Cartersville wins series; Lady Cats edged by top seed
The Lady Canes jumped out to an early lead on LaGrange Monday evening and then relied on another quality performance from pitcher Hannah Todd to win the third game of their best-of-three series with the Lady Grangers.
The 7-1 win advanced Cartersville in the Region 5-AAAA playoffs and secured a state playoff berth for the Lady Canes. The Class AAAA state playoffs begin October 12-13.
Todd tossed another complete game for Cartersville. She allowed only a single run on four hits and a pair of walks. Todd fanned a dozen.
Cartersville, playing as the visiting team, posted a pair of runs in the top of the first inning and added three more in the third to take a 5-0 lead.
LaGrange scored their run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Lady Canes responded with a two-run home run from Colbi Ballard in the sixth for their seven run total.
Paris Poston had a big offensive night for Cartersville. The number three hitter in the order had three hits, drove in a run, and scored twice to lead the Lady Canes’ bats. One of her hits was a triple. Presley Edwards finished with a double and one RBI. Molly Wilson, Hope Short, and Allie Jackson each added a hit. Todd drove in a pair of runs with a sacrifice fly and a grounder.
Cartersville (17-11) advances to play at Cedartown Thursday for a No. 3 seed from Region 5-AAAA. The loser of that single game will be a No. 4 seed in the state playoffs. Cedartown swept Troup 12-2 and 11-0 in their series to advance to Thursday’s game.
VILLA RICA 7, WOODLAND 6
Woodland took a three run lead to the sixth inning Monday night against Region 7-AAAAA top-seeded Villa Rica, but the regular season champions rallied for four runs in the bottom of the inning to edge Woodland, 7-6.
Woodland committed four of their six errors in the game in the first two innings to contribute to Villa Rica’s first three runs. It was four singles, two walks, and a sacrifice fly, however, that plated the Villa Rica’s deciding four runs in the sixth.
Villa Rica led 1-0 after the first inning, but Woodland scored three times in the top of the second to take a 3-1 lead.
After Villa Rica tied the game in the bottom of the second inning, Woodland regained the lead 6-3 in the fourth.
Sarah Baynard (6 IP, 7R, 4ER, 10H, 3BB, 1K) suffered the pitching loss. Sophomore Abbey Gamble picked up the pitching win for Villa Rica in relief.
Reagan Gunter and Baylee Walls combined for five hits and two RBIs to lead Villa Rica at the plate.
Five Woodland batters finished with one hit each. Madgie Robinson, Jordan Duck (RBI), Brittney Cox, Emma Jordan (RBI), and Jamison Kilgo had the Lady Cats’ hits. Bella Carnes added one RBI with a bases loaded walk.
Villa Rica improved to 18-5 with the win. Woodland fell to 12-18 with the loss.
Villa Rica plays the Carrollton/Kell winner on Tuesday. Woodland will play the Carrollton/Kell loser in the double-elimination format.
