Tigers Head Into Spring Break on Region Losing Skid

By Sammie Mathis

The Harris County High School (HCHS) baseball team entered spring break on a tough note, dropping the final two games of a three-game series against Central High School of Carrollton. Over the past two weeks, the Tigers posted a 4-2 record in region play, but back-to-back losses against Central Carroll left them reeling before the break.

In the first week of region play, HCHS dominated Griffin High School, securing a three-game sweep with scores of 10-0, 12-1, and 11-0. Pitchers JT Pirkle, Cayden Dimitri, and Brooks Green each picked up wins. Multiple-hit performances in the opening game came from Ashton Herring, Dimitri, and Will Dimitri. In game two, key contributors included Herring, Hudsen King, Colt Angel three RBIs (runs batted in), and Luke McEldoon (three RBIs). In the final game, Daejon Elder and Brody Johnson each tallied two hits and an RBI.

The Tigers then faced their toughest test yet against an undefeated Central Carroll squad, which entered the series with a 17-0 record. HCHS (14-3 at the time) started strong, securing a dramatic walk-off victory in the series opener. Pirkle turned in another stellar performance, throwing six innings, while Jacob Eber earned the win with an inning of relief. The Tigers trailed entering the bottom of the seventh inning before pinch hitter Sawyer Roper blasted his first home run of the season to tie the game. HCHS completed the comeback on a passed ball.

However, Central Carroll responded by edging out the Tigers in the next two contests, winning 8-7 in game two and 10-9 in the finale. Game two saw multi-hit performances from C. Dimitri, McEldoon, W. Dimitri, Johnson, and C. Angel. In game three, Herring, C. Dimitri, W. Dimitri, and Joel Rogers each recorded multiple hits, but the Tigers fell just short.

Harris County will look to regain momentum during spring break with a doubleheader against Schley County on Thursday at 4 p.m., followed by a matchup with Eufaula High School on Friday at 4 p.m. The Tigers will then return to region action against local rival Northside High School, with road games on Tuesday and Friday and a home contest on Thursday.