By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

COLUMBUS – The Troup Tigers took a break from the pressures of region play to face the Northside Patriots on Saturday afternoon in Columbus.

Troup fell behind 5-0 after the first inning, and it never recovered on the way to a 15-5 loss in a game that ended after five innings because of the run rule.

Caleb McCurry had a big day for the Tigers with three hits and an RBI, and Ryan Bliss had two hits and two RBIs.

Camren Russell had two hits, including a double, with an RBI and two runs scored, and Luke Swanson had a hit.

Brantly Robinson, Jackson Knox, Ken Truitt, Cade Garner and Kenly Bridwell each pitched for Troup.

The Tigers will return to the Region 5-AAAA grind this week as they look to sew up the championship.

Troup (17-10), which is in first place in the region with an 8-2 record, will host Cartersville on Tuesday before completing its region schedule with a game at Sandy Creek on Thursday.

If Troup beats Cartersville, it will be the region champion.