Cartersville cruises to easy win after six-run first inning

The Hurricanes posted six runs in the top of the first inning Saturday morning on their way to an 8-1 non-region victory over Sonoraville at State Mutual Stadium in Rome. That turned out to be plenty of offense for a quintet of Cartersville pitchers who combined to allow only two hits by the Phoenix and no earned runs. Logan Martin (3 IP, 0R, 2H, 0BB, 1K) earned the pitching win in a starting role. J.P. Martin (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 1K), Reece Thompson (1 IP, 1R, 0ER, 0H, 2BB), Ian Inaba (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K), and Hayden Davidson (1 IP, 0R, 0H) all pitched in relief. Sonoraville leadoff hitter Wyatt Castoe had both Phoenix base hits. The Cartersville offense produced eleven hits. Inaba had two hits including a double, a walk, and one RBI. Josh Davis (photo) also had a perfect day at the plate with two hits, a pair of walks, and one RBI. Jordan Wilkie contributed a pair of hits. Kolby Adams (RBI), Mason Barnett (RBI), Preston Welchel (RBI), Alan Thacker, and Gage Morris finished with one hit each. Brant Smith drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and J.P. Martin tossed in an RBI after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the opening inning. The loss dropped Sonoraville to 6-6 on the season. Cartersville (11-3) opens play in Region 5-AAAA Monday at LaGrange at 5:55 p.m. The Canes and Grangers will play the second game of their two-game series Wednesday at Richard Bell Field.