.

Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Parr and the Tigers, would get out of the seventh with a pop out. In the bottom of the seventh, E. Grubbs, would pick up a ground out, a line out, and a strikeout as the Dragons take game two, 4-0 to sweep the series and advance to the Elite Eight.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game Two:

Robert Turner: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 steal, and 1 RBI

Jennings Allen: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1 hit by pitch

A.J. Rice: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, and 2 RBI

Everett Grubbs: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 6 K on 85 pitches

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 steal, and 1 run scored

Dawson Lowit: 2 walks, and 1 steal

Tanner Bail: 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

With the series win, the Dragons, will now turn their attention to Wednesday, May 6th as they welcome the West Laurens Raiders to Dunn Field for a double header. The “if” game, would be on Thursday, May 7th. The Raiders, are 22-9 on the season. They won region 4-AAA, and are the #6 seed. The Raiders, swept Gilmer and Northwest Whitfield to get to the Elite Eight.

 

Dragons sweep Cairo to advance to Sweet 16

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The GHSA AAA State Baseball Tournament, began on Friday, April 24th as the #3 seeded Pickens Dragons, took on the #30 seeded Cairo Syrupmakers in a best of three series to open up the tournament. The two teams would play a doubleheader at Dunn Field. The Dragons, would come away with a sweep as they won game one, 10-0 and game two, 13-1.

 

Game one:

Senior Auburn commit A.J. Rice, would start game one for the Dragons. After picking up a strikeout for the first out, C. Prince and J. Brinson, would draw back to back walks to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Rice, would pick up a second strikeout for the second out. J. Bell, would draw the third walk of the inning to load the bases. Rice, would get out of the first with a ground out.

In the bottom of the first, after two quick outs, Kam Jenkins, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out single. His courtesy runner, Caden Kirchoff, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Dawson Lowit, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the first with a fly out. Heading to the second, the game was still tied at 0.

 

Rice, would settle in for the top of the second as he would strikeout the side on 13 pitches to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Truitt Grubbs, would lead off with a double. Everett Grubbs and Christian Starks, would follow that up by drawing back to back walks to load the bases. Matthew Davis Jr, would then be hit by a pitch to bring in T. Grubbs to make it 1-0.

After back to back pop outs, Jenkins, would be hit by a pitch to bring in E. Grubbs to make it 2-0. Starks, would come in to score after Lowit drew a walk to make it 3-0. Davis Jr, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 4-0. Rice, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 5-0 Dragons heading to the third.

 

Rice, would toss a scoreless top of the third with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the third, E. Grubbs, would reach with a lead off single. E. Grubbs, would then advance all the way to 3rd on a ground out by Starks. Davis Jr, would drive in E. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Robert Turner, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Davis Jr would be forced out at 2nd. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the third with a ground out.

 

Rice, would fire a 1-2-3 top of the fourth with another half inning of a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. After a pop out, Rice, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI single to make it 7-0. After a pick off at 1st for the second out, T. Grubbs, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk.

T. Grubbs, would then advance into scoring position by swiping 2nd. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the fourth with a pop out. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led it, 7-0.

 

Rice, would finish off his start by striking out the side in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Davis Jr, would reach with 1-out after an error by the third baseman. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the fifth with a pair of line outs. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led it, 7-0.

 

Jackson Nunn, would come on to pitch for the Dragons in the top of the sixth. After a strikeout and a ground out, the Syrupmakers, would have their first base runner since the first inning after a double by J. Brinson. Nunn, would get out of the sixth with a fly out. In the bottom of the sixth, Jenkins, would send one over the left field fence for a solo home run to make it 8-0.

After a pop out, Rice, now playing shortstop, would reach after drawing a walk. Rice, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. T. Grubbs, would follow that up by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a line out, Starks, would drive in both Rice and T. Grubbs with a 2-RBI double to walk it off for the Dragons as they took game one, 10-0 in six innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game One:

Robert Turner: 1 steal

Kam Jenkins: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, 1 home run , 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Dawson Lowit: 2 walks and 1 RBI

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 walks, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 3 BB, 12 K on 80 pitches

Truitt Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 double, 2 walks, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored

Everett Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis Jr: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Jackson Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 14 pitches

Caden Kirchoff: 1 steal and 2 runs scored

 

Game two:

The two teams, would switch places for game two as the Dragons would be the away team and the Syrupmakers would be the home team. In the top of the first, Jennings Allen, would reach with a 1-out double. Cairo, would get out of the first with a line out and a pop out. Christian Starks, would take the mound for the Dragons in the bottom of the first. Starks, would pick up a strikeout and a pair of pop outs to send it to the second with the game still scoreless.

 

In the top of the second, A.J. Rice, would lead off by drawing a walk. Rice, would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. Truitt Grubbs, would follow that by drawing a walk of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Everett Grubbs, would advance both runners after a sacrifice bunt. Starks, would help himself out by bringing in Rice with an RBI single to make it 1-0.

Starks, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. Matthew Davis Jr, would drive in both T. Grubbs and Starks with a 2-RBI triple to make it 3-0. Robert Turner, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Davis Jr would be forced out at home. Turner, would swipe 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the second with a ground out.

Starks, would only need six pitches to get out of the bottom of the second as he forced a pop out and a pair of ground outs. Heading to the third, the Dragons, led the Syrupmakers, 3-0.

 

Kam Jenkins and Dawson Lowit, would lead off the top of the third with back to back singles. Rice, would then launch one over the left center fence for a three run home run to make it 6-0. After a strikeout and a fly out, Starks, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single. Starks, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Davis Jr, would drive in Starks with an RBI double to make it 7-0.

Turner, would bring in Davis Jr with an RBI single to make it 8-0. Turner, would then steal 2nd and 3rd. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the third with a ground out. D. Barber, would lead off the bottom of the third by drawing a walk. K. Brinson, would then reach on an infield single. Barber, would advance to 3rd after the throw got away from Lowit at first base.

After a strikeout, Barber, would come in to score after a pick off attempt went over E. Grubbs head at 3rd to make it 8-1. K. Brinson, would advance to 2nd on the play. G. Barret, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. C. Prince, would then reach on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Starks, would get out of the jam with back to back strikeouts to send it to the fourth with the Dragons ahead, 8-1.

 

Jenkins, would lead off the top of the fourth with a double. After a pop out, Rice, would drive in courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff with an RBI double to make it 9-1. T. Grubbs, would follow that up with an RBI double of his own as Rice would come in to score to make it 10-1. T. Grubbs, would then advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. E. Grubbs, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with 1-out.

T. Grubbs, would come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 11-1. Starks, would drive in E. Grubbs with the third RBI double of the inning to make it 12-1. After a pop out, Drew Dunlap, pitch hitting for Turner, would bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 13-1. The Syrupmakers, would get out of the fourth with a force out. J. Bell, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single. Bell, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch.

H. Hudson, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. After a strikeout, Starks, would then force a fly out. That would turn into an inning ending double play as it was determined that Bell left 2nd too early. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led it, 13-1.

 

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the fifth after a fly out, a line out, and a strikeout. Dylan Walls, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fifth. Walls, dealing with an injury since the beginning of the season, would be on the mound for the first time since. Walls, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out as the Dragons would take game two, 13-1, to sweep the series and advance to the Sweet 16.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game Two:

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 3 steals

Drew Dunlap: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Jennings Allen: 1-3 with a double

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single and 1 double

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 2-2 with 1 walk, 1 double, 1 home run, 1 steal, 4 RBI, and 3 runs scored

Truitt Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 walk, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Everett Grubbs: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 2 steals, 2 RBI, 3 runs scored, and 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 5 K on 64 pitches

Matthew Davis Jr: 2-3 with 1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI and 1 run scored

Dylan Walls: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 11 pitches

Caden Kirchoff: 2 runs scored

 

The Dragons, will now turn their attention to the #19 seeded Adairsville Tigers. Adairsville, swept the #14 seed, Douglass-Atlanta to advance to Sweet 16. While game times haven’t been announced yet, the best of three series will begin with a doubleheader on Thursday, April 30th. The “if” game, would be on Friday, May 1st.

Dragons capture 6-AAA Region Championship

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It all came down to the regular season finale on Friday, April 17th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans at Dunn Field. A win for the Dragons, would secure another region title and, a top 8 seed in next week’s AAA State Tournament. A six run fifth inning helped the Dragons push past the Spartans to pick up the win 9-1 and become the 2026 6-AAA region champions.

 

Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would toss a scoreless top of the first with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, Jennings Allen, would reach with a ground rule double. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a fly out and a strikeout. Heading to the second, Pickens led GAC, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, E. Grubbs, would work around a 1-out single by E. Hill as he picked up a ground out and his 3rd and 4th strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the second, Christian Starks, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by drawing a walk after falling behind 0-2. Starks, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a pop out. The Dragons still led it, 1-0.

 

E. Grubbs, would continue his hot start to the ball game with a 1-2-3 top of the third as he picked up a fly out, a pop out, and a ground out. In the bottom of the third, Robert Turner, would lead off with a single. After a line out, Turner, would swipe 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the third with a line out and a pop out. Pickens, still led GAC, 1-0.

