Bulldogs need one win to clinch area title

Published 12:05 am Friday, April 8, 2016

Will Clark waits on throw to first.

Will Clark waits on throw to first.

The Andalusia Bulldogs remained perfect in area play with a 9-0 victory over the Ashford Yellow Jackets Thursday in Ashford.

After giving up a leadoff single in the bottom of the first, Andalusia starting pitcher Ethan Wilson struck out the next two batters and got the fourth batter to ground out to end the inning.

The Bulldogs got their first hit of the game when Will Clark roped a double into center, but they were unable to push him around to score.

Wilson sat down the Yellow Jackets in order in the bottom of the second and picked up his third strikeout.

Garrett Davis singled with one out in the top of the third and after a walk and a hit batter, the Bulldogs had the bases loaded.

Riley Graham drove in Davis with a fielder’s choice. Wilson also came around to score to put Andalusia on top 2-0.

Graham came around to score on single from Clark.

Wilson picked up two more strikeouts in the bottom of the third inning.

Andalusia couldn’t add to their lead in the top of the fourth, but Wilson continued his strong night on the mound and struck out two more batters in the bottom of the fourth.

Davis scored again in the top of the fifth off a fielder’s choice from Hogan Nichols.

In to bottom of the fifth, Wilson remained steadfast and picked up two more strikeouts on the Yellow Jackets.

Andalusia extended their lead in the top of the sixth inning when Will Jones scored off an error off the bat of Chase Hopkins.

Hopkins later stole third and scored on error to give the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead.

Wilson started off the bottom of the sixth inning with a quick strikeout and then two ground outs to end the inning.

Jones doubled in Graham in the top of the seventh and Nathan Langley followed with a sacrifice fly to score Clark.

Jones scored the final runs on wild pitch to put Andalusia on top 9-0.

Wilson kept the Yellow Jackets off balanced and picked up another strikeout for the final out of the game.

Wilson picked up the win with a complete-game shutout. Wilson struck out 11.

Davis finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Andalusia needs just one win tomorrow over Ashford to win the 4A, Area 2 championship.