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The LaGrange baseball team lived up to the hype on Tuesday, brushing aside some recent non-region losses to beat Starr’s Mill 4-2 in their Region 4-4A opener. It was a big win at The Branch as the Grangers got a win over a fellow region championship contender. 

LaGrange had no problem overcoming an early deficit as the Panthers scored a run in the top of the first inning and the Grangers were quick to answer back with three runs in the bottom of the first to take a lead they would never surrender. 

Cooper Stephens reached on an error that saw all three Granger runs in the inning cross the plate. Stephens was not done there, hitting a single in the bottom of the third to drive in an insurance run and make it 4-1 LaGrange. Stephens had two of the four hits for the home team in the evening. 

Seth Stargell and Cole Garner had the other two hits in the game and both players scored a run apiece. Trey Cook scored a run and reached base twice on walks. 

Trevor Booton got the start on the mound and was sensational, striking out 13 batters in his 6 2/3 innings of work, allowing just five hits in the process. He looked every bit as poised as you would expect from the Auburn bound senior under the bright lights of a pivotal region opener. 

Robbie Parker has been a stud off the bench this season and closed out the game with the final out in relief.

LaGrange bounced back nicely after a loss last game out to improve to 8-6 overall and 1-0 in region play. The Grangers will have a rematch with the Panthers on the road Thursday in another important region clash between the two teams.