In previous years, a loss against Camden County would be a blow to the Bradwell Tigers’ region record.
But Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers’ 9-2 loss in Hinesville to their former region rival was just a mere scarring to the home team’s pride.
The Tigers’ defense committed four costly errors, and the pitchers walked eight batters, leading to the home team’s demise in the first two innings of play. The Wildcats piled up seven runs in those two innings, a lead the Tigers’ offense couldn’t chip away at.
Bradwell pitcher Darrius Tilghman struggled in the first inning and, after 15 pitches, was relieved by Ryan Desbiens, but not before the Wildcats had drawn three walks and scored four runs. Desbiens pitched two innings, earning four strikeouts but giving up three runs.
Junior pitcher James Moon pitched the rest of the game, giving up two runs, walking two batters and earning three strikeouts.
In all, the Wildcats had eight hits. The Tigers managed four hits, with two coming from Desbiens and one each from Chris Bell and Jermaine Davilia. Bell also got an RBI. Sage Sammons got an RBI off a sacrifice fly.
Bradwell, 5-12 overall and 2-6 in Region 3-AAAAA, will play at Groves today in a region matchup. The first pitch is at 4:30 p.m.
In other area baseball news, it’s been a rough stretch for Liberty County.
As of Thursday, the Panthers were 2-10 overall and 0-6 in Region 3A-AAAA after back-to-back losses. On March 29, the Panthers were supposed to play at South Effingham but had to forfeit the game, giving the Mustangs a 7-0 win by the forfeit rule. According to Panther baseball coach Joel Moody, some of the players had to sit out one game for disciplinary issues. This left the team short-staffed and unable to field a complete team.
The Panthers then fell to powerhouse Wayne County, 17-0 in six innings, on Tuesday at home. The win made the Yellow Jackets 12-3 overall and 6-0 in the region.
Liberty has just one senior on the squad. The coaching staff anticipates a better season next year, when the team becomes senior and junior heavy.
The Panthers will face another top-notch region team today when they host Statesboro at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils toppled the Panthers, 23-0 and 10-0, in the teams’ previous two meetings this season.