Bartow Junior Little League rallies to win state tourney opener
The Bartow County Junior Little League all-star team (14U) won its opening game at the Georgia Junior Little League State Tournament Saturday at Clarke Central High School in Athens, GA.
Bartow, who trailed 3-2 heading into its final offensive frame, defeated Elbert County 4-3 in come-from-behind fashion.
Elbert County scored single runs in the first, fourth, and sixth innings to lead 3-2. Bartow County scored single runs in the third and fifth innings before scoring the two game-winning runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Patrick Shelley drove in T.J. Grimes for Bartow’s tying run in the seventh inning. Grimes later scored the game-winning run on a passed ball.
Jayden Smith picked up the pitching win for Bartow in relief of starting pitcher Trevor Collum. Smith yielded a pair of runs on five hits over the final five innings. He fanned five.
Collum worked the first two innings and allowed one run on a pair of hits and two walks. He struck out two.
Grimes and Shelley each had a pair of hits to lead the Bartow attack. Nick Bailey added an RBI double in the third. Jimbo Gaines, Alex Freeman, Colin Eaton, and Jordan Jonathan all contributed one hit apiece.
Bartow advances to the second round Sunday to play Hart County Junior Little League at 1pm again at Clarke Central High School.
Bartow County Little League, Cartersville Little League, Bartow County Recreation Department, and Cartersville Recreation Department softball and baseball updates are provided by the respective leagues and recreation departments. The updates are presented on Bartow Sports Zone by Play It Again Sports - Cartersville — 410 Cherokee Place.
