The Gilmer Bobcats’ offense was held in check last week and the West Hall Spartans did enough to earn three wins on the diamond.
The Bobcats were limited to nine hits over the course of the three-game series. Gilmer’s task was made tougher as its defense gave up five unearned runs as well and West Hall notched wins of 4-0, 6-3 and 4-1.
The first game was played Monday in Ellijay, and GHS was held to two hits collected by Jess Buckner and Gabe Wolfson. Bobcat pitcher Grant Cochran was on the mound for 6 2/3 innings and only threw 91 pitches while striking out three, walking three and giving up five hits and three earned runs.
The Spartans plated an unearned run in the first inning and added three more runs in the second. West Hall led off the frame with a single and double to move ahead, 2-0.
Following two outs, a hit batter and single made the score 3-0. A wild pitch added the Spartans’ final run of the game. GHS left a pair of runners stranded in scoring position over its next five at-bats.
The Cats’ offensive struggles continued at Wednesday’s game at WHHS. GHS got its first hit in the fourth, and the Spartans had already tallied five runs by that point.
Gilmer got out of a jam in the bottom of the first as three singles started the game for West Hall. Buckner was on the mound for GHS, and he induced a ground ball to shortstop Branson Teague, who turned a double play.
West Hall plated a run, and the next out allowed GHS to escape with a 1-0 deficit.
In the third, WHHS tallied four more runs. A single and double set the stage, and a GHS error made the score 2-0. A single sandwiched between a pair of sacrifice fly outs put West Hall ahead, 5-0.
Buckner gave Gilmer’s offense life in the fourth with a leadoff double. He advanced to third when Teague reached on an error and scored when Spencer Merritt flew out. A Wolfson single plated Gilmer’s second run. Wolfson eventually scored on an Ethan McCollum sacrifice fly as the Spartans’ lead was cut to 5-3.
A two-out WHHS double scored the game’s final run in the bottom of the fifth. GHS advanced a runner to second in the seventh but could not cut into the Spartans’ lead.
Buckner had three hits on the day. On the mound, he pitched 2 1/3 innings, gave up eight hits, three earned runs and struck out one. Teague tossed the final 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and allowed three hits, an earned run and walked four.
Gilmer was limited to two hits in the series finale at home Friday as Cochran and Buckner had one apiece. Teammate Seth Darling pitched six innings and struck out six and walked three while giving up eight hits and four earned runs.
West Hall scored a run in the second off a wild pitch, another in the third off a one-out single and another in the fourth with a one-out double.
The Bobcats scored their run in the fifth. Kobe Stonecipher replaced Brock Titus at first after he drew a walk. After stealing second, Stonecipher advanced to third on a bunt by Cochran and raced home on the throw to first base.
WHHS responded in its next at-bat. A pair of singles were followed by a fielder’s choice for the final run of the game. The Spartans’ pitching and defense took care of GHS over its final two at-bats.
McCollum tossed the seventh for GHS and retired the Spartans in order.
GHS has a 3-13 overall record and will face off against White County this week to continue region play.
Gilmer will host the Warriors Friday for a 5:55 p.m. game.