Lions Win Series Final with Indians

The Franklin County Lions scored two runs in the bottom of the 6th to grab the final game of the three-game series and defeat Stephens County 3-2 on Friday night in Carnesville.

Stephens County started the game strong in the top of the 1st inning when Christian Hewitt and Tyler Zigan had base hits and were brought in by Konnor Loudermilk’s 2-RBI double.

Franklin County cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 1st when Ty Peeples homered over the left centerfield wall to make the score 2-1.

The game then became a pitcher’s duel between the Indians Loudermilk and the Lions’ Caden Cawthon.

Cawthon faced one over the minimum in innings 2 through 6 inducing three Indians double plays.

Loudermilk was just as strong in innings 2 through 5 only allowing one hit and three baserunners.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, Easton Gailey doubled home Cade Gibson with the tying run, and with two outs a wild pitch led to a throwing error and the go ahead run by Luke Beasley making the score 3-2.

The Indians threatened in the top of the 7th when Loudermilk walked and Landon Carter doubled, but the runners were stranded at 2nd and 3rd base.

Cawthon got the win for the Lions pitching 6 innings and allowing 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 3. Gibson pitched the 7th inning to get the save.

Loudermilk gave the Indians another strong start but took the loss. Loudermilk went 6 innings allowing only 2 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 6.

Stephens County took 2 out of 3 in the series and is now 8-4 in region-8 AA play and 18-6 overall. Franklin County improved to 19-6 overall and 8-4 in the region.

The Lions will face Hebron Christian in the final three regular season games. Stephens County will match up with top ranked Prince Avenue Christian with game one on Monday night at the Reservation. Game time is scheduled for 5:55 P.M. with airtime at 5:45 P.M. on WNEG.