Some cold water was doused on the Red Raider baseball team’s hot 2011 start this past week.
Madison County dropped two games, narrowly falling to Winder 9-8 last week, then dropping a game Monday to Habersham Central 6-2.
The diamond Raiders are now 8-4, 3-2 (in region play). Madison County was scheduled to face Clarke Central Wednesday, but results weren’t available as of press time.
Coming up for the baseball team is cross region opponent Loganville tomorrow (Friday) on the road. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Loganville 5-0 in region play and 10-2 overall leads 8-AAAA South. Madison County trails Winder-Barrow and Flowery Branch on the north side of the region heading into Friday’s game.
Next week, the Red Raiders open the week with a home game against Flowery Branch. Monday’s game starts at 5:55 p.m. at Red Raider field.
WINDER-BARROW
The Winder-Barrow contest was game of rallies.
The Bulldoggs jumped to a 5-0 lead after two innings. Madison County scored one in the top of the third as Jordan Thomas hit the sacrifice fly to bring in Steven Tiller. Winder extended its lead in the bottom of the inning, 6-1.
The Red Raiders stormed back with seven in the top of the fourth to take over, 8-6. With one out on the board, Kyle Dean walked followed by a single from Dylan Chandler. Zach Escoe walked to load the bags. Will McCarty, running for Dean, was brought in to score from third off a single from Haden Martin. Winder’s pitcher walked Steven Tiller to score D. Chandler.
A single from J. Ben Hardman kept things going, scoring Escoe. Bo Hardman’s pinch-hit single scored Josh Dalton, running for Martin. The fourth walk of the inning sent Danie Townsend to first and scored Tiller. Kyle Dean, back at the plate, delivered with a single for two RBIs.
Winder would retake the lead after the leadoff batter was hit by the pitch. The Bulldogs then smacked consecutive doubles, which were followed by followed by a Raider error. Madison County couldn’t retake the lead.
Matt Savage got things started on the mound for Madison County, pitching two innings before being relieved by Lance Chandler, who took the loss. Aaron Benner came on for the last nine outs of the game.
Savage allowed three hits and five runs (none earned) in two innings.
L. Chandler went two innings, giving up four runs and four hits, recording his first loss of the season.
Benner allowed no hits, while fanning one in three innings on the mound.
Leading hitters for the Red Raiders were D. Chandler, 2-3; and Dean with a double and two RBIs. J. Hardman and B. Hardman added singles and one RBI apiece.
