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Florala continued its strong start to the season and dismissed Monroe County, 13-3, in varsity baseball action Thursday, March 23.

The Wildcats pushed their season record to 7-1 with the home win, while the Tigers fell to 0-10 on the year.

MCHS took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Isaiah Stallworth singled and scored on an error. FHS rallied in the bottom half for a 2-1 lead. John Howell was hit by a pitch and stole second before Zane Weeks recorded a single and also swiped second. Judd Goolsby followed with a two-run single to center and scored Howell and Weeks. Seth Bundy added a one-out single and set up runners at the corners, but starting pitcher Allarian McClain ended the inning.

The Tigers loaded the bases with no outs in the second on a single, walk, and hit by pitch. Goolsby nearly escaped unscathed until Stallworth drew a walk and brought home Kavion Armstrong with the tying run. The Wildcats roared to a 9-2 lead and broke the game wide open. Weeks reached on a defensive miscue and scored Wyatt Brooks. Goolsby sent Johan Zamora and Howell to the plate with another two-run single. Dalton Jackson stretched the margin to four with an RBI single as Weeks scored. After Goolsby scored on an error, courtesy runner Kaden Cantrell and Colby Strickland capped the scoring in the frame.

Howell took over on the mound in the third and quickly retired the side in order on nine pitches. Weeks and Goolsby each scored on a passed ball for an 11-2 lead after three. Armstrong cut the deficit to eