JEFFERSON got a big win Thursday and hopes those keep coming now with subregion rematches coming up.
Those rematches start tomorrow (Thursday) for the Dragons against rival Jackson County.
“I think the second round (of games) is going to be even tougher than the first round,” coach Melissa Mullis said. “We’re going to really have to pick up our game and figure out a way to attack better and strategize with the knowledge that we already have.”
Cason Anderson’s walk-off double Thursday gave Jefferson (7-10, 5-1) a 3-2 victory over no. 4 North Oconee Thursday — marking one of the biggest wins for the Dragons this season.
“It was a good win position-wise for us in the region,” Mullis said. “Our goal is to finish first and that was a game we needed. We’ve already got one loss, and we can’t afford another loss.”
Jefferson then blanked Oglethorpe County 8-0 in five innings Tuesday, moving the Dragons into a tie for first in Region 8-AA South. The Dragons have won four straight.
Jefferson is now deadlocked with Jackson County and North Oconee with one loss each in subregion play. The Dragons’ lone loss came to Jackson County, 8-7, on Aug. 16. Jackson County’s only loss came to North Oconee Tuesday.
In Jefferson’s Thursday win over North Oconee, Savannah Snapp out-dueled the Titans’ Hannah Harden, shutting out North Oconee over the last six innings. Snapp allowed five hits, two runs (one earned) and no walks while striking out four in her complete-game performance.
Mullis again praised Snapp’s fight, determination and fierce competitiveness.
“She’s got it, no doubt,” Mullis said. “You want her out there. She’s a great competitor.”
Snapp had help, too.
“Our defense was great behind her,” Mullis said.
North Oconee led 2-0 after the top of the first inning, but Jefferson got on the board in the third inning with a sacrifice flay from Megan Faulkner. Raegan Sandy tied the game at two in the fourth inning with an RBI single that brought home Snapp.
Anderson delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh after her double to right centerfield brought home Jordyn Whitfield.
“It was definitely timely,” Mullis said. “I had no doubt that it was getting ready to happen.”
Whitfield had singled with one out to get that inning going, followed by Snapp who reached base via a walk. Anderson then rose to the occasion with her big hit. Mullis said she had a lot of confidence with Anderson at the plate. “I’m glad that she was up, and I’m glad that she had the opportunity to do it,” Mullis said.
Anderson went 1-for-2 on the afternoon, while Whitfield was 1-for-3. Cathryn Knight went 2-for-3.
Now Jefferson braces for a big week.
In addition to its subregion obligations this week, Jefferson will also play in the large Buford Invitational this week, starting today with a game against Flowery Branch.
As Jefferson now moves forward, it hopes to get catcher Ashley Boyd back from injury and hopes to ease injured pitcher Morgan McKinney ease back into the pitching rotation.
NOTES: Jefferson pounded out 13 hits in its 8-0, five-inning win over Oglethorpe County Tuesday. Anderson went 3-for-3 with three RBIs to lead the Dragons while Lindsey Miles was 3-for-4. Whitfield (2-for-3) also drove in two runs. Snapp got the run-rule shortened victory over the Patriots, pitching five innings and surrendering just one hit, no runs and no walks.
