By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
BRUNDIDGE — Ariton opened Friday’s doubleheader with a 7 to 1 win over Pike Liberal Arts at Pike Liberal Arts School, using a strong pitching performance from Easton Kilpatrick and a steady offensive approach to control the game from start to finish.
Pike Liberal Arts struck first with a solo home run from Jackson Bowen in the opening inning, but Ariton quickly answered. Wells Ganey grounded into a double play that still allowed a run to score, giving the Purple Cats early momentum.
Ariton added to its lead in the third inning when Bryson Rhett drove in a run on a groundout, followed by an RBI single from Bryce Odom that extended the advantage.
The Purple Cats put the game out of reach in the fourth inning with a four-run rally. Kilpatrick, Addison Senn, and Odom each delivered key hits during the inning as Ariton built a comfortable lead.
Kilpatrick also dominated on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing just one run on five hits. He struck out six batters and walked one in a composed outing that set the tone for the doubleheader.
Senn led Ariton offensively with three hits in four at-bats, while Odom drove in three runs and finished with two hits. Pierce Gill added two hits as Ariton finished with 11 hits as a team.
Defensively, the Purple Cats played error-free baseball and turned a double play. Hayes Hammock also contributed on the bases with two stolen bases as Ariton controlled multiple phases of the game.
Ariton now prepares for Game 2 of the Doubleheader Against Pike Liberal Arts. We will provide the details of that game soon.
Pike Liberal Arts failed to find its
footing in Game 1 of the Doubleheader against Ariton. Photo: Pike Liberal Arts Baseball Team)
Ariton’s Easton Kilpatrick led the Purple Cats on the mound. Photo by Ganey Photography.
