Canes drop second straight at PG Showdown

March 2, 2024

Tristan McKibben had two hits and one RBI in the Hurricanes' loss Friday night to the Pickens Dragons.

Cartersville baseball outhit the Pickens Dragons Friday night, eight to six, but still dropped a 5-4 decision in a consolation game at the Hoover, Alabama Perfect Game High School Showdown.

Pickens led 2-0 through the first three innings with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second on two hits, a walk, and a steal of home.

The Canes tied the score 2-2 in the top of the fourth by taking advantage of a pair of hits and a Pickens infield error.

The Dragons regained the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth on a walk, a double, and a sacrifice fly to make the score 3-2. They added two more runs in the sixth on two more hits, a groundout RBI, and a sacrifice bunt.

Cartersville rallied in the top of the seventh with three hits, a walk, and a sac fly for two runs. The Canes had the potential tying and go-ahead runners in scoring position with two outs but failed to push them across.

Sawyer Wilson (5.1 IP, 5ER, 6H, 3BB, 3K) was tagged with the pitching loss for the Hurricanes. Dawson Bishop (0.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB) retired the final two outs in the sixth inning. 

Pickens (6-2) utilized four different pitchers who combined for ten strikeouts. 

Caleb Daniel had three hits including a pair of doubles to pace the Cartersville offense. Tristan McKibben finished with two hits and one RBI. Cam Cochran contributed two RBIs with one hit. Luke Miller and Aidan Larkins added one hit. Landon Cole drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Cartersville (7-2) plays a final consolation game Saturday in Hoover against the Hernando (Miss.) Tigers at 11:30 a.m. The Canes have home games next Wednesday and Friday against Rockmart and Adairsville.