Lady Dragons get up early on Gordon Central

A four-run first inning and the composure of pitcher Sydnie Edwards allowed Pepperell to recover from its first Region 7-AA loss with a 5-2 win over Gordon Central on Tuesday.

Edwards went all seven innings and gave up just two runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out two to lead Pepperell to a 5-2 home victory.

The Lady Dragons (83, 3-1) got going quickly thanks to some big at-bats and some help from the Gordon Central defense that led to four runs.

“We got out and put some runs on the board early, and that was huge,” Pepperell coach Jeff Rickman said. “That really helped our momentum to start the game off.

“And I give Sydnie and Josie (McGraw) both credit. They did a great job of pitching and catching there, and we told Syd after the game that she got herself in a few jams, but she managed to work herself out of it.”

Maycy Owens led the way with three hits, an RBI and a run scored. Edwards added a double and an RBI to go with her solid pitching work, and Jesse Burkhalter also had a hit and an RBI. Kaylee Mansell and Yasmin Silvey each had a double with Mansell scoring a run, and Daylee McGraw had a hit and a run.

Gordon Central (1-5-1, 1-3) scored runs in the second and fourth but couldn’t capitalize on their other chances. No Lady Warrior had more than one hit.

For Pepperell, it was a good bounce-back win a day after falling to Armuchee in a region contest.

“It’s big to come back and get a win today. You don’t want to dwell on the past,” said Rickman.

Pepperell visits Coosa on Thursday in another 7-AA contest while Gordon Central is at Armuchee.