MT. AIRY, Ga. — Habersham Central moved one win from clinching a playoff spot on Monday, routing Alcovy 15-0 in three innings at home.
Kreed Barrett had two hits, including a three-run home run to cap an 8-run third inning to put the game out of reach. Habersham Central scored five runs in the first and two in the second.
The Raiders (16-11, 6-5 Region 8-5A) also got two RBI each from Ethan Wheeler and Callum Spivey.
Maverick Chitwood earned the win for the Raiders, tossing a three-inning no-hitter and striking out four.
The two teams next will travel to Alcovy on Wednesday.
APALACHEE 7,
JACKSON COUNTY 6
After falling behind 7-1, the Panthers staged a furious comeback that fell short with the bases loaded in a costly Region 8-5A loss on the road on Monday.
The loss dropped Jackson County (13-12, 4-7 Region 8-5A) into fifth place in the region standings. The two teams will close out the regular season on Wednesday in Hoschton with the Panthers trying to stay alive for the final playoff berth.
Jackson County went to work in the top of the seventh as Justin Mills and Mitchell Bryce each had RBI singles and Bryce Garrison was hit by a pitch and Garrett Klein walked with the bases loaded to bring the go-ahead run to second base. But Tripp Brown grounded out to second to end the game.
Jackson County led 1-0 after the first inning but the Wildcats (8-17, 5-6 Region 8-5A) scored three runs second and four more in the third to grab the lead.
Brody Strickland took the loss for Jackson County, surrendering seven runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.
BUFORD 7,
DACULA 0
Buford moved one win from clinching the Region 8-6A title with a win on the road on Monday.
The Wolves (22-6, 14-2 Region 8-5A) used a four-run fourth inning to blow open a 1-0 lead. Walker Taulbee, Lio Garcia, and Cannon Goldin all drew bases loaded walks, and Ryan Johansen added an RBI groundout in the inning.
Meanwhile, Braden Burton tossed a complete-game no-hitter, striking out 8 to get the win.
Buford can clinch the region title on Wednesday at Geral McQuaig Field when the two teams resume their season-ending series.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SCOREBOARD FOR MONDAY, April 14
Apalachee 7, Jackson County 6*
Buford 7, Dacula 0*
Habersham Central 15, Alcovy 0 (3 inn)*
North Forsyth 9, Lambert 8*
(* -- denotes region contest)
