by RON WEATHERFORD
The Bulldogs took the long trip to Southwest Georgia Friday to take on Bactonton Charter. ECI defeated the region winner Blazers 3-1 in the first game and 6-2 in the second game to advance to the second round of the baseball state playoffs. The Blazers were the number one seed from region one with a perfect 16-0 region record. ECI came into the game as the number 4 seed from region 3. The Bulldog pitching dominated Bactonton allowing just 3 total hits during the two games. In the first game, the Blazers got their only run and only hit in the game in the bottom of the third inning to take the 1-0 lead after a walk and a double. The Bulldogs tied the game in the top of the fifth. Aden McQuaig drew a one out walk, advanced to third on a Bryce Kearson single and scored the Bulldog’s first run on a Gabe Lee groundout. The Bulldogs put 2 more runs on the board in the top of the sixth inning on singles by Jacob Durden, Hunter Henry and Kearson and walks by Joseph Stewart and McQuaig. The Bulldogs sat down 5 of the 6 batters in the final two innings to take the first game 3-1. Lawson Mercer was on the mark on the mound allowing just 1 hit while striking
out 8 Blazer batters. Kearson was leader at the plate going 3-4 during the game for the Bulldogs.
It was the Bulldogs who took an early lead in the second game Friday. The Bulldogs scored runs in the first 4 innings to lead Baconton 6-1 entering the fifth inning. Kearson led off the bottom of the first inning with a double and scored on a Jack Walden single for a 1-0 Bulldogs lead. ECI added a couple more runs in the second inning. Stewart was on after a one out walk, advanced to third on a McQuaig single and scored the Bulldogs second run on a sac fly by Kearson. McQuaig scored a couple batters later on a Lee single for a 3-0 second inning Bulldog lead. After the Blazers put a run on the board in the top of the third inning, the Bulldogs matched that run in the bottom. Mercer led off the inning with a double and scored the Bulldogs’s fourth run of the game on a Charlie Rehberg single for a 4-1 ECI lead. The Bulldogs scored their last 2 runs of the game in the fourth inning. Kearson was on first after a 1 out single and scored on Walden’s double. James Parker, running for Walden, scored on a Mercer single to make the score 6-1. The Blazers ended the game’s scoring in the top of the sixth inning to make the final score 6-2. The Bulldogs only allowed 2 hits to the Blazers in the game but were living on the edge getting out of bases loaded jams after surrendering 12 walks. Kearson started the game on the mound for ECI giving up just 2 hits, walking 6 in his 4 1/3 innings of work. Jacob Durden relieved Kearson pitching 1 1/3 innings allowing no hits while walking 5. Stewart closed out the game giving up no hits. Kearson, Walden and Mercer led the offense with 2 hits including doubles. All four region 3 teams swept their best of 3 series against region 1 to advance to the second round. Metter advanced against Pelham 11-0, and 17-2. Claxton won their games against Seminole Co. 16-6 and 8-1, and Bryan Co. took care of Pataula Charter 7-6 and 20-0. The Bulldogs will face Crawford Co. in a best of 3 beginning Wednesday. The Eagles moved on to the second round defeating Taylor Co. 7-2 and 12-2. The Eagles are the number two seed from region 7 with a season record of 19-11 and a 10-2 region record. The first game against Crawford will be 4:30 today, Wednesday, with second game at 7:00. The “IF” needed game is scheduled for Thursday at 2:00.
