LILBURN, Ga. — The North Hall baseball team started Region 6-3A play on the right foot with a 5-1 win over Greater Atlanta Christian on the road Tuesday.
North Hall (5-3, 1-0 Region 6-3A) broke through in the top of the third inning, scoring three runs after a pair of errors and a bases-loaded walk to Smith McGarvey. That early lead proved enough, as the Trojans' pitching staff held the Spartans in check.
Campbell Payton picked up the win, delivering four and two-thirds innings of work while allowing just four hits and one unearned run. The left-hander struck out three and walked only one. Mills Lothridge came in for relief and was lights out, tossing two and one-third shutout innings with three strikeouts.
North Hall spread the offense at the plate, with Ty Kemp, McKinley Kemp, Lothridge, Eyen Etris, and McGarvey each collecting one hit. Kemp, Lothridge, and McGarvey also contributed an RBI each. The Trojans showed patience at the plate, drawing nine walks, with Cole Cable leading the way with two. Defensively, they also turned a key double play.
North Hall will look to keep the momentum going when they face Greater Atlanta Christian again on Thursday.
JACKSON COUNTY 12,
JEFFERSON 0
A massive 10-run third inning fueled the Panthers' blowout victory over rival Jefferson at home on Tuesday.
Jackson County set the tone early, with Landon VanWormer singling in the first inning to put the Panthers on the board. However, it was the third inning that sealed the game. The Panthers strung together five hits, including a two-run homer by Bryce Garrison, a two-run double by Brody Strickland, and clutch RBI singles from VanWormer, Wes Ashcraft, and Preston Wilson. VanWormer also picked up an RBI after being hit by a pitch.
On the mound, Colin Price was stellar for Jackson County, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. The right-hander struck out seven and walked three in a dominant outing.
Jackson County finished the game with 11 hits, with VanWormer leading the way, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Cooper Galley, Mitchell Bryce, and VanWormer each collected two hits in the win. Defensively, the Panthers were flawless, with Garrison leading the team with nine defensive chances.
LUMPKIN COUNTY 3,
CHESTATEE 0
Lumpkin County's Adian Rogers was nearly untouchable on the mound, recording 11 strikeouts and allowing just two hits in a complete-game shutout win over Chestatee on Tuesday.
Lumpkin County struck early, scoring their first run in the opening inning when Mason Hester grounded out to bring a runner home. The Indians added to their lead later in the game, capitalizing on timely hitting and solid defense.
Rogers also contributed at the plate, collecting two hits alongside Tyler Boggs. Hester finished with two RBIs, providing the offensive spark the Indians needed.
Ethan Dunn and Carter Edmondson each recorded a hit for Chestatee, but the team couldn’t break through against Rogers.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SCOREBOARD FOR TUESDAY, March 4
Kell 3, Cherokee Bluff 2
Lumpkin County 3, Chestatee 0*
Banks County 12, Commerce 3*
Dawson County 16, Johnson 2*
Blessed Trinity 8, Flowery Branch 4
Jackson County 12, Jefferson 0
North Hall 5, GAC 1*
Pickens 8, White County 0*
Providence Christian 13, Rabun County 6*
Apalachee 8, West Hall 5