 

After a ground out to start the top of the fourth, I. Cobbs, would reach with a 1-out single. J. Givens, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A ground out to 3rd, would advance both runners up a base. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout. E. Grubbs, would look to start a rally as he would reach with a 1-out single. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a double play to keep the score at 1-0.

 

E. Grubbs, would toss a scoreless top of the fifth with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. Starks, would lead off the bottom of the fifth with a single. Matthew Davis and Turner, would reach with back to back bunt singles to load the bases. A 2-RBI single from Allen, would bring in both Starks and Davis to make it 3-0. Turner, would advance to 3rd on the play. Allen, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position.

A 2-RBI single from Jenkins, would drive in both Turner and Allen to make it 5-0 Dragons. Jenkins, would advance to 2nd on the play. After a pop out, Truitt Grubbs, would be hit with a pitch. A balk would then be called as courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff and T. Grubbs would move up a base. E. Grubbs, would help himself out by driving in both Kirchoff and T. Grubbs with a 2-RBI single to make it 7-0.

A.J. Rice, would keep the line moving with a 1-out double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth after turning a 9-2 double play. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-0.

 

E. Grubbs, would head back to the mound after that long half inning. He would pick up a pair of strikeouts to start the top of the sixth. Cobbs, would keep the inning going for the Spartans by drawing a 2-out walk. Givens, would follow that by drawing a walk of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. E. Grubbs, would get out of the sixth with a ground out. Davis, would lead off the bottom of the sixth by drawing a four pitch walk.

Davis, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Turner, would bring in Davis with an RBI triple to make it 8-0. Allen, would then draw a walk to put runners at corners with nobody out. The Dragons, would then pull off a double steal as Allen would take 2nd, and Turner would swipe home to make it 9-0. Jenkins, would reach with a single to once again put runners at the corners.

The Spartans, would turn a double play as the first baseman would catch a line drive and step on 1st to get the runner. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with 2-out. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth as T. Grubbs, would be forced out at 2nd.

 

E. Grubbs, would come back out for the top of the seventh looking to finish it off. After picking up a ground out, D. Fernandez, would reach on an error. Fernandez, would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. After a pop out, P. Wilson, would bring in Fernandez with a single. Jenkins, would intercept the throw home to throw out Wilson trying to take 2nd on the play to end the game a seal the 9-1 win for the 6-AAA Region Champion Pickens Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 2 steals, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 ground rule double, 1 walk, 2 steals, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 3 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 1 hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, and 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R/0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K on 95 pitches

A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 double

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

Final 6-AAA Standings:

Pickens: 27-3 (18-3) *region champs

North Hall: 24-6 (18-3)

GAC: 15-11 (13-8)

Dawson: 15-15 (12-9)

White County: 20-10 (12-9)

Lumpkin: 13-17 (8-13)

Chestatee: 7-23 (3-18)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-26 (0-21)

 

With the win, the Dragons are guaranteed a top 8 seed in next week’s AAA State Baseball Tournament. At last check, the Dragons were ranked the #3 team in the PSR (Post Season Ranking). We will find out over the weekend where the Dragons are seeded and who their first round opponent will be. The first round will begin on Friday, April 24th with a doubleheader and the “if” game being on Saturday, April 25th.

Region championship to be decided in regular season finale

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made their way down to Norcross on Thursday, April 16th to take on the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans in game two of a three game series. The Dragons, ame in looking for a series win and to move one step closer to a region title. The Spartans, came in looking to even up the series, and to help out North Hall in the process. A four run bottom of the fifth, helped the Spartans pull away and pick up an 8-4 victory.

 

The Dragons, would look to get going early as Robert Turner, would reach on a lead off double on the first pitch of the game. Jennings Allen, would then reach on an error as Turner would move up to 3rd on the play. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Turner with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 1-0 Dragons. Dawson Lowit, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

Allen and Lowit, would move up a base after a ground out. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Christian Starks, would get the ball to start for the Dragons in game two. After picking up a line out and a ground out, I. Cobbs, would keep the bottom of the first going for the Spartans with a single. Starks, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, the Dragons led it, 1-0.

 

Everett Grubbs, would lead off the top of the second with a double. E. Grubbs, would advance to 3rd after a ground out. Matthew Davis, would drive in E. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 2-0. After a line out, Davis, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. E. Hill, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single.

After a strikeout, D. Fernandez, would reach with a 1-out single. Starks, would come back with his second strikeout of the inning. P. Wilson, would drive in both Hill and Fernandez with a 2-RBI double to tie the game. Starks, would get out of the second with a pop out. Heading to the third, the game was tied at 2.

 

Lowit, would look to start something for the Dragons in the top of the third as he would be hit by a pitch. He would be left stranded at 1st however as the Spartans would pick up a fly out and a ground out. After a strikeout to start the bottom of the third, Cobbs and J. Givens, would reach with back to back 1-out singles. Starks, would get out of the third after an infield fly and a strikeout to keep the game tied at 2 going to the fourth.

 

After two quick outs to start the top of the fourth, Davis, would reach with his second hit of the day with a double. Turner, would follow that up by drawing a walk. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a pop out. Truitt Grubbs, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fourth. After a ground out, R. Williams, would give the Spartans the lead with a solo home run.

P. Wilson, would then be hit by a pitch. T. Grubbs, would force a pair of pop outs to get out of the fourth with just the one run given up. Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 3-2.

 

In the top of the fifth, Lowit, would reach base for a third time as he would reach on an error. After a strikeout for the second out, Truitt and Everett Grubbs, would reach with back to back singles to load the bases. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth with a line out. Cobbs, would lead off the bottom of the fifth with his second infield single of the game. Givens, would follow that with his second hit to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

After a pop out, M. Trojanowski, would drive in Cobbs with an RBI double to make it 4-2. Fernandez, would then draw a walk to load the bases. After a pop out for the second out, P. Wilson, would clear the bases with a 3-RBI double to make it 7-2 Spartans heading to the sixth.

 

Davis, would lead off the top of the sixth by drawing a walk. Turner, would follow that by drawing a four pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Allen, would reach with a single to load the bases. Jenkins, would bring in Davis after drawing the third walk of the inning to make it 7-3. The Spartans, would then trade the run for the outs as Turner would come in to score as GAC would turn a double play. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a pop out.

In the bottom of the sixth, T. Stopher, would hit a lead off home run to make it 8-4 Spartans. Cobbs, would follow that up with a single. After a fly out, Cobbs, would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Jackson Nunn, who came on to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the sixth, would pick up a strikeout to send it to the seventh with the Spartans leading, 8-4.

 

Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a full count walk. Everett Grubbs, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The would be left stranded as the Spartans would pick up a fly out, a pop out, and a force out as GAC would take game two, 8-4.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 double, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 single

Kam Jenkins: 1 walk and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, and 1 walk

Everett Grubbs: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R/ER, 5 K on 60 pitches

Matthew Davis: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

 

It all comes down to Friday, April 17th. The final day of the regular season. The Pickens Dragons and the North Hall Trojans both enter the day tied at the top of the 6-AAA standings. The Trojans, will be at home taking on the Chestatee War Eagles, while the Dragons, will be at home to finish out the series against the GAC Spartans. Should both teams win, the Dragons, hold the tiebreaker by winning the series against the Trojans earlier in the season.

Same scenario if both teams should lose. If the Dragons win and the Trojans lose, the Dragons are the region champions and vice versa. Both games are scheduled to start at 6 pm. There will be plenty of eyes on both games.

Rices tosses complete game against GAC

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The final week of the regular season is upon us as the Pickens Dragons, took on the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian School in game one of a three game set on Tuesday, April 14th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were up a game on North Hall atop the 6-AAA standings. The Spartans, were locked into the #3 seed from 6-AAA heading into their state tournament. The Dragons, behind a complete game from Auburn signee AJ Rice, took game one, 3-1.

 

Rice, would force a pop up on the second pitch of the game for the first out in the top of the first. the Spartans, would then pick up back to back singles from T. Stopher and I. Cobbs to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. J. Givens, would then reach on an error which would allow Stopher to score to make it 1-0 Spartans. A wild pitch, would move both Cobbs and Givens up a base.

Rice, would limit the damage as he picked up a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom half of the frame, Robert Turner, would get things started with a lead off single to left on the first pitch. Jennings Allen, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Kam Jenkins, would drive in both Turner and Allen with a 2-RBI double to make it 2-1 Dragons.

Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then advance to 3rd after a pick off throw sailed into center field. Dawson Lowit, would be hit by a pitch to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Kirchoff, would come in to score after Christian Starks, would reach on a fielder’s choice. Lowit, would be forced out at 3rd on the play.

Everett Grubbs, would move his brother Truitt up to 3rd after a fly out to center. Starks, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-out. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, the Dragons led it, 3-1.

 

In the top of the second, Rice, would strikeout the side on 11 pitches to bring the bats back up for the Dragons. In the bottom of the second, Allen, would look to get something going after a pair of ground outs as he would reach with a 2-out single. Allen, would then steal 2nd, and then take 3rd after the throw got into the outfield. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. Heading to the third, it was still 3-1 Dragons.

