Coosa rallies late, forces Game 3

The Eagles split a doubleheader against Wesleyan on the road in the first round of the state playoffs Friday afternoon.

From staff reports

Coosa coach Gus Bell’s career is going to continue for at least one more game, and the coach and his team has the chance today to knock off the defending state champions.

The Eagles, entering the state playoffs as the fourth seed in Region 7-AA, split a doubleheader against Wesleyan on the road in the first round Friday afternoon. After dropping a pitcher’s duel 3-1 in the first game, a seventh inning rally helped Coosa upset the Wolves 6-5 in Game 2.

“I have been saying all season long, if we can get into a three-game series, we can contend with a lot of teams,” Bell said.

Game 1 featured Coosa’s Jordan Lyles getting the start, and the junior went all seven innings with three runs allowed and six strikeouts. But the Wesleyan defense was on its game as well, and the Eagles could only produce a run in the first inning.

The Eagles ( 12- 10) were two outs from elimination in the nightcap as they trailed 5- 4 in the bottom of the seventh with nobody on. But Justin Ware and Hunter Chastain produced consecutive singles, and Peyton Moore tied the game with a double.

After a Bo Davis intentional walk, Mason O’Neal completed the rally with a line drive to the outfield wall, easily scoring Chastain. It was O’Neal’s third hit of the day, while Peyton Moore pitched all seven innings in Game 2 to go along with his double.

“The kids are so excited, they just battled with every chance they had,” Bell said. “Not many people thought we could win, but I know the guys think they can do it.”

The decisive Game 3 begins today at 2 p.m. at Wesleyan with Coosa playing as the home team. Bell said he would start sophomore Caleb Shiflett.

Lacrosse: Darlington boys 8, Walker 7

The Darlington boys’ lacrosse team finished its season with a victory on the road as it edged Walker 8-7 in an area consolation game Friday at Mt. Paran.

Luke Johnson led the charge again for the Tigers (8-9) with four goals, while Skyler Sledge contributed two more. Pierce Monroe and Jamie Beck each scored one goal and goalkeeper William Groover made eight saves. The win not only gives Darlington third place in the Class A division of the state, but the eight wins are the most for the Tigers since 2010.