Photo/Pam Jacobs Sophomore Chase Gilreath hit a grand slam in the 16-7 win over Union County last week.

Coach Jimmy Pruett's squad began Region 8-AA (B) play last week with a split. Last Monday, March 10, the team traveled to Homer and lost to Banks County, 7-4. The team turned around on Wednesday and pounded Union County in Blairsville, by a 16-7 score. With the win and loss, Dawson stands at 4-3 overall, but more importantly the team is 1-1 in the region.

Friday's home game was cancelled against East Jackson due to weather and will be rescheduled at a later date. An earlier rainout with Lumpkin County, from March 7, will not be made-up.

Banks County 7, Dawson County 4

The Tigers committed several costly errors in there 7-4 loss to Banks County (4-3; 1-1) last Monday. Banks scored seven runs in the second inning against the Tigers. Dawson had four errors in the inning that led to Banks 7-run outburst. That was all the Leopards needed to come away with the win against Dawson County in the opening day of region play.

The Tigers are currenlty 4-3 overall and 1-1 in region play.

Senior Austin Lark started the game for the Tigers. Lark lasted 2.1 innings before being relieved by Jacob Barr in the bottom of the fourth. Barr came in and pitched 3.2 innings of scoreless relieve. Michael Huber and Chase Gilreath pitched the final inning of scoreless relief for the Tigers.

"Austin pitched well," said Pruett. "When you look at the box score you would say that he didn't. When you make errors, especially routine plays in the outfield, it will kill you."

Pruett continued, "Our kids hit the ball hard, but once again we just couldn't come up with that timely hit."

The Leopards were led by Jeff Smith, who went 3-for-3 with a double, single and walk. Leopard Justin Gibbs also contributed a two-run homer.

Alex Gailey started the game for Banks and lasted 3.2 innings, in which he gave up four hits and three runs. Leopard Kasey Hudgins picked up the win and gave up one run over the last 3.1 innings.

Dawson County 16, Union County 7

The Tigers picked up its first region win of the season with a 16-7 win over Union County in Blairsville last Wednesday, March 12. Dawson struck early and often against the Panthers.

Sophomore Chase Gilreath blasted a grand slam to lead the Tigers. "It was a shot," said Pruett. "There was no doubt it was going to be over the fence."

Cody Marshall also contributed with a homer of his own, as Dawson ran away with the 9-run win.

"We made the plays tonight and came away with an important win," said Pruett.

"It's always big to get your first region win," he added.

The next three games will be at home for the Tigers. All are region games and are important to the standings. Tomorrow, Dawson will play host to Rabun County. The Wildcats come into the game with a 3-2 record overall, but are 1-2 in region play losing to Union and Fannin. The team's lone region win is over East Jackson by a score of 8-6.

On Monday the Tigers will be seeking revenge, as the team plays host to the Banks County Leopards.

Today, the Tigers will play Union County again. hoping to have similar results to the teams' first meeting of the year.

All games will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Originally published Wednesday, March 19, 2008