 

In the top of the third, Rice, would pick up a strikeout and a ground out for the first two outs. Cobbs, would keep the inning alive for the Spartans by drawing a walk. Cobbs, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Rice, would get out of the third with a strikeout. Lowit, would lead off the bottom of the third by drawing a walk. The Spartans, would then turn a 4-6-3 double play. A fly out, would send it to the fourth with Pickens leading, 3-1.

 

Rice, would pick up his 7th and 8th strikeout to begin the fourth inning. D. Fernandez, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single. Fernandez, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. R. Williams, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Rice, would force a pop out to send it to the bottom of the fourth. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the fourth. Heading to the fifth, it was still 3-1 Dragons.

 

The Spartans, would again look for some 2-out magic as Cobbs, would reach with a single. He would be left stranded however as Rice would pick up his 10th strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons, would look to add to their lead as Jenkins would reach with a 2-out single. Lowit and T. Grubbs, would follow with back to back walks to load the bases.

The final out of the fifth would come after a little rundown as the Spartans would apply the tag at home to keep the Dragon lead at 3-1 heading to the sixth.

 

In what had been the case the last several innings, the Spartans, would try again to get something going with 2-outs as Fernandez would reach with his 2nd hit of the day. Rice, would pick up his 12th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth with Pickens still ahead, 3-1. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. Heading to the seventh, it was still 3-1.

 

Rice, would come back out for the seventh looking to finish this one off. Rice, would cap off a brilliant start with his 13 strikeout, a fly out, and a ground out as the Dragons picked up the 3-1 win in game one.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

AJ Rice: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 13 K on 104 pitches

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1 HBP, and 2 walks

Truitt Grubbs: 2 walks

Christian Starks: 1 RBI

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

The series will shift over to Norcross on Thursday, April 16th for game two of the three game series. A win for the Dragons would give them the series win and one step closer to another region championship. The Spartans, will look to even up the series, and help out North Hall in the process. First pitch for game two is set for 6 pm.

Dragons run rule War Eagles to sweep series

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Gainesville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back in Gainesville on Friday, April 10th as they took on the Chestatee War Eagles in their series finale. The Dragons, were looking for a series sweep, while the War Eagles were looking to build some momentum before the final week of the regular season. A 7 run fifth inning, helped the Dragons pick up a 12-0 win in game three.

 

Robert Turner, would lead off the top of the first with a single. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. After a line out and a pop out, A wild pitch, would advance Turner to 3rd. Dawson Lowit, would keep the inning alive by reaching on an error as Turner would come in to score to make it 1-0. Lowit, would move up to 2nd after a wild pitch. AJ Rice, would then draw a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

Truitt Grubbs, would drive in Lowit with a single to make it 2-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the first. Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would pick up two quick outs to start the bottom of the first on a strikeout and a line out. C. Edmonson, would draw a 2-out walk to keep the inning going for the War Eagles. E. Grubbs, would pick up his second strikeout to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 2-0.

 

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the second after a pair of pop outs and a line out. In the bottom of the second, E. Grubbs, would pick up pop out and a pair of strikeouts. Heading to the top of the third, Pickens, still led Chestatee, 2-0.

 

Kam Jenkins, would look to get a 2-out rally started for the Dragons in the top of the third with a single. Lowit, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a pop out. E. Ertis, would lead off the bottom of the third with the first hit of the day for the War Eagles. E. Grubbs, would work around that as he picked up a strikeout, a pop out, and a line out. The Dragons led it, 2-0 heading to the fourth.

 

Christian Starks, would start the top of the fourth by reaching on a 1-out double. E. Grubbs, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a pop out, Turner, would drive in both Starks and courtesy runner Cal Morrison with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0. Turner, would advance to 2nd on the play. Jennings Allen, would bring in Turner with an RBI single as the Dragons led the War Eagles 5-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth.

E. Grubbs, would toss another scoreless inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a ground out and a pair of strikeouts to bring his total to seven for the game. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led Chestatee, 5-0.

 

Jenkins, would lead off the top of the fifth by reaching on an error. Lowit, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch for the second time. After a pop out, T. Grubbs, would reach with a single to load the bases with 1-out. A single by Starks, would bring in courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff to make it 6-0. E. Grubbs, would help himself out as he would drive in pitch runner Tanner Bail and T. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 8-0.

Matthew Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Turner, would bring in Starks as he would reach on a fielder’s choice to make it 9-0. After Turner would steal 2nd, Morrison, the courtesy runner, and Turner, would come in to score after Allen would reach on a dropped third strike to make it 11-0. After a 2-out single by Jenkins to keep the inning going, Bail, would drive in Allen with a single to make it 12-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

Jackson Nunn, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fifth. After a ground out, R. Head would reach on a 1-out single. Nunn, would come back with a strikeout for the second out. M. Allison, would then be hit by a pitch to keep the game alive for the War Eagles. Nunn, would pick up a ground out to seal the 12-0 win in five innings for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 steals, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 2 singles

Dawson Lowit: 2 HBP, and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1 walk

Truitt Grubbs: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 2 runs socred

Everett Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 K on 49 pitches

Matthew Davis: 1 walk

Jackson Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 HBP, 1 K on 11 pitches

Cal Morrison: 2 runs scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

6-AAA Region Standings:

Pickens: 25-2 (16-2)

North Hall: 21-6 (15-3)

GAC: 14-9 (12-6)

Dawson: 13-14 (10-8)

White County: 17-10 (9-9)

Lumpkin: 12-14 (7-11)

Chestatee: 7-20 (3-15)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-23 (0-18)

 

The Dragons, will wrap up the regular season with a three game series against Greater Atlanta Christian School beginning on Tuesday, April 14th at Dunn Field in Jasper. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

Dragons take series against War Eagles

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back home on Thursday, April 9th as they welcomed the Chestatee War Eagles to Dunn Field for game two of their three game set. The Dragons, came into the game looking for a series win while the War Eagles, were looking to even up the series. Prior to the game, the Dragons all-time home run leader, Jake King, added to his total against the War Eagles. Early offense by the Dragons, helped seize control of the game as they would come away with a 9-2 victory.

 

Senior Christian Starks, made his 2nd start of the season as he took the mound for the Dragons. Starks, would work around a 2-out triple by Carter Edmonson as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless top of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Robert Turner, would reach with a lead off single up the middle. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position.

Jennings Allen, would drive in Turner with an RBI double to make it 1-0 Dragons. Allen, would move up to 3rd after a ground out. Dawson Lowit, would reach after being hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 3rd with 1-out. AJ Rice, would bring in Allen with an RBI single to make it 2-0. Lowit, would advance to 3rd on a fly out to put runners at the corners with 2-out. Rice, would swipe 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd.

The War Eagles, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the top of the second, Pickens led Chestatee, 2-0.

 

In the top of the second, Starks, would toss another scoreless frame as he picked up a pop out and a pair of strikeouts. Everett Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the second by drawing a walk. E. Grubbs, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. An RBI single by Matthew Davis, would make it 3-0 Dragons. Davis, would advance to 2nd on the play. Turner, would draw the second walk of the inning to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out.

Allen, would drive in Davis with an RBI double to make it 4-0. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Turner with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 5-0. Allen, would move up to 3rd on the play. Lowit, would be hit by a pitch for the second time to put runners at the corners with 1-out. Lowit, would then move up to 2nd after a wild pitch. Rice, would draw a walk to load the bases. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk of his own to bring in Allen to make it 6-0.

Starks, would help himself as he would drive in both Lowit and Rice with a 2-RBI single to make it 8-0 Dragons. The War Eagles, would get out of the second with a pair of pop outs. Heading to the third, Pickens led Chestatee, 8-0.

 

The War Eagles, would look to get something going in the top of the third as E. Ertis, would draw a lead off walk. M. Allison, would then reach on an infield single. The Dragons, questioned if Allison interfered with Lowit’s attempt to catch the ball, but it was ruled that Allison didn’t. Ertis, would advance to 3rd on the play. Starks, would settle in and would strike out the side to send it to the bottom of the inning with the Dragons still up, 8-0.

Turner, would reach base for a third time as he would lead off the bottom of the third with a single. Allen, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Jenkins, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Allen would be forced out at 2nd. Turner, would move up to 3rd on the play. Turner, would come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 9-0. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would also move up to 2nd on the same pitch.

Lowit, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Rice, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Lowit would be forced out at 2nd. Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on the play. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a line out. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons led the War Eagles, 9-0.

 

Truitt Grubbs, would come on to pitch for the Dragons in the top of the fourth. He would pick up a fly out, a ground out, and a strikeout in a scoreless frame. Drew Dunlap, in to hit for Starks, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single. Dunlap, would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. Dunlap, would be left stranded at 2nd as the War Eagles would pick up a pop out, a strikeout, and a ground out to send it to the fifth with Pickens still leading, 9-0.

