BUDE — Led by senior Phillip Dillon’s performance at the plate and some crafty pitching from junior Colton Laird, the Franklin County Bulldogs rolled South Pike 11-0 Wednesday evening to celebrate senior night.
“It was a good win that came at a good time with us heading into the playoffs,” Dillon said. “It always feels good to win on senior night.”
Dillon finished with a double and two singles as the Bulldogs won their final regular season home game.
Franklin County senior players and bat girls were honored after the game with roses to give to their parents. Senior Bulldogs included Ryan Williamson, Jordan Hunt, Christian Johnston, and Dillon.
“Our kids needed this win after the last three ball games we played,” Franklin County head coach Brent Calcote said. “It gives us something to build on heading into the playoffs.”
Both Franklin County and South Pike will begin Class 3A State playoff action on April 17. The Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed in the division behind district champion North Pike, with Tylertown No. 3 and South Pike No. 4.
Against South Pike, the Bulldogs (11-7) used six strikeouts by Laird to set the tone early. The Eagles managed two hits the entire ball game.
“We came out and swung the bats well,” Laird said. “I just tried to do the best I could for us to get the win.”
With Laird in a groove, the Bulldogs’ bats awoke late with some big hits that plated big runs.
Doubles from Dillon, Laird and Hunt led to big third and fourth innings that put the game out of reach.
“We’ve hit the ball better the last two games,” Calcote said. “Our pitching tonight was pretty good, too.”
Junior southpaw DeHendret Collins came in to close the game in the fifth inning and picked off two baserunners.
The Bulldogs never trailed in the game.
For South Pike, Brandon Ross and Zadarius Washington each had singles for the Eagles.
Franklin County got a double and single from Laird, while Collins belted two singles. Austin McFarland and Hunter Hatcher each added a single.
