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Troup went for the split on Saturday as the team split a doubleheader with Central and South Paulding.

The Tigers dropped the first game 4-3 on a rain-soaked field at Troup High. The rain was coming down in buckets, but the game went on as scheduled.

Central got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the top of the first, but the Tigers were able to find a way back into the ball game despite the adverse conditions. 

Troup got one back on an RBI single from Josh McDonald to cut the deficit to two runs. A half inning later Central’s lead was back to three runs.

The Tigers were almost able to pull off a miraculous rally in the bottom of the seventh but fell just short. Reed Morris was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to cut the deficit to 4-2. Demetrius Hardnett was hit by a pitch two batters later to make it 4-3 Central. Unfortunately, despite having the bases loaded with just one out, the Tigers were not able to find the tying run with Central turning a double play to end the game.

Devon Murphy was the man from the plate and was the only Tiger with a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4. Will Keeter, Morris, Hardnett and McDonald all had a hit apiece to round out the offense for the Tigers.

The second game of the afternoon was all Tigers as they routed South Paulding 11-1 in a game that only lasted 4.5 innings. 

Troup set the tone early and took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with McDonald driving in the first two on a double and Fisher Baltzell sending the other home on an RBI single. 

South Paulding got a run back in the top of the second inning. It did little to dissuade the Tigers who went on to score four runs in the bottom of the second to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Carson Walker got the inning started with a two RBI single. Hardnett brought the other two home with a double later in the inning. 

The Tigers were not content with their lead and added another four runs in the third inning. Murphy got the party started by lacing a triple into right field to drive in a run. Morris followed this with a double to bring Murphy home. One pitch later, McDonald hit an RBI double. McDonald scored later in the inning on an error to round out the scoring for Troup. McDonald was a force of nature in the game, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Murphy showed great patience at the plate, taking two walks to go along with his hit. He also drove in a run and scored three to help lead the offensive charge. 

Walker — just a freshman — was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two steals and a run scored. Ty Medders, Morris, Baltzell and Hardnett all had a hit apiece for Troup.

Hardnett got the start on the mound and pitched all five innings. South Paulding had no answer for Hardnett at the plate and could only muster one hit off of him. 

Troup is now 5-3 on the season with the three losses all coming by one run each. The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Newnan.