 

T. Grubbs, on in his second inning of relief, would pick up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout to keep the War Eagles scoreless. In the bottom of the fifth, Jackson Walker, would reach on a bloop single to center with 1-out. Tanner Bail, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as courtesy runner MT Crenshaw would be forced out at 2nd. The War Eagles, would get out of the fifth with another force out as the Dragons still led it, 9-0 going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Edmonson, would reach with a 2-out double. Cort Hagerman, would drive in Edmonson with an RBI single to make it 9-1. Trenton Eaton, would bring in Hagerman with an RBI double to make it 9-2. Chase Hulsey, who came in to pitch the top of the sixth for the Dragons, would limit the damage after picking up his second strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning.

The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the sixth on a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. Heading to the seventh, Pickens now led Chestatee, 9-2.

 

Elijah Barton, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the top of the seventh. Barton, would seal the win for Pickens as he would strike out the side on 13 pitches as the Dragons took game two, 9-2.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk,  1 steal, and 3 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Jackson Walker: 1-1 with 1 single

Dawson Lowit: 2 HBP, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Truitt Grubbs: 1 walk and 1 RBI and 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 20 pitches

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 K on 40 pitches

Drew Dunlap: 1-2 with 1 single

Everett Grubbs: 1 walk, 1 steal, and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Chase Hulsey: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 16 pitches

Elijah Barton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 K on 13 pitches

 

With the win, the Dragons, pick up another series win and remain a game ahead of North Hall for the top spot in the region standings. The Dragons, will head back to Gainesville for the series finale against the Chestatee War Eagles on Friday, April 10th. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

Rice and Davis combine to shutout War Eagles

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Gainesville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were on the road on Tuesday, April 7th as they took on the Chestatee War Eagles in game one of a three game series in 6-AAA play. The Dragons, were coming off a series win against the Dawson Tigers last week. The War Eagles, were looking to bounce back after being swept by GAC. Starter AJ Rice and reliever Nolan Davis, would combine to throw a 1-hit shutout as the Dragons picked up a 5-0 win.

 

The Dragons, would go down quietly in the top of the first after a strikeout, a ground out, and a pop out. In the bottom of the frame, Rice, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a pop out. Heading to the second inning, the Dragons and War Eagles, were still tied at 0.

 

Much like the top of the first, the Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the second as War Eagle starter Cort Hagerman, would pick up a pop out, a ground out, and a line out. In the bottom of the second, Rice, would pick up his third strikeout to go along with a ground out and a pop out. Heading to the third, the ball game was still knotted at 0 .

 

Everett Grubbs, would lead off the top of the third with the first hit of the game. after a pop out, Matthew Davis, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A single by Robert Turner, would load the bases with 1-out. Jennings Allen, would drive in both E. Grubbs and M. Davis with a 2-RBI single to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a caught stealing and a ground out.

Rice, would continue his hot start to the game as he tossed a scoreless bottom of the third with a pop out and his 4th and 5th strikeout. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons, were now leading the War Eagles, 2-0.

 

The Dragons, would add to their lead in the top of the fourth as Christian Starks, would reach with a 2-out single. Starks, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. E. Grubbs, would bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 3-0. E. Grubbs, would swipe 2nd to advance into scoring position. The War Eagles, would get out of the fourth with a pop out.

In the bottom of the fourth, the War Eagles, would see their first base runner of the game as Riley Nix, would draw a walk with 1-out. Nix, would then move up to 2nd after a wild pitch. Rice, would settle in as he would strike out the next two batters he faced to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading the War Eagles, 3-0.

 

The Dragons, would go down 1-2-3 in the top of the fifth on a ground out and a pair of line outs. In the bottom of the fifth, Trenton Eaton, would lead off by getting hit with a pitch. Rice, would come back to pick up the first two outs of the inning via strikeout. Ethan Etris, would pick up the first hit of the game for the War Eagles to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Garrett Dunn, would draw a walk to load the bases with 2-out. Rice, would force a pop out to keep the War Eagles scoreless.

 

In the top of the sixth, after a pair of quick outs, Truitt Grubbs, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by reaching on a 2-out single. Starks, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch. E. Grubbs, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 2-out. Drew Dunlap, would reach on a single that would score T. Grubbs. Starks, would come in to score on a throwing error to make it 5-0 Dragons. The War Eagles, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout.

In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, would polish off a fantastic start with a ground out and his 11th and 12 strikeout. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the War Eagles, 5-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Allen, would reach after drawing a 1-out walk. Allen, would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. Kam Jenkins, would move Allen over to 3rd after a ground out. Allen, would be left stranded at 3rd as the War Eagles got out of the seventh with a strikeout. Nolan Davis, would come in to pitch the bottom of the seventh for the Dragons looking to preserve the shutout.

N. Davis, would get the first two outs of the bottom of the seventh via ground out and strikeout. Back to back 2-out walks drawn by Ryland Head and Ertis, would keep the game alive for the War Eagles. N. Davis, would pick up a strikeout to preserve the shutout as the Dragons took game one, 5-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1-4 with 1 single

Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 steal, and 2 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored

Everett Grubbs: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Drew Dunlap: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 12 K on 89 pitches

Nolan Davis: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 2 BB, 2 K on 24 pitches

 

The series will shift over to Jasper and Dunn Field on Thursday, April 9th as the Dragons will look to pick up their sixth straight series win. The War Eagles, will look to tie the series up before the series finale on Friday back at Chestatee. Scheduled time for game two of the series on Thursday is set for 6 pm.

 

Dragons sweep Johnson on Senior Night

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Thursday, March 26th, the Pickens Dragons were back at Dunn Field as they welcomed the Johnson Knights for the third and final game of their series. It was also Senior Night as the Dragons recognized five Seniors for their contributions to PHS Baseball. The Dragons, would pick up their 20th win of the season as they defeated the Knights, 15-0 in four innings.

 

Senior Christian Starks, made his first start of the season for the Dragons as he worked his way back from an arm injury. Starks, would strikeout the side in the top of the first on 11 pitches. Senior Robert Turner, would lead off the bottom of the inning by drawing a walk. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Jennings Allen, would drive in Turner with an RBI triple to make it 1-0 Dragons.

Senior Kam Jenkins, would bring in Allen with an RBI single to make it 2-0. Courtesy runner Cal Morrison, would steal 2nd to move into scoring position. Dawson Lowit, would drive in Morrison with an RBI single. After a single by Truitt Grubbs, Starks, would help himself out with an RBI double that scored Lowit to make it 4-0. T. Grubbs, would advance to 3rd on the play.

Everett Grubbs, would bring in his brother Truitt with an RBI sac fly to make it 5-0. Courtesy runner Andrew McQueen, would move up a base after stealing 3rd. Senior Caden Kirchoff, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with 1-out. An RBI single by Matthew Davis, would bring in McQueen to make it 6-0. Both Kirchoff and Davis, would move up a base after a wild pitch.

After an infield fly was called for the second out, Allen, would draw a walk to load the bases. Jenkins, would drive in both Kirchoff and Davis with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Starks, would face one more batter and he would pick up his fourth strikeout before being taken out to a round of applause. Jackson Nunn, would come in to get the final two outs of the top of the second as the Dragons still led, 8-0. Lowit, would lead off the bottom of the second with a triple. T. Grubbs, would then reach on a walk to put runners at the corners.

Nunn, would follow that up with a walk of his own to load the bases. E. Grubbs, would reach on an error after T. Grubbs, would be forced out at 3rd. Lowit, would score on the play. McQueen would advance to 3rd and E. Grubbs would move up to 2nd on the throw. Kirchoff, would bring in both McQueen and E. Grubbs with a double to make it 11-0. After a ground out, Drew Dunlap, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI single to make it 12-0 heading to the third.

 

Nunn, would come back out for the top of the third and picked up where he left off in the second inning as he would strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the frame. Jackson Walker, now in for Jenkins, would get the bottom of the third started with a 1-out double. Cooper Helmuth, now in for Lowit, would reach on a two base error to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. T. Grubbs, would bring in Morrison with an RBI sac fly to make it 13-0.

McQueen, in his first plate appearance, would reach on a single that would score Helmuth to make it 14-0. McQueen, would advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. E. Grubbs, would keep the third going by drawing a walk. Tanner Bail, pitch hitting for Kirchoff, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases with 2-out. The Knights, would be able to get out of the third with a ground out. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons were ahead, 14-0.

 

T. Grubbs, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the top of the fourth. After a strikeout for the first out, the Knights, were able to draw a walk for their first base runner of the game. Walker, would make a nice throw to 2nd to get the runner trying to swipe the bag for the second out. T. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with his second strikeout as the Dragons still led, 14-0.

