Tigers’ defense too much for Panthers in 2-1 contest

The smell of victory permeated Red Level’s dugout Tuesday night as the Tigers walked away with a 2-1 victory over Georgiana in their season opener at home.

Jerran Williams had a heck of a game on the mound, striking out 10 batters and allowing one run on three hits in seven innings of work.

Behind Williams, the Tigers equalized their effort in the infield and outfield.

In the top of the sixth, Red Level center fielder Ethan Jordan threw a rocket home, where Colton Dorman got the tag for the final and crucial out.

“I thought we played well defensively,” RLS coach Tony Ingram said. “You worry about this early in the year.”

Ingram said one area his team has drastically improved in is in the outfield.

“The kids are picking up the ball off the bat and making plays,” he said. “We have a little depth for a change.”

In regards to Williams, the Tigers coach said there wasn’t a scenario where the pitcher would pitch a full game. In the game, he threw 70 strikes and 20 balls in the win.

“Sometimes, he threw too many strikes,” Ingram quipped. “He never struggled and he battled.”

The only thing RLS had trouble with was hitting.

“With hitting, we’re not there yet,” Ingram said. “It’s going to take time.”

All three runs of the game were scored in the first inning.

Georgiana scored first to take the early lead, but the Tigers came back in the bottom half of the inning.

Dorman reached on a walk and later came in on Williams’ single to tie the game. Williams later came in on errors for the one-run lead.

The Tigers are back in action on Friday at Zion Chapel for a doubleheader.