Buford outfielder Ayden Lockett hits his first career home run during Buford’s 4-2 win over Collins Hill in Region 8-7A competition on Monday, April 8 at Gerald McQuaig Field.
With Buford up 2-0 over Collins Hill, Lockett hit his first-ever career home run in the bottom of the fourth inning as the Wolves’ lead-off batter to make the score 3-0 in favor of Buford.
Lockett was responsible for Buford’s first two runs of the game when he hit a two-out bases-loaded line drive single to right field scoring Madden Young and Ethan Murray. Lockett finished the night as Buford’s top offensive player. He went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs and a run scored.
The Wolves added their fourth and final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning after Cam Wood was able to put himself into scoring position by stealing second and third base. Young’s sac fly to left field was all that Wood needed to make it to home plate.
In the top of the sixth inning, Collins Hill attempted to stage a comeback but fell short after scoring two runs in four hits.
Senior pitcher Nate Taylor was on the mound for the Wolves for six innings before being relieved by junior Braden Burton who made quick work of Collins Hill to get his first save of the season. Taylor (6-2) gave up six hits and two earned runs while striking out eight batters and walking not a single batter.
In addition to Lockett, other offensive standouts for Buford against Collins Hill were Young (sac fly, one RBI, one run scored) and Wood (walk, one run scored, two stolen bases).
Buford’s overall season record improved to 16-7 and 10-0 in Region 8-7A.
The Wolves travel to play game two in the three-game series with Collins Hill on Wednesday, April 10.