Dunlap, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single for his second hit of the day.  Dunlap, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. MT Crenshaw, who came on for Allen in the second inning, would reach with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Walker, would drive in Dunlap with an RBI double to walk it off as the Dragons pick up the 15-0 win in four innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1 walk, 1 steal, and 1 run scored

Drew Dunlap: 2-2 with 2 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Jennings Allen: 1-1 with 1 triple, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

MT Crenshaw: 1-2 with 1 double

Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, and 3 RBI

Jackson Walker: 2-2 with 2 doubles and 1 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 triple, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Truitt Grubbs: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 K on 12 pitches

Christian Starks: 1-1 with 1 double, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 15 pitches

Jackson Nunn: 1 walk and 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K on 16 pitches

Everett Grubbs: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1-1 with 1 double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Andrew McQueen: 1-1 with 1 single and 2 runs scored

Cal Morrison: 2 runs scored

Cooper Helmuth: 1 run scored

 

With the win, the 2026 class, consisting of Robert Turner, AJ Rice, Christian Starks, Kam Jenkins, and Caden Kirchoff, became the winningest class in PHS Baseball history with 110 wins. Those five Seniors and the rest of the Dragons, will look to add to that road next week as they begin a three game series against the Dawson Tigers on Tuesday, March 31st at Dunn Field. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

Dragons sweep doubleheader against Johnson

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Gainesville, Ga — On Tuesday, March 24th, the Pickens Dragons, were on the road as they took on the Johnson Knights in 6-AAA action. It was a beautiful day to play two as the Dragons and Knights played games one and two of their three game series. The Dragons, took care of business in those two games as they took game one, 18-0, and game two, 17-0.

 

Game one:

Robert Turner, would lead off the top of the first by reaching on an error. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Jennings Allen, would follow that with a double to bring in Turner. Allen, would score on a two-base error to make it 2-0. Kam Jenkins, would reach with a triple. Dawson Lowit, would drive in Jenkins with an RBI single to make it 3-0. Lowit, would make it to 2nd on the play.

AJ Rice, would bring in Lowit with an RBI single to make it 4-0. Rice, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. After Christian Starks drew a walk, Rice and Starks would move up a base after another wild pitch. Drew Dunlap, would drive in both Rice and Starks with a 2-RBI single to make it 6-0. Dunlap, would advance to 2nd on the play. A wild pitch, would move Dunlap up to 3rd.

Everett Grubbs, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with nobody out. Dunlap, would come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 7-0. Grubbs, would also advance to 2nd on the same wild pitch. After a pop out, Grubbs, would move up to 3rd on a wild pitch. Turner, would bring in Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 8-0 heading to the bottom of the first.

 

MT Crenshaw, would take the mound for the Dragons in game one and he would toss a scoreless bottom of the first by picking up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. Heading to the second, the Dragons led the Knights, 8-0.

 

Jenkins, would lead off the top of the second with a single. His courtesy runner, Caden Kirchoff, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Lowit, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI single to make it 9-0. Lowit, would advance to 2nd and 3rd on back to back wild pitches. Rice, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners. Starks, would bring in Lowit with an RBI ground out to make it 10-0.

After a pop out, Grubbs, would drive in Rice with an RBI single to make it 11-0. Matthew Davis, would bring in Grubbs with an RBI double to make it 12-0. Davis, would then advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Turner, would drive in Davis with an RBI single to make it 13-0. Turner, would move up to 2nd on a passed ball. Allen, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

A wild pitch, would move Turner and Allen up a base. Jenkins, would draw a walk to load the bases with 2-out. Turner, would come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 14-0. Allen and Kirchoff, would also move up on the wild pitch. A 2-RBI double by Lowit, would bring both Allen and Kirchoff to make it 16-0 heading to the bottom of the second. Crenshaw, was back on the mound for the bottom of the second.

Crenshaw, would get out of the bottom of the second with 9 pitches as he picked up his 3rd and 4th strikeout, as well as a ground out to send it to the third with the Dragons leading the Knights, 16-0.

 

Chase Hulsey, would pitch hit for Rice and would lead off the top of the third with a single. Starks, would follow that up with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Dunlap, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases. Grubbs, would bring in Hulsey with an RBI single to make it 17-0. Brock Teal, would drive in Starks with an RBI single to make it 18-0 heading to the bottom of the third.

Tanner Bail, would come in to pitch the bottom of the third for the Dragons. Bail, would seal the win for the Dragons as he struck out the side as Pickens took game one, 18-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game one:

Robert Turner: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 steal, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-2 with 1 double, 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 1 triple, 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Dawson Lowit: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored

AJ Rice: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Chase Hulsey: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Drew Dunlap: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Brock Teal: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 RBI

MT Crenshaw: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 21 pitches

Tanner Bail: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 K on 17 pitches

Caden Kirchoff: 2 runs scored

 

Game two:

Jennings Allen: would look to get game two started as he would reach with a 1-out single. Christian Starks, would drive in Allen with an RBI double to make it 1-0. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Dragons. Pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Matthew Davis, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI single to make it 3-0. The Knights, would get out of the first with a double play.

The Knights, would have their first base runner of the day as they would draw a walk to lead off the bottom of the first. Dragons starter Chase Hulsey, would work around that lead off walk as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the second with the Dragons leading the Knights, 3-0.

 

Jackson Walker, would get the top of the second started for the Dragons with a 1-out triple. Courtesy runner, Everett Grubbs, would come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 4-0. Tanner Bail, would then draw a walk to reach 1st base. A wild pitch, would advance Bail up to 2nd. Turner, would reach with a 1-out single. Turner, would then take 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd.

After a strikeout, Starks, would hit a three run home run to make it 7-0. Kirchoff, now in to pitch hit for Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. Davis, would hit the Dragons second home run of the inning as he would send a 2-run shot over the right field wall to make it 9-0. Drew Dunlap, would then reach with a 2-out double. Brock Teal, would bring in Dunlap with an RBI double to make it 10-0.

Teal, would advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Walker, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 3rd. Teal, would come in to score as Bail would reach on an error. Walker, would advance to 3rd on that same error. Bail, would move up to 2nd on a wild pitch. Walker, would come in to score after Turner would reach on an error. Both Bail and Turner would come in to score after a triple by Allen.

Starks, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 15-0. Kirchoff, would keep the inning alive by reaching on an error. Starks, would advance to 3rd on the play. The Knights, would get out of the second with a line out. In the bottom of the second, Hulsey, would pick up a ground out and a strikeout for the first two outs of the frame. The Knights, would pick up their first hit of the day with a 2-out triple.

Hulsey, would get out of the second with his fourth strikeout of the game. Heading to the third, the Dragons, led the Knights, 15-0.

 

After a ground out and a line out to start the top of the third, Walker, would keep the inning going for the Dragons with a 2-out single. Bail, would then reach on an error as courtesy runner MT Crenshaw, would advance to 3rd on the play. Bail, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Crenshaw, would come in to score on the same wild pitch to make it 16-0. Dawson Lowit, pitch hitting for Turner, would bring in Bail with a single to make it 17-0.

The Knights, would get out of the third with a pop out. Elijah Barton, would come in to pitch in the bottom of the third. After Barton picked up a pair of strikeouts, the Knights, would keep the game going after a batter would be hit by a pitch. He would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Barton, would pick up his third strikeout of the inning as the Dragons picked up the win in game two, 17-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game two:

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored

Dawson Lowit: 1-1 with 1 single

Jennings Allen: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 triple, and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 3-3 with 1 home run, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Caden Kirchoff: 1 walk and 2 runs scored

Matthew Davis: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 home run, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored

Drew Dunlap: 1-3 with 1 double and 1 run scored

Brock Teal: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Jackson Walker: 3-3 with 1 single, 1 triple, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1 walk and 3 runs scored

MT Crenshaw: 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: 1 run scored

Chase Hulsey: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K on 27 pitches

Elijah Barton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K on 14 pitches

 

The series finale, will shift over to Jasper and Dunn Field on Thursday, March 26th as the Dragons will look to pick up their 20th win of the season. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

Dragons sweep series against Indians

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — On Friday, March 20th, the Pickens Dragons, made the trip up to Dahlonega for the third and final game of the series between the Lumpkin Indians. After taking the first two games of the series, the Dragons, were looking for the sweep. The Indians, were looking to build some momentum heading into a big series with North Hall. The Dragons, would pick up the win, 10-2.

 

In the top of the first, Robert Turner, would reach with a lead off single. An error, would allow Turner to make it all the way to 3rd. An RBI single by Jennings Allen, would bring in Turner to make it 1-0. Allen, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. After a line out, Allen, would come in to score after an RBI double by Dawson Lowit. Truitt Grubbs, would then reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 3rd with 1-out.

Christian Starks, would bring in Lowit with an RBI ground out to make it 3-0 Dragons. The Indians, would get out of the first with a ground out. Dragons starter AJ Rice, was back on the mound for the first time since March 3rd. After picking up the first two outs via strikeout, P. Cambron, would keep the inning alive for the Indians by reaching on a two base error.

E. Buchanan, would bring in Cambron with a single to make it 3-1. Rice, would get out of the first with his third strikeout of the frame. Heading to the second, the Dragons led the Indians, 3-1.

 

In the top of the second, Matthew Davis, would reach with a 1-out single. Turner, would follow by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. After a pop out, Kam Jenkins, would draw a four pitch walk to load the bases with 2-out. The Indians, would get out of the jam with a pop out. Rice, would toss a scoreless bottom of the second with a pair of strikeouts and a pop out. Heading to the third, the Dragons were still ahead, 3-1.

 

Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the top of the third with his second hit of the day. Starks, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. After a strikeout, Everett Grubbs, would drive in his brother Truitt and Starks with a 2-RBI single to make it 5-1. Everett Grubbs, would then steal 2nd to move into scoring position. E. Grubbs, would advance to 3rd after a fly out to right field.

