After a long five game week, Banks County Diamond Leopards move to 2-2 in the region and 8-3 overall.
Out of the five games the Leopards played in the past seven days, the only sour note for Banks County was North Oconee, which added the team’s second loss to a subregion opponent.
This week should prove to be a little more relaxed for the Leopards, as the team will not be back on the field competing until Monday.
Coming up on March 30, Banks will host the Oglethorpe Patriots at 5:30 p.m. Last Wednesday, the Diamond Leopards were in Lexington and even without a stellar performance took a 10-4 win over Oglethorpe. The Patriots are winless in the subregion and are 1-9 overall heading into Monday’s game.
Five game week
With two rescheduled games falling into the same week as three subregion games, the Leopards pulled through with only one dropped game.
Last Wednesday, Banks was on the road in Lexington taking on the Oglethorpe Patriots. According to coach Joe Lord, the Leopards didn’t show the best performance, but it was enough to secure a 10-4 win.
“Zack Dale and Chris Porter led us with big days at the plate, and Kasey Hudgins settled in to pitch a good game,” said Lord.
Taking the win on the mound, Kasey Hudgins pitched seven strikeouts allowing three earned runs on eight hits in six innings. Bill Redmon stepped in for the close with a strikeout and one hit.
Leading the team at the bat, Zach Dale went 3-4 with a homer, and two doubles totaling in four RBIs. Also big for Banks at the plate, Chris Porter hit a homer and two singles totaling four RBIs, on three hits. Justin Bowen had a single and scored three runs. Jeff Smith hit a double for an RBI and scored one, Kyle Smith hit a single and picked up a steal, and Stephen Smith scored twice.
North Oconee
Up next for Banks County was subregion opponent North Oconee on Friday. North Oconee took the win 8-2.
In the team’s second loss in region play, third overall, Banks ran into trouble leaving runners stranded.
“We have to do a better job of hitting with runners in scoring position,” said Lord. “They got some breaks and some key hits, and that was the difference. We get to play them two more times, and we'll be ready.”
Tyler McEntire took the loss, allowing eight earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings. Stephen Smith pitched relief allowing one hit and putting down three strikeouts.
Stephen Smith had two hits with a single and a triple with an RBI. Kyle Smith hit a single to bring in the runner.
Jeff Smith picked up one run as did Chris Porter who also hit a single. Justin Gibbs and Justin Bowen each hit a double.
Lakeview
After the loss on Friday, Banks regrouped for a 10-3 victory over Lakeview. Saturday’s game was rescheduled from March 16.
“We played solid in all phases of the game to hand Lakeview their first loss of the season,” Lord said.
With 14 hits and an errorless defense, the Leopards had a high-quality effort.
Lord said, “I was pleased with the overall effort and execution in this game.”
Bill Redmon garnered the win on the mound with one strikeout and only two runs on five hits in five innings. Chris Porter came in for relief taking three strikeouts with one run on three hits.
“Our pitchers threw strikes and located well against a good hitting team.”
Justin Gibbs went 3-5 with two singles and a double for two RBIs, while scoring twice. Stephen Smith hit a single, a double and made a sacrificial bunt. Kyle Smith hit two singles, picking up a steal and scored two runs. Bill Redmon hit two singles, went 3-3 for stolen bases and scored three runs. Kasey Hudgins picked up a run and two RBIs on two singles. Chris Porter hit a single for two RBIs. Justin Bowen picked up a steal and a run after hitting a single. Tyler McEntire hit a single.
Commerce
Monday, the Diamond Leopards faced long time rival Commerce in what will be called a strange game as Banks took a 16-6 win in five innings.
“We jumped out to a 5-1 lead,” said Lord. “But Commerce battled back to take a 6-5 lead going into the bottom of the 5th. A one run deficit turned into a 10 run win in about 15 minutes. This was a strange but exciting game.”
Starter Stephen Smith stayed on the mound for 3.2 innings allowing six runs on eight hits. Chris Porter came in for the save and win for the final 1.1 innings, giving up two hits.
“We sent 12 guys to the plate, and 11 of them scored,” Lord said. “Big hits included a two run homer from Zack Dale, a three run double from Justin Gibbs, and a three run homer from Kyle Smith.”
Justin Gibbs went 2-3 with a single and a double totaling four RBIs and three runs scored and went 3-3 on stolen bases. Stephen Smith picked up a steal after a single. Chris Porter tallied two RBIs on two singles. Jeff Smith hit a single and a double for an RBI and hit a sacrifice fly. Zack Dale went 2-4 with a homer and a single for two RBIs and two runs. Justin Bowen scored two runs and picked up a steal. Kyle Smith hit a homerun for three RBIs and scored three runs. Bill Redmon hit a single for an RBI, picked up a steal, and scored two runs. Kasey Hudgins hit a single and a sacrifice bunt.
