JEFFERSON — Flowery Branch scored two runs in the sixth and held off two potential rallies to beat Jefferson in a key Region 8-4A showdown on Thursday.
The win for the Lady Falcons (8-4, 4-3 Region 8-4A) moves into sole possession of third place in the region standings. The loss dropped Jefferson (7-6, 3-3 Region 8-4A) into fourth place.
The Lady Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the second on RBI singles from Avery Hays and Ellie Kinlaw. Flowery Branch responded with a run in the fourth on a RBI double from Savannah Rutledge. The Lady Falcons took the lead in the sixth on a two-run double from Makaela Davis.
Jefferson had plenty of chances getting the potential tying and/or go-ahead runs in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh innings but could not get the big hit.
Nikki Harris got the win for Flowery Branch giving up just the two runs on nine hits and struck out 15 Lady Dragons.
Addison Self took the loss for Jefferson allowing two runs on three hits in two innings in relief. Ravyn Saxon started and went five innings, scattering just two hits while striking out six.
MADISON COUNTY 6,
EAST HALL 3
The Lady Vikings bid to get within one-half game of the final playoff spot was dashed as the first-place Lady Red Raiders rallied from a 3-0 deficit to get the win.
East Hall opened the game with a pair of runs in the first on a two-run double from Callie Dale. The Lady Vikings (7-7, 2-5 Region 8-4A) added a run in the second when Alexis Burce singled in Kaylana Curry for a 3-0 lead.
But Madison County (9-2, 5-1 Region 8-4A) scored one in the fourth and took a 4-3 lead with three runs in the fifth.
Calli Hardison took the loss for East Hall allowing 13 hits and six runs while striking out nine and walking one in seven innings.
Burce finished with two hits for East Hall.
