The Buford varsity baseball team played two games on Thursday at the Lagrange Toyota Invitational Tournament at Callaway High School in Lagrange. In the first game, the Wolves lost 2-5 against Central Phenix City but rebounded to win their second game 5-1 over Gadsden City.
In the first game against Central Phenix City, Buford was off their stride making errors in the field and leaving runs stranded on the bases. Nate Taylor helped Buford cut the deficit in the 7th inning with a line drive to center field, getting past the fielder which allowed two runs to score. Unfortunately for the Wolves, that would be all they could get and Buford would lose 2-5 to Central Phenix City.
Taylor (2-1) recorded the loss despite only giving up one earned run, four total runs, two walks and two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings pitched.
Standouts in Game One were Taylor (1-for-3, two RBIs, one walk), Cannon Goldin (1-for-2, two walks, one run scored) and Luke Hopper (1-for-3).
In the day’s second game, Buford rebounded from their loss in game one to take on Gadsden City. Buford’s pitchers were effective on the mound beginning with Chase Scarbrough who remained in the game until the bottom of the third inning. He left the game with the score tied at 1-1 with Hopper relieving him on the mound. Hopper, Braden Burton and Carson Reeves each pitched scoreless innings for the Wolves.
Hopper (1-1) recorded the win in relief after pitching for two innings and not giving up any hits or runs.
The Wolves found their stride offensively in the fifth inning, starting with pinch hitter Cam Wood hitting a double. Two batters later, Madden Young had a fielder’s choice allowing Wood to score giving Buford a 2-1 lead over Gadsden City. Buford added one more run in the fifth inning putting Buford up 3-1.
Buford was able to pad their lead in the 6th inning with two additional runs thanks in part to Young’s two-out, bases-loaded single. The Wolves defeated the Titans 5-1.
Offensive standouts for Buford in the second game were Young (2-for-4, double, four RBIs, one run scored, one stolen base), Taylor (2-for-4), Goldin (1-for-2, two walks, one run scored, one stolen base) and Wood (1-for-1, double, one run scored).
Buford’s overall season record improved to 4-2.
The Wolves will be back in action on Saturday, Mar. 2 at the Lagrange Toyota Invitational Tournament in a game against Lagrange High School. The game is expected to start at 10 a.m.
