By Robert Griffin

Sports Writer

The Troup High Tigers have looked better defensively in their past two games, but unfortunately, it hasn’t resulted in a win.

After committing eight errors in a loss to McIntosh, the Tigers played much better defensively during a 3-2 loss to Cartersville on Wednesday, and they were solid against Friday against Brookstone.

The Tigers were unable to hold a lead, though, and they lost 5-3 to fall to 1-7.

“We are getting a little better on defense, but we still have some areas to improve in,” head coach Craig Garner said. “Jackson Oliver had a good effort on the mound, I was proud of what he did.”

The Tigers started off quickly, scoring three runs in the second inning of their game against the visiting Brookstone Cougars Friday night.

The Tigers were led by Oliver, a left-handed sophomore who went six innings recording two strikeouts and giving up one run.

In the bottom of the second inning, junior Brannon Smith popped an RBI double to left center field, bringing the Tiger lead to 2-0.

Oliver then took to the plate and delivered an RBI single.

After the second inning, the scoring stopped for the Tigers.

“I contribute not scoring anymore runs after the second inning, to the same thing,” Garner said, “a lack of mental toughness.”

Going into the top of the sixth inning, the Tigers had two outs on the Cougars, who had one man on base.

On a 0-2 pitch Cougar catcher Will Braxton crushed a home-run to left center, tying the game at three.

The Tigers gave up two walks following the homer, and both runners eventually scored to make it a 5-3 game.

“We lose a little focus and basically one 0-2 pitch just really hurt us bad,” Garner said. “It put them back in the game, then we come back and walk two batters who ultimately scored with two outs.”

The Tigers have one more non-region game against Upson-Lee before they open their Region 2-AAA schedule March 29 against Northside.

“Thats what all this pretty much is, is practice and getting ready for region play,” said Garner. “So you know that’s the one thing, fortunately when you start region play you go back to being 0-0 and hopefully we will be more ready and prepared before we start.”