Big first inning not enough for Wildcats at Darlington

February 23, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

The Woodland Wildcats scored seven runs in the top of the first inning on Monday afternoon at Darlington, but couldn’t make it stand up in an 8-7 loss to the Tigers.

A lack of production over the next six innings and some costly defensive miscues proved the difference in the non-region contest.

Two singles, two walks, and a two-run double sparked the Wildcats’ opening frame, but they did not score again. Darlington ultimately outhit Woodland six to four, and the Wildcats added to their own damage with five errors.

Jacob Taylor (0.1 IP, 1R, 0ER, 0H, 1BB) was the pitcher of record and tabbed with the Woodland loss after closing out the fifth inning. Tucker James (1.1 IP, 4R, 2ER, 2H, 3BB, 2K) made the pitching start. Cameron O’Shields (3.1 IP, 3R, 0ER, 3H, 3BB, 6K) and Zaylen Cochran (0.1 IP, 0R, 1H) also pitched for the Wildcats.

Grant Tidwell had two of Woodland’s four hits and one RBI. Preston Sorrells (double, two RBI) and Steven Tumlin (two RBI) had the other hits for the Wildcats.

Braxton Stegall had three hits, including a pair of doubles, for the Tigers. Henry Ledbetter hit a solo home run for Darlington (3-3) in the second inning.

Woodland (5-2) begins play in Region 7-AAAA next week with a three-game series against Cedartown. The Bulldogs will host a single game on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and the Wildcats will entertain a doubleheader on Friday starting at 5 p.m.