The Banks County Leopards had a string of bad luck before spring break but made up for it with a big win over East Hall.
After falling to Dawson County, the boys went on to face Rabun County last Thursday then Union County on Friday. This week while the school is on spring break, the boys were back on the diamond facing East Hall Tuesday.
This afternoon (Wednesday) the boys are scheduled to host Dawson County at 5:30 p.m. Then in a rescheduled game, the Leopards head to Fannin County Friday, April 8.
Leading into this week’s games, the diamond Leopards were edged out in the last two sub-region games moving the boys to a 5-6 overall record and 5-4 in region play.
Rabun County defeated the Leopards 12-4, March 31. On April Fools Day, Banks County was blanked by Union County’s Panthers, 7-0.
Tuesday, the Leopards earned a six inning win, which improves Banks County to 6-4 in region competition.
Several errors by the Vikings opened the door for Banks County to gain a foothold and continue on to earn the victory.
The much need win keeps the diamond Leopards in the overall hunt for the playoffs, but a misunderstanding during the game caused the ejection of head coach Dean Goodwin.
The ejection from Tuesday’s game means that under GHSA rules, Goodwin will have to serve a two game suspension. Goodwin plans to appeal the suspension.
The cause of the ejection was a questionable call by the home plate umpire after the runner was called out at first. Reportedly, Goodwin attempted to call a time-out and approach the field to question the call, and was subsequently ordered back to the dugout. A brief exchange where Goodwin attempted to point out he had the right to call the time-out and approach, resulted in the ejection.
While the ejection caused a stir, the Leopards weren’t overtly affected and brought home the 11-1 win.
Eight errors and several miscues by East Hall were just the opportunities Banks County always looks to capitalize on.
Seth McEntire pitched all six innings for the Leopards to fan four and allowing one run off two hits with three walks and a hit batter.
Tyler Hellmeister led the team from the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Dean Ewing went 2-for-3with two RBIs and a run. Tanner Thompson scored two runs, as did McEntire.