The Indians, would get out of the third with a pop out. C. Lee, would lead off the bottom of the third with a double. After a strikeout, Lee, would be thrown out trying to steal 3rd. C. Horton, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. Horton, would be thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led Lumpkin, 5-1.

 

Allen, would lead off the fourth with his second hit. Allen, would move up to 2nd after a ground out. After a line out, T. Grubbs, would reach on an error as the Dragons had runners at the corners with 2-out. The Indians, would get out of the fourth with a pop out. Cambron, would draw a lead off walk to start the bottom of the fourth. A wild pitch, would advance Cambron up to 2nd.

After a strikeout, S. Stancil, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Rice and the Dragons, would get out of the fourth with a double play. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led the Indians, 5-1.

 

Brock Teal, would lead off the top of the fifth with a single. Everett Grubbs, would follow that with his second hit of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. The Indians, would get out of the jam with a pair of pop outs and a ground out. In the bottom of the fifth, after Rice picked up a strikeout and a ground out, Lee, would draw a full count walk to keep the inning alive for the Indians.

Lee, would advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. M. Hester, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Rice, would end his outing with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Indians, 5-1.

 

Jenkins, would lead off the sixth with a single. Lowit, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Truitt Grubbs, would then reach with a single to load the bases. After a pop out, Teal, would draw a walk that would score courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff to make it 6-1. Drew Dunlap, would bring in pitch runner Tanner Bail with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 7-1. The Indians, would get out of the sixth with a pop out.

Turner, would come on to pitch in the bottom of the sixth. Cambron, would lead off with a triple. Buchanan, would drive in Cambron with an RBI single to make it 7-2. Buchanan, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Turner, would settle down and would strikeout the side to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 7-2.

 

In the top of the seventh, Allen, would reach with his third hit of the day with a 1-out single. Allen, would advance to 2nd on the play. Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI double to make it 8-2. Courtesy runner Kirchoff, would then move over to 3rd after a wild pitch. Tanner Bail, would bring in Kirchoff with an RBI ground out to make it 9-2. Truitt Grubbs, would keep the inning going with a 2-out double. His fourth hit of the game.

Starks, would drive in T. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 10-2. The Indians, would get out of the seventh with a ground out. Turner, would come back out for the bottom of the seventh looking to close it out. M. Brooks, would lead off the bottom of the seventh by reaching on an error. Brooks, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, Hester, would reach with a 1-out single. The Dragons, would seal the win after a 5-3 double play to sweep the series and pick up the win in game three, 10-2.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 run scored and 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 32 pitches

Jennings Allen: 3-5 with 3 singles, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1 run scored and 1 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 4-5 with 3 singles, 1 double, and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 2-5 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Brock Teal: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Everett Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 steal, and 2 RBI

Drew Dunlap: 1 single, 1 sacrifice fly RBI

Matthew Davis: 1-4 with 1 single

AJ Rice: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R/0 ER, 5 BB, 9 K on 85 pitches

Caden Kirchoff: 2 runs scored

 

6-AAA Region Standings

Pickens: 17-1 (8-1)

Dawson: 11-7 (8-1)

North Hall: 12-6 (6-3)

GAC: 8-6 (6-3)

Lumpkin: 8-9 (3-6)

Chestatee: 6-12 (2-7)

White County: 10-8 (2-7)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-14 (0-9)

 

The Pickens Dragons, will continue region play as they take on the Johnson-Gainesville Knights in a three game series starting on Tuesday, March 24th with game one in Gainesville. First pitch is set for 5 :55 pm.

Dragons move to 16-1 after series win against Lumpkin

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After a back and forth battle in game one on Tuesday, March 17th, game two between the Pickens Dragons and the Lumpkin Indians shifted over to Dunn Field. After the Indians took an early lead, the Dragons, behind solid pitching and hot bats, would pick up the win, 9-1.

 

M. Hester, would lead off the top of the first by drawing a walk. Hester, would move up to 2nd after a ground out. P. Cambron, would reach on an error that would allow Hester to come in and score to make it 1-0. Cambron, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. After a strikeout, S. Stancil, would reach on a fielder’s choice to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out.

Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would get out of the top of the first with his second strikeout. Heading to the bottom of the frame, the Indians led it, 1-0. In the bottom of the first, after a pair of fly outs, Kam Jenkins, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by beating out an infield single. His courtesy runner, Caden Kirchoff, would move up to 2nd after a wild pitch. The Indians, would get out of the first with a ground out to send it to the second, leading 1-0.

 

C. Tuggle, would lead off the top of the second by reaching on an error. After a strikeout, Tuggle, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. E. Grubbs, would get out of the second with a pair of line outs. In the bottom of the second, Truitt Grubbs, would reach with a 1-out single. The Indians, would then turn a 6-3 double play to end the second and send it to the third with Lumpkin still leading, 1-0.

 

E. Grubbs, would have his first 1-2-3 inning of the game in the top of the third as he picked up a ground out, a strikeout, and a line out on 7 pitches. The Dragons, would look to get something going in the bottom of the third as Robert Turner, would reach with a 1-out single. A pick off attempt at 1st, would go all the way to the outfield allowing Turner to advance to 3rd.

Jennings Allen, would drive in Turner with an RBI single to tie the game at 1. Allen, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Indians, would get out of the third with a line out. Heading to the fourth, the game was tied up at 1.

 

K. Lewis, would lead off the top of the fourth by getting hit with a pitch. The Dragons, would turn a double play of their own and E. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with a pop out. Dawson “Boogie” Lowit, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single. AJ Rice, would follow that up with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out.

T. Grubbs, would then reach on an error, that would allow Lowit to come into score to make it 2-1 Dragons. Rice, would make it to 3rd and T. Grubbs, would make it to 2nd on the play. Christian Starks, would bring in both Rice and T. Grubbs with a 2-run single to make it 4-1. After a pick off at 1st for the first out, Drew Dunlap, would draw a walk. Matthew Davis, would drive in Dunlap with an RBI double to make it 5-1 Dragons.

The Indians, would get out of the fourth with a ground out and a strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons were ahead, 5-1.

 

C. Lee, would lead off the top of the fifth with a single. Lee, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fifth with a fly out, a strikeout, and a successful pick off move to get the runner at 2nd. Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by drawing a walk. Lowit, would then follow with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Pitch hitter Brock Teal, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Kirchoff was forced out at 3rd.

T. Grubbs, would then also reach on a fielder’s choice as Teal would be forced out at 2nd. Starks, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases with 2-out. Pitch runner Tanner Bail, and T. Grubbs, would come in to score after Dunlap would reach on an error to make it 7-1 Dragons. The Indians, would get Dunlap at 2nd to end the inning after Dunlap tried to take an extra bag. Heading to the sixth, Pickens led Lumpkin, 7-1.

 

E. Grubbs, who really found a groove after a long first inning, capped off an outstanding start with a scoreless top of the sixth as he picked up a pair of pop outs and a ground out. Davis, would lead off the bottom of the sixth by drawing a walk. Davis, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Turner, would follow that by drawing a four pitch walk as Davis would head to 3rd on another wild pitch.

Turner, would advance to 2nd on defensive indifference as Davis would be thrown out at home for the first out. Allen, would drive in Turner with an RBI single to make it 8-1. After a fly out, Tanner Bail, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. A balk would then be called as Allen would move up to 3rd and Bail would move up to 2nd. Allen, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 9-1 heading to the seventh.

 

Chase Hulsey, would come to pitch the top of the seventh as he would look to close it out for the Dragons. Hulsey, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a 1-2-3 seventh as the Dragons would pick up the series win with a 9-1 victory in game two.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 steal, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk

Dawson Lowit: 2-3 with 2 singles, and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1 walk and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1-2 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 HBP, and 1 RBI

Drew Dunlap: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Everett Grubbs: 6 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 5 K on 67 pitches

Chase Hulsey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 13 pitches

 

The series finale will shift back over to Dahlonega on Friday, March 20th as the Dragons look for the series sweep. The Indians, will look to gain some momentum heading into a series with North Hall next week. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.

Dragons win high scoring game one against Lumpkin

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — After an emotional series win against the North Hall Trojans on Friday, March 13th, the Pickens Dragons, took to the road on St. Patrick’s Day to begin a three game series with the Lumpkin Indians. The Dragons, came into the game at 14-1 overall and 5-1 in region play. The Indians, came into the game at 8-6 overall, and 3-3 in region play. In a back and forth game throughout, a 2-run fifth and sixth inning by the Dragons, helped secure a 12-8 win.

 

Robert Turner, would lead off the top of the first with a double. Jennings Allen, would bring in Turner with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. Allen, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Allen, would advance to 3rd on a ground out. Dawson Lowit, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 2-0. After a strikeout, Truitt Grubbs, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk.

Christian Starks, would then reach with a single to load the bases. Lowit, would come in to score after Everett Grubbs would be hit by a pitch. Truitt Grubbs, would come in to score after a balk was called to make it 4-0. The Indians, would get out of the first with a ground out. P. Cambron, would lead off the bottom of the first with a single. C. Horton, would follow that up with a single of his own.

