Banks County improved to 3-0, 3-2 as the diamond Leopards started region play last Tuesday.
In the opening region game of the season, Banks County took on East Hall, defeating the Vikings 12-1.
Things started off slow as the Leopards went three up, three down across the first two innings.
In the third inning, Banks County scored the first run of the game, but East Hall tied things back up.
Banks County remained tied until the fifth inning were the boys strung together a series of runs to push the score up 5-1. Another four runs in the sixth and three more in the ninth to seal the win handed Banks the first region win.
Brenton Ruark went five innings with 12 strikeouts, with Cody Watkins closing. Ruark and Taylor Foster led the offense with two hits apiece.
In the second region game against Dawson County, last Thursday, it was another win for the Leopards. Banks County dominated 9-2 over the Tigers.
Foster earned the win on the mound allowing three hits and fanning five with one earned run. Watkins came in to close again. Billy Hudgins and Watkins led from the plate with big hits for Banks County.
A five inning defeat was recorded Friday as the Leopards hosted non-region opponent Decatur.
Seth McEntire recorded the loss to the 6A-AA team on the mound. Poor play overall plagued the Leopards according to coaches. Foster led the hitting.
The non-region loss on Friday, was redeemed Monday as Banks County defeated Rabun County, 4-3 for the Leopards’ third straight region win.
Watkins earned the win pitching for no runs across four innings and striking out five.
“We have to get better,” said coach Dean Goodwin. “Being 3-0 in the region is good, but we have to learn to play every pitch and the the little things right.”
Banks County is currently tied with Fannin County for control of the sub-region with three uncontested games each. However that will soon change as the Leopards host Fannin County
Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Fannin County has defeated Rabun County (17-0) and Dawson County (5-3).
Following the showdown Wednesday, Banks County gets back on the road heading to Union County Friday. First pitch is set for 5:55 p.m. Union County is currently 2-1 in region play, falling to Fannin (6-1) and defeating Dawson (7-2) and East Hall (10-0).
Next week, Banks County hosts East Hall on Tuesday, March 22.
