The Buford Wolves softball team defeated Lowndes 4-0 during the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAAA State Championship tournament on Wednesday, October 25 at the South Commons softball complex in Columbus.
Senior Madison Pickens had a lead-off single in the bottom of the first inning for Buford. Lowndes pitcher Camden Anders walked Madison’s twin sister, Mackenzie Pickens. A ground out by senior Adriana Martinez allowed Madison Pickens to get into scoring position. A single by sophomore Caroline Stanton drove in Buford’s first two game runs as Madison and Mackenzie Pickens crossed home plate.
The Wolves added their third game run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Madison Pickens scored off of a bases-loaded wild pitch by Anders.
Buford added their fourth and final run against Lowndes in the bottom of the fifth inning after junior Kylie Gowers hit a sac fly allowing senior Tavye Borders to score.
Lowndes pitcher Anders would take the loss. She pitched five innings where she gave up four hits, and four earned runs, walked seven, hit two batters with a pitch and struck out four. Anders was replaced in the sixth inning by Madelyn Dailey.
Stanton (13-0) pitched her ninth complete game and eighth shutout for Buford this season. She pitched seven innings, giving up only three hits and no runs while walking two and striking out 15.
Offensive standouts for Buford were Madison Pickens (2-for-4, two runs scored), Stanton (1-for-2, two RBIs), Gower (sac fly, one RBI) and Mackenzie Pickens (1-for-2, one walk, one run scored, one stolen base).
The Wolves will face a familiar opponent, fellow Region 8-AAAAAAA member Mill Creek on Thursday, October 26 at 3 p.m. in Columbus.
The Wolves outscored the Hawks 44-11 during the three games they faced one another during the regular season.
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[…] RELATED: Buford advances in state softball tournament with win over Lowndes […]