M. Hester, would draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, would then pick up back to back strikeouts. A 2-RBI single from K. Lewis, would score both Cambron and Horton to make it 4-2. Nunn and the Dragons, would get out of the first with a ground out. Heading to the second, the Dragons led the Indians, 4-2.

 

It would be deja vu all over again in the top of the second as Turner, would lead off with his second double of the game. Allen, would drive in Turner with an RBI double to make it 5-2. After a strikeout, Allen, would be picked off at 2nd for the second out. Lowit, would keep the inning alive after being hit by a pitch. AJ Rice, would then reach on an error to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. The Indians, would get out of the second with a strikeout.

T. Sullens, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single. Courtesy runner E. Truitt, would be picked off at 1st for the first out.Nunn, would then pick up a pop out and a ground out to get out of the second. Heading to the third, Pickens led Lumpkin, 5-2.

 

Horton, who came on to pitch in the top of the second, would work a scoreless top of the third as he got the Dragons in order. In the bottom of the inning, Hester, would reach with a 1-out walk. Hester, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. C. Boyce, would reach on an error to put runners at 1st and 3rd. Boyce, would get caught trying to steal 2nd. Hester, would come in to score on the play to make it 5-3.

L. Hamrick, would keep the inning going with a walk. K. Lewis, would then get hit by a pitch. S. Stancil, would reach on a two base error that would score Hamrick to make it 5-4. MT Crenshaw, would come to relieve Nunn, and he would force a pop out to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading it, 5-4.

 

Turner, would lead off the fourth by drawing a walk. He would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. A ground out by Allen, would move Turner over to 3rd. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Turner with an RBI double to make it 6-4. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd after an error. Lowit, would drive in Kirchoff with an RBI double to make it 7-4.

Rice, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Truitt Grubbs, would bring in Lowit with an RBI single to make it 8-4 Dragons. Starks, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Rice would be forced out at 2nd. A wild pitch, would move both T. Grubbs and Starks up a base. The Indians, would get out of the fourth with a ground out. C. Lee, would be hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the fourth.

Lee, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Cambron, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A single by Horton, would load the bases with nobody out. A 3-RBI double by Hester, would clear the bases to cut the lead to 8-7. Hester, would come into score to tie the game as E. Buchanan, would reach on an error. Lewis, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Buchanan would be forced out at 2nd.

Crenshaw, would get out of the fourth with the game still tied as they would head to the fifth with the Dragons nad the Indians deadlocked at 8.

 

Matthew Davis, would lead off the top of the fifth with a double. Turner, would drive in Davis with an RBI double to make it 9-8 Dragons. Turner, would move over to 3rd after a ground out. Turner, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 10-8. Jenkins, would reach with his second hit of the game after a 1-out single. The Indians, would get out of the fifth after turning a double play.

Tanner Bail, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fifth. Sullens, would reach with a lead off single. His courtesy runner, would be picked off at 1st for the first out. Bail, would then force a ground out and a line out to get out of the fifth. Heading to the sixth, Pickens led Lumpkin, 10-8.

 

Brock Teal, would come in to pitch hit for Rice in the top of the sixth. Teal, would lead off with a single. Rice, would then come in to run for Teal. After a strikeout, Starks, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Drew Dunlap, would pitch hit for Everett Grubbs and he would draw a walk to load the bases. After a pop out, Turner, would drive in both Rice and Starks with a 2-RBI single to make it 12-8.

The Indians, would get out of the sixth with a ground out. Bail, would stay in for the bottom of the sixth. Horton, would reach by drawing a lead off walk. Bail, would then get Hester to pop out for the first out. Horton, would advance to 2nd after a ground out. Bail, would get out of the sixth with another ground out to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 12-8.

 

In the top of the seventh, Lowit, would reach on an error with 1-out. The Indians, would get out of the seventh after turning their second double play of the game. Jenkins, would come in for the bottom of the seventh as he looked to seal the win for the Dragons. Lewis, would lead off the bottom of the seventh by getting hit by a pitch. Lewis, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch.

Jenkins, would then pick up back to back strikeouts. C. Lee, would keep the game alive for the Indians by drawing a 2-out walk. Jenkins, would pick up his 3rd strikeout of the inning as the Pickens Dragons took game one, 12-8.

 

Stats for the Dragons: 

Robert Turner: 4-4 with 3 doubles, 1 single, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and 4 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-5 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-5 with 1 double, 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 3 K on 25 pitches

Dawson Lowit: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 HBP, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

AJ Rice: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Brock Teal: 1-1 with 1 single

Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-4 with 2 singles, and 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: HBP, and 1 RBI

Drew Dunlap: 1 walk

Matthew Davis: 1-4 with 1 double and 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

 

The series will shift over to Jasper and Dunn Field on Tursday, March 19th as the Dragons will look to win their third straight series in region play. The Indians, will look to tie the series ahead of game three back in Dahlonega on Friday. First pitch for game two is set for 6 pm.

Dragons take series from North Hall in extra inning classic

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The third and final game of the most anticipated series in 6-AAA took place at Dunn Field on Friday, March 13th between the Pickens Dragons and the North Hall Trojans. After splitting the first two games of the series, the third game would be the deciding factor. Trailing since the third inning, the Dragons, never gave up and battled back for a walk off win in nine innings.

 

B. Crawford, would lead off the game with a double. T. Kemp, would follow that up by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Dragons starting pitcher, Everett Grubbs, would pick up a fly out, a strikeout, and a ground out to get out of the early jam in the top of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Robert Turner, would reach with a lead off single. Jennings Allen, would follow that with a single of his own.

After a strikeout, Dawson “Boogie” Lowit, would drive in Turner with an RBI single, to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. The Trojans, would get out of the first with a fly out and a strikeout. Heading to the second, Pickens led North Hall, 1-0.

 

E. Grubbs, would pick up his second and third strikeout, as well as a pop out in a scoreless top of the second. Trojans starter Jake Beard, would nearly match Grubbs in the bottom of the second as he picked up his third and fourth strikeout, as well as a fly out to send it to the third with the Dragons still ahead, 1-0.

 

In the top of the third, Crawford, would reach with a 1-out single. T. Kemp, would then draw his second walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. E. Grubbs, would pick up his fourth strikeout for the second out. S. McGarvey, would drive in Crawford with an RBI single to tie the game at 1. A throwing error on a pick off attempt, would allow Kemp to advance to 3rd.

McGarvey, would then steal 2nd. The throw, would go into the outfield, allowing Kemp to come in to score to make it 2-1 Trojans. The Dragons, would get out of the third with a ground out. In the bottom of the third, Kam Jenkins, would look to get something going as he would reach after an error by the shortstop. The Trojans, would get out of the third with a fly out. Heading to the fourth, North Hall led it, 2-1.

 

K. Foudy, would lead off the top of the fourth with a single. J. Johnson, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. C. Bate, would move both runners up a base after a sacrifice bunt. A 2-RBI single from E. Etris, would score courtesy runner B. Allen and Johnson to make it 4-1 Trojans. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with a pop out and a fly out.

The Dragons, would go down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fourth after a strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out. Heading to the fifth, North Hall led Pickens, 4-1.

 

Robert Turner, would come in for the top of the fifth. T. Davis, would reach by drawing a walk with 1-out. After a strikeout, Johnson, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Turner, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Matthew Davis, would look to start something for the Dragons after reaching on a 1-out single. Davis, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position.

After a fly out, Allen, would drive in Davis with an RBI single to cut the lead to 4-2. Allen, would move up to 2nd on the play. The Trojans, would get out of the fifth with a pop out. Heading to the sixth, North Hall led Pickens, 4-2.

 

Turner, in his second inning of relief, worked a scoreless frame as he struck out the side in the top of the sixth. AJ Rice, would reach with a 1-out single in the bottom of the sixth. Truitt Grubbs, would follow that up with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Christian Starks, would bring in Rice with an RBI single to make it 4-3 Trojans. Grubbs, would advance to 3rd and Starks, would move up to 2nd on the play.

J. Johnson, who came in to pitch to start the sixth, would fake a pick off attempt to 3rd, and instead, would throw to 2nd, getting the runner. The Trojans, would get out of the sixth with a fly out. Heading to the seventh, Pickens trailed North Hall, 4-3.

 

In the top of the seventh, Turner, still on the mound, would need only six pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Turner, would look to get another rally going for the Dragons with a 1-out single. Allen, would then reach on an error by the shortstop to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Turner, would come in to score to tie the game after Lowit would reach on an error after the center fielder dropped the potential third out.

Allen, would move to 3rd on the play. The Trojans, would get out of the seventh with a strikeout. Heading to the eighth, the game was tied at 4.

 

Turner, in his fourth inning of relief, would work around a 1-out hit batsman in the top of the eighth as he picked up a line out and made a tremendous catch off the mound to start a 1-3 double play. Lowit, would make a great effort to stay on the bag for the second half of the double play. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the eighth. Heading to the ninth, the game was still tied at 4.

