Canes win 8-3 at Sandy Creek behind Barnett's complete game

The Cartersville Hurricanes opened up a tight game with a five-run fourth inning Friday night in an 8-3 Region 5AAAA win at Sandy Creek.

Sophomore pitcher Mason Barnett (photo left) tossed a complete-game to earn the win on the mound.

Cartersville scored single runs in the first two innings and the host Patriots scored single runs in the first and third innings for a 2-2 tie heading into the fourth inning.

Singles by Devin Warner and Jake Gooch started the Hurricanes’ fourth inning. J.P. Martin was hit by a pitch to load the bases and the first run of the frame came across following a walk to Jacob Fowler. Spencer Dickey drove a single into centerfield for an RBI, Mason Barnett walked for an RBI, and Fowler also scored in the inning.

The Canes added an insurance run in the sixth off a sac fly by Anthony Seigler that scored Dickey.

Sandy Creek posted a single run in the bottom of the seventh, but got no closer.

Barnett worked one of his best performances of the year from the bump. The sophomore scattered six hits and two walks. He fanned nine Patriots and only two of the three runs against him were earned.

Sandy Creek used a trio of pitchers with starter Ty Peavy taking the loss.

Cartersville led 1-0 in the first on a solo home run by Warner (photo right) and took a 2-1 lead in the second when Seigler’s RBI double scored courtesy runner, John Reed Evans. Evans was running for Barnett who was hit by a pitch. Preston Welchel had a sacrifice bunt in the inning to advance the runner to scoring position.

The Canes out hit the Patriots eleven to six.

Markell Graham was the only Sandy Creek player with two hits.

For Cartersville, Dickey finished with three hits, two runs scored, and one RBI. Warner had a three hit game including his dinger and he stole a base. Noah Daniel had two hits. Seigler (2 RBIs), Gooch, and Martin had one hit each.

Sandy Creek falls to 12-10 overall and 2-6 in Region 5AAAA with the loss.

Cartersville (15-5, 5-2) plays a non-region game at Central-Phenix City, AL Saturday at 11am.

PHOTO CREDITS: Tonsmeire Studios / Louis Tonsmeire