Bainbridge got a much-needed win against a region opponent last Friday at Harris County in a doubleheader that saw the Bearcats show big improvement at the plate.

Bainbridge stands at fourth in Region 1-AAAAA at 2-6 (5-9 overall), behind Veterans (6-0), Harris County (6-2) and Thomas County Central (4-2). Warner Robins is last in the region with no wins (0-13 overall).

Despite a quick offensive surge in the second inning from the Tigers, Bainbridge pulled away for good with three runs in the third inning. In the third, Harris County pitcher Brandon Willoughby induced Griffin Long to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored, Caleb Boutwell grounded out, scoring one run, and Will Kelley singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.

The Bearcats notched three runs in the fourth inning. The offensive onslaught was led by Long and Boutwell, all driving in runs in the inning.

Nick Barber led the Bainbridge to victory on the bump. He went all seven innings, allowing two runs on two hits, striking out nine and walking nobody.

Willoughby took the loss for Harris County. He allowed five hits and six runs over two and a third innings, striking out three.

The Bearcats racked up nine hits in the game. Conner Strickland, Kelley, and Long all collected multiple hits. Strickland went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead in hits. Bainbridge was sure-handed in the field as well and didn’t commit a single error.

In game two, Bainbridge took a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning but it slipped away towards the end of the game.

Harris County got things moving in the first inning. Willoughby grounded out, scoring one run.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Bearcats tied things up at three. Strickland grounded out, scoring one run.

Harris County scored four runs in the sixth inning. James Moore, Jason Whearly, and Willoughby all contributed in the big inning with RBIs.

Noah Lee was the winning pitcher for Harris County. He lasted six innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out seven. Bryce Pittmon threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Dalton Harrell took the loss for the Bearcats. He lasted five innings, allowing six hits and five runs while striking out five and walking zero.

Harrell went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Bainbridge in hits.

Harris County totaled eight hits in the game. Whearly and McKibben all managed multiple hits for Harris County. Whearly led Harris County with four hits in four at bats.