Losses eliminate LFO from playoff chase

The LFO Warriors had their fleeting playoff hopes officially dashed after two losses in three region games last week.

Coahulla Creek 6, LFO 1

Despite eight hits, the Warriors could only manage one run against the surprising 6-AAA contenders in Varnell on Tuesday.

LFO pushed home a run in the top of the fourth on a Jake Bass’s groundout, briefly trimming the Colts lead to 3-1. However, LFO would not get any closer.

Both Garren Mauldin and Andrew Brock were 2-for-3 on the night. Mauldin started on the bump, allowing four earned runs in five innings with three strikeouts and four walks. Relief pitcher Ethan Daniel gave up two earned runs and a walk in two innings.

Winning pitcher Eli Turso, who went six innings for the Colts, gave up just one earned run and tossed three strikeouts.

LFO 2, Haralson County 1

Two runs are all the Red-andWhite needed back at home on Thursday.

Thanks to the arm of Mathew Trusley the Warriors were able to pick up the region victory. Trusley gave up seven hits, but allowed just the one earned run in a complete game win.

Jake Bass had a triple in three at-bats and knocked in a run. It was a triple-fest for LFO, who also got three-baggers from Trusley, Brice Donnahoo, Joseph Heinrich and Andrew Brock.

Sonoraville 5, LFO 3

The Warriors strived to engineer a comeback on Friday night, but it wasn’t meant to be as the Phoenix notched the victory.

Once the Phoenix scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning, the Warriors (11-15, 4-11) found themselves in a constant uphill battle the rest of the way.

LFO outhit Sonoraville, 10-5, but couldn’t get the hits when they needed them the most. The Warriors recorded nine singles, while Jacob Flanagan collected a double.

Down 5-1 going into the fourth, the Warriors added a solo run and picked up another in the sixth.

Wyatt Castoe pitched six innings for the Phoenix, registering three strikeouts and allowing just two earned runs. Avery Hopper pitched the seventh to close the deal.

On the other side, Gruetter took the loss, allowing four earned runs in three innings.

LFO will try to get back to winning ways on Tuesday when they play Murray County at home. The Warriors travel to Bremen on Thursday before closing out the season Friday at Adairsville.