Sophomore Addie Rackley was key to Buford’s blowout 15-0 win over Region 8-AAAAAAA opponent Central Gwinnett on Wednesday, October 4. Rackley hit her first career grand slam in the third inning and was the winning pitcher for the Wolves.
The game started with Central Gwinnett’s Hope Spain walking Buford freshman Brooklyn Atha. Carolyn Cagle then hit a double which allowed Atha to score the first run for the Wolves of the game. Both Cagle and Kadyn Gabrels scored runs off of a double by Rackley to put Buford up 3-0 going into the bottom of the first inning.
Cagle and Gabrels both hit doubles to start the second inning with Gabrels reaching home plate off of the double by Gabrels. A Central Gwinnett error allowed Gabrels to make it to third base and Rackley to reach first base followed up by a single from Gracie Griffin. Rackley, Griffin, Taryn Gibbs and Janie Goldin would each add a run for the Wolves in the top of the second inning.
In the top of the third inning, Buford was already up 9-0 when Rackley hit her first career grand slam which drove in Atha, Cagle, Gabrels and Rackley. Buford still had more to dish out as Griffin and Gibbs would add the final two runs of the game making it 15-0 in favor of the Wolves.
Emma Grace Williams entered the game in the bottom of the third inning to relieve Rackley. Williams quickly put away the Black Knights forcing the game to be called because of the run rule.
Rackley recorded her sixth win for Buford on the mound. She pitched for two innings where she didn’t give up a hit, run or walk while striking out five.
Offensive standouts for the Wolves were Rackley (2-for-3, grand slam home run, double, six RBIs), Cagle (3-for-3, two doubles, an RBI, three runs scored), Gabrels (2-for-2, double, one RBI, three runs scored) and Gibbs (2-for-3, two doubles, two RBIs, two runs scored).
Buford’s overall season record improved to 23-0 and 13-0 in Region 8-AAAAAAA.
On Tuesday, October 10 at 5:40 p.m., Buford will celebrate their seniors on Senior Night. At 6 p.m., the Wolves will take on the Collins Hill Eagles in a regional game.
Featured photo: Addie Rackley, seen here pitching against Mill Creek, pitched a no-hitter for Buford in the game against Central Gwinnett on October 4, 2023 at Central Gwinnett. Photo by Jody Jenkins.
