The Lady Bulldogs swept their first two games of the Class A Public School State Tournament in Columbus, defeating Emanuel County Institute 5-4 and Baconton Charter 7-2 to remain in the winners bracket. They will play Georgia Military College today at 5 p.m. for a spot in Saturday’s finals.

Thursday’s first game saw Trion register three runs in the first inning for a quick lead. Senior leadoff hitter Jaden Morrison picked up the 200th stolen base of her career after drawing a walk.

The Lady Bulldogs added two more runs in the second and third, including a key solo home run from sophomore Lindsey Shepherd. Senior pitcher Peyton Henderson allowed five hits in 5 1-3 innings, and Shepherd got the save with more than two innings of no-hit ball.

Morrison led off the second game with an inside-the-park home run, and senior Kerrigan Ramsey went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Shepherd, perhaps the player of the day, pitched a complete game allowing only four hits, one earned run and 10 strikeouts.

Georgia Military College enters the game tonight at 25-6 and the defending state champs. But with his team on a 23-game win streak, Trion head coach Jason Lanham feels that they’re ready.

“We came down here with a different mindset than last season and we took care of business today,” Lanham said. “Worst we can finish is third, but we didn’t come down here to finish third.”

 

Rome News Tribune