Five pitchers blank Rome, Gooch homers in 3-0 Canes win

Jake Gooch hit a second inning, two-run homer and Mason Barnett drove in a run in the third inning Thursday evening as 3rd-ranked Cartersville defeated Rome 3-0 at LakePoint in Emerson.

Cartersville utilized five pitchers in their shutout of the Wolves. Starter Levi Ayers (3 IP, 0R, 2H, 2BB, 1K) was credited with the pitching win with four additional Hurricanes tossing one inning each. Cohen Wilbanks (1BB, 3K), J.P. Martin (1H), Gooch (1H, 2K), and Gage Morris (1K) all worked a scoreless frame.

Along with his home run, Gooch had a second hit. Barnett and Preston Welchel also had two hits.LaDarius Winburn added a double for the Canes’ seven-hit total.

Rome (3-3) had four players with one hit each.

Cartersville (6-3) will play two games Saturday at Forsyth Central High School. The Canes will face River Ridge at 1:30 p.m. and the host Bulldogs at 4 p.m.

The Hurricanes also now know their first round opponent for the Perfect Game High School Showdown at LakePoint that begins Thursday, March 8. Cartersville will play Seminary (Miss.) at 8:30 p.m. in the first of four games March 8-10.