Bagwell blanks Hiram, Woodland stays alive in playoff chase

Grayson Bagwell (photo left) tossed a five-hit shutout Wednesday evening as the Woodland Wildcats blanked Hiram 8-0 and stayed alive for the fourth and final state playoff berth in Region 7-AAAAA.

Meanwhile, Villa Rica came-from-behind to defeat Paulding County 6-5 to take the race for the final playoff spot to the final day of the regular season on Friday.

One more Villa Rica win or a Woodland loss puts Villa Rica in the playoffs. Woodland must defeat Hiram again and needs a Villa Rica loss to Paulding.

Woodland took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, added two more runs in the third inning, and scored five runs over the final two frames for the 8-0 victory Wednesday.

That was more than enough offense for Bagwell, who scattered five hits and one walk over seven innings. He fanned eight.

Hunter Reaid led the Woodland offensive attack with three hits, including a home run and two RBIs. Emmanuel Jones (photo right) doubled and had two RBIs. Jordan Lee (RBI), Toby Queen, Noah Ludy (RBI), Jacob Frye, and Garrett Cornett had one hit each for Woodland.

Hiram falls to 4-24 overall and 2-13 in Region 7-AAAAA with the loss.

Woodland (17-10, 7-6) hosts Hiram Friday at 5:55pm.

PHOTO CREDITS: TCPics Photography / Susan & Travis Cochran