Six RBIs from Garner leads LaGrange to region win

Published 8:30 pm Wednesday, April 12, 2023

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LaGrange had little trouble beating Fayette County for the second time this week to stay atop the region 4-4A standings. LaGrange came out on top 14-4 on the road on Wednesday. It was a steady night of offense for the Grangers, who jumped out to an early lead and just kept adding on runs to keep the game out of reach, even as Fayette County put up a few consolation runs of its own. 

Cole Garner grounded out in the first inning to drive in Seth Stargell and the Grangers never looked back from there. Garner was just getting started and drove in LaGrange’s next run in the top of the third inning when he reached base on an error. Garner was a man on a mission and finished the game 2-for-5 with six RIBs, three stolen bases and a run scored. 

The Grangers added an additional run in the top of the fourth when Tanner Langley scored on a sac fly from Preston Pressley. Gryson Cockrell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded later in the inning to drive in the fourth run of the game for LaGrange. 

Fayette County’s offense sparked to life in the bottom of the fourth and cut the Grangers lead to 4-3. LaGrange quickly answered to get some breathing room with Robbie Parker stealing home and Pressley hitting an RBI double to extend the Grange lead to three runs. 

Fayette County got a run back in the bottom of the fifth inning, but it was a mere consolation run as the Grangers continued to pile on the runs. 

Garner got two more of his RBIs with a double in the top of the sixth and scored later in the inning on a passed ball to give the away team a 9-4 lead. 

The Grangers put the game away when they scored five runs in the top of the seventh, eliminating any need for the final half inning to play out. Stargell drove in a run with a bases loaded walk followed by another Garner two-RBI double. Parker and Langley drove in a run apiece with a single and double, respectively. 

Caden Wood got the start on the mound and pitched six innings. He allowed just seven hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters. Kayden Sutton came in for the final inning and slammed the door on any chance of a Fayette County rally, striking out two batters in the process. 

Stargell had an impressive offensive showing, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, two walks and an RBI. Trey Cook was impressive from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Pressley was the fourth player with a multi-hit game for the Grangers, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. 

LaGrange is now 20-8 overall and 11-1 in region play. The Grangers have two more games on the docket, both against rivals Troup, and with a win in both games they will claim back-to-back region championships.