Staff Reports

SULLIGENT – Class 2A, No. 4 Spring Garden split its first two games at Sulligent Friday in the opening round of the state baseball playoffs. The Panthers lost a heartbreaker in game one 6-5 in eight innings, but rebounded to take a 10-0 decision in five innings in the nightcap.

Weather permitting, the decisive third game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.

In Friday’s first game, Cam Welsh and Grayden Guthrie led the Panthers (21-13) at the plate by going 2-for-3. Chaz Pope and Weston Kirk added a pair of hits. Chapel Pope, Ryley Kirk, Luke Welsh and Jackson Maddox each contributed hits.

The two teams were tied at 4 until the top of the eighth when the Panthers pushed across a run. However, Sulligent (13-9) rallied for a pair of runs to take the win in the bottom of the eighth.

Weston Kirk suffered the loss after working all eight innings. He scattered 11 hits.

In the second game, Landon Gowens tossed a one-hitter to earn the win for the Panthers.

Cam Welsh and Maddox both had a pair of hits to lead the Panthers at the plate. Denver Jarrett, Chaz Pope, Ryley Kirk, Weston Kirk, Andrew Bates and Kenneth Petty all contributed hits.