 

Turner, would pick up a pair of ground outs, and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless top of the ninth. In the bottom of the inning, Davis, would lead off with his second hit of the game. Turner, would move Davis up to 2nd after a sacrifice bunt. Allen, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Jenkins, would then lace a single to right center as Davis would come in to score to give the Dragons a 5-4 win.

 

Stats for the Dragons: 

Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 sacrifice bunt, 2 runs scored, and 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 7 K on 63 pitches

Jennings Allen: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 1-5 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 RBI

AJ Rice: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Truitt Grubbs: 1-4 with 1 single

Christian Starks: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Matthew Davis: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored

 

6-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 14-1 (5-1)

Dawson: 8-7 (5-1)

North Hall: 10-5 (4-2)

GAC: 5-6 (3-3)

Lumpkin: 8-6 (3-3)

Chestatee: 6-8 (3-3)

White County: 9-6 (1-5)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-11 (0-6)

 

The Dragons, will be on the road on Tuesday, March 17th as they begin a three game series with the Lumpkin Indians. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons drop game two against North Hall

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Gainesville, Ga — The series between the Pickens Dragons and the North Hall Trojans shifted over to Gainesville for game two on Thursday, March 12th. After taking game one on Tuesday, the Dragons, were looking to pick up a big series win. The Trojans, were looking to even up the series heading to game three on Friday. The Trojans, got a 5-run bottom of the fifth and a complete game shut out by Kaleb Sexton to pick up the win, 6-0.

 

Robert Turner, would reach on a lead off single on the first pitch of the game. Sexton, would pick up a double play to erase that single. Kam Jenkins, would keep the top of the first alive for the Dragons with a 2-out single. Sexton, would get out of the first with a pop out. Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, would work a scoreless bottom of the first with a pop out and a pair of ground outs. Heading to the second, the game was still tied at 0.

 

Jennings Allen, would lead off the top of the second by getting hit with a pitch. Sexton, would get out of the second after a strikeout, a line out, and a force out. In the bottom of the second, the Trojans, would pick up three straight singles from T. Davis, K. Foudy, and J. Johnson. Davis, would come in to score after E. Etris was hit by a pitch to make it 1-0. Nunn, would get out of the second after a pop out and a strikeout. Heading to the third, the Trojans led the Dragons, 1-0.

 

Turner, would pick up his second hit of the game with a 1-out single in the top of the third. Turner, would advance to 2nd after a ground out by AJ Rice. Back to back walks by Jenkins and Dawson Lowit, would load the bases with 2-out. Sexton, would get out of the third with a line out as the Dragons would leave the bases loaded. Nunn, would toss a scoreless bottom of the third with a pair of pop outs and a ground out.

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the fourth as Sexton would pick up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. Nunn, would get the Trojans in order with three pop outs in the bottom half of the inning. Heading to the fifth, North Hall led Pickens, 1-0.

 

Nothing doing for the Dragons in the top of the fifth as Sexton would pick up a line out, a ground out, and a strikeout in a scoreless frame. Nunn, would quickly get the first two outs of the bottom of the fifth via a ground out and a strikeout. B. Crawford, would keep the inning alive for the Trojans by drawing a walk. T. Kemp, would follow that up with a single. Crawford, would come around to score on an error to make it 2-0. Kemp, would take 2nd on the play.

Kemp, would advance to 3rd after a passed ball. J. Bolton, would bring in Kemp with an RBI single to make it 3-0. S. McGarvey, would drive in pitch runner N. Kemp with an RBI double to make it 4-0 Trojans. McGarvey, would come around to score after Davis would reach on a two base error. After Davis advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Foudy, would bring in Davis to make it 6-0. The Dragons, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout.

 

Jenkins and Lowit, would lead off the top of the sixth with back to back walks as the Dragons would look to get back into it. Allen, would reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner Cooper Helmuth, would be forced out at 2nd. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on the play. Sexton and the Trojans, would get out of the sixth with their second double play of the game to send it to the bottom of the inning.

Tanner Bail, would come on in relief of Elijah Barton, who got the final out in the bottom of the fifth, for the bottom of the sixth. Bail, would need only five pitches as he picked up a pop out and a pair of ground outs in a scoreless frame. Heading to the seventh, the Trojans led the Dragons, 6-0.

 

Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Sexton, would finish off the complete game shutout with a pop out, a line out, and a strikeout as the Trojans would even up the series with a 6-0 win in game two.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles

Kam Jenkins: 1 single and 2 walks

Dawson Lowit: 2 walks

Jennings Allen: 1 hit by pitch

Truitt Grubbs: 1 walk

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 single

 

The third and final game of the series, will shift back over to Jasper and Dunn Field on Friday, March 13th. First pitch is scheduled for 6 pm.

Dragons pick up big win in pivotal series opener

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The #1 team in AAA, the Pickens Dragons, started another three game series in 6-AAA on Tuesday, March 10th against the North Hall Trojans. The Trojans, another top ten ranked team in AAA, were coming off a sweep of Greater Atlanta Christian last week. This series, could go a long way in determining the region champion. A 5-run second inning, propelled the Dragons to a big 5-3 win in game one.

 

The Dragons, who came into the game without the services of several players due to being sick, turned to Junior MT Crenshaw to start the game. The Trojans, got off to a quick start as Indiana commit Branson Crawford, would hit a lead off home run on the first pitch to make it, 1-0 Trojans. Ty Kemp, would follow that by drawing a walk. Crenshaw, would settle down to pick up a ground out, a strikeout, and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame.

In the bottom half of the first, Kam Jenkins, would look to get something going as he drew a full count walk with 2-out. Boogie Lowit, would then reach on an infield single that hit off the field umpire to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. The Trojans, would get out of the first as Lowit would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the second, North Hall led Pickens, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, after a fly out and a ground out, Jayzen Johnson, would keep the inning alive for the Trojans with a 2-out double. Crenshaw, would get out of the second with a ground out. In the bottom of the inning, Truitt Grubbs, would reach with a 1-out single. Brock Teal, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Tanner Bail, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out.

Robert Turner, would draw a walk of his own that would bring in Truitt Grubbs to tie the game at 1. Teal, would come in to score after a throwing error by Crawford to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead. Jenkins, would drive in both Bail and Turner with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-1. Jenkins, would advance to 2nd on the play. Lowit, would bring in courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff with an RBI single to make it 5-1 Dragons heading to the third.

 

Kemp, would draw his second walk of the game as he looked to get things going for the Trojans in the top of the third. After a fly out for the second out, Smith McGarvey, would reach with a 2-out single to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Thomas Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Crenshaw, would get out of the bases loaded jam with a pop out to send it to the bottom of the third.

Truitt Grubbs, would pick up his second hit of the game with a 1-out single. He would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Back to back strikeouts would get the Trojans out of potential danger and send it to the fourth with the Dragons still leading, 5-1.

 

Kenny Foudy, would get things started for the Trojans in the fourth with a lead off double. Johnson, would follow that by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Turner, would come in to relive Crenshaw and would pick up a strikeout for the first out. A hit and run called by the Trojans, would lead to an RBI single for Crawford as he drove in courtesy runner B. Allen to make it 5-2.

An RBI single by Ty Kemp, would bring in Johnson to make it 5-3. Turner, would get out of the fourth as the Dragons were able to turn a big double play to get out of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Jennings Allen, would send the first pitch he saw in between the 1st and 2nd basemen for a 1-out single. The Trojans, would get out of the fourth with a pop out and a force out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons ahead, 5-3.

 

Turner, would come back out for the top of the fifth. Davis, would look to get things going for the Trojans with a 1-out single. After a strikeout, Turner and the Dragons, thought they got out of the fifth after a great diving stop by Everett Grubbs and a throw over to get Foudy at 1st, but the umpire ruled him safe. Turner, would get out of the fifth with a ground out. Heading to the bottom of the inning, it was still 5-3 Dragons.

Everett Grubbs, would pick up his first hit of the game with a 1-out single. The Trojans, would get out of the fifth with back to back strikeouts. Heading to the sixth, Pickens led North Hall, 5-3.

 

Everett Grubbs, normally the game three starter, came on in relief of Turner for the top of the sixth. Grubbs, would need only five pitches to get out of the sixth as he picked up a pair of fly outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the sixth, Allen, would reach for the second time with a 2-out single. Crawford, still in the game having thrown 100 pitches, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons were still ahead, 5-3.

 

Everett Grubbs, came back out for the top of the seventh to try and close things out. Joab Bolton, would reach with a lead off single. The Dragons, would then turn a big 6-4-3 double play. E. Grubbs, would then field a ground ball and toss it to 1st to end the ball game and preserve a 5-3 win for the Dragons in game one of the series.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1 walk, 1 RBI, 1 run scored and 2 IP, 4 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 2 K on 28 pitches

Jennings Allen: 2-4 with 2 singles

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 walk, 1 single, and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 RBI

Everett Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, and 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 12 pitches

Truitt Grubbs: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 steal, and 1 run scored

Brock Teal: 1-3 with 1 double and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

MT Crenshaw: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K on 65 pitches

 

The series will shift over to Gainesville on Thursday, March 12th for game two as the Dragons will look to pick up a big series win. The Trojans, will look to even up the series heading into game three on Friday. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

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