‘Canes Continue To Struggle
The Varsity ‘Canes who played the first game of the season like a powerhouse have lost seven straight games. They have only scored six runs in their last three games while giving up 31.
The latest was Tuesday, March 14 at home when they were defeated by Oglethrope County 12-1.
The only spark of offense came in the fifth inning when Caleb Reynolds and Matt Hyde hit back to back singles, and J.C. Dunagan scored Reynolds from third with a sacrifice fly.
Also, they let one slip away Wednesday, March 8 when they lost 12-11 after leading the Baldwin County Braves in the early innings. This was a rematch with the AAAA team they defeated the first game of the season 17-2.
On Saturday, March 11 the ‘Canes traveled to Social Circle for a double header against Putnam County and Social Circle. The first game against Putnam County went the distance, and was tied at 2 until the sixth inning when the War Eagles scored three runs, and with another one in the seventh they went on to win 6-2.
Brian Anderson pitched the entire game, scattering eight hits and striking out three.
The ‘Canes didn’t get on the board until the fourth inning when pinch runner Lee Bailey scored to tie the game, 1-1. The only other run scored was in the fifth when J.R. Beasley knocked in Darrius Clemmons who had singled earlier in the inning, but they went on to leave the bases loaded and lose the opportunity to win.
In the second game against a strong Social Circle team, which was undefeated after their first five games and had scored 32 runs to their opponents 9, they showed they were for real. The Red Skins got on the board early with 3 runs in the first inning and went on to win 13-3.
The ‘Canes did come back to tie the score in the top of the third. Kyle Byrd was hit by a pitch, Beasley singled, and Caleb Reynolds hit a line drive to right to score Byrd.
Matt Hyde walked, and J.C. Dunagan and Lee Bailey each hit a sacrifice to score a run. Dunagan pitched the first four innings, giving up eight hits, walking two and striking out four.
On Wednesday, March 15 the team was to play a rematch with non-region opponent Social Circle.
The ‘Canes go on the road for the next two games when they play North Oconee on Friday, March 17 in Bogart at 5:45 p.m., and Lamar County on Monday, March 20 in Barnesville at 6 p.m.
Jr. Varsity & Middle School
The Jr. Varsity ‘Canes, who had lost to Eastside in their first game of the season, didn’t fare any better on Thursday, March 8 during their rematch.
Eastside was once again victorious by a score of 14-3, giving the Jr. Varsity ‘Canes a record of 1-2. They were to play Social Circle on Wednesday, March 15 at home. They are also scheduled to play on Friday, March 17 against Washington County beginning at 5 p.m.
The Middle School ‘Canes were also defeated 13-3 by Social Circle on Friday, March 10 giving them a season record of 1-3. Coach Trey Smith reported that Keaton Ring actually did a good job on the mound, but poor defense and poor hitting led to their downfall.
The team was to play Youth at Criswell Park in Walton County on Wednesday, March 15. They are also scheduled to play Loganville on Saturday, March 16 at home beginning at 11 a.m.