Canes move back atop region as Evans homers, Anderson tosses complete game

In a battle at region leading Heritage-Catoosa Friday night in Ringgold, Carrington Evans blasted a two-run homer to right in the top of the first and senior pitcher Elliott Anderson made it stand up for a crucial 3-1 win.

Anderson singled in the top of the first and scored on the Evans homerun to put the Canes on top 2-0 before going to the mound.

Anderson, who has battled some illness this season, was a workhorse Friday night on the bump. The lefty allowed only one run on four hits and five walks, pitching out of some difficult spots. The Auburn signee struck out eight in earning the complete game win.

Photo: Carrington Evans, courtesy canesathletics.com

The Canes went up 3-0 in the top of the sixth when Parker Tidwell singled and later scored on a hit by Zach Yancey.

The Generals’ only run also came in the sixth inning.

A double and two walks loaded the bases with two outs for the Generals. Blake Bryan then singled home Cole Wilcox to make the score 3-1.

Dylan Bice (5.2 IP, 3ER, 4H, 3BB, 6K) suffered the pitching loss for Heritage. Alex Barbee (1.1 IP, 0R, 1H, 2BB, 3K) retired the final four outs.

Carrington was 2-for-4 at the plate for the Canes with his homerun and a double. Anderson, Tidwell, and Yancey had the only other hits as Cartersville made the most of only five safeties.

The win moved the Canes back into a tie for the top spot in Region 7-AAAA and handed Heritage (11-6, 5-1 in 7-AAAA) their first region loss of the year.

Cartersville (9-7, 5-1 in 7-AAAA) has a busy Spring Break schedule. The Canes play at LaFayette Tuesday (April 5); host Central High School (Phenix City, AL) Wednesday (April 6); entertain Gilmer Thursday (April 7); and travel to Northwest Whitfield on Friday (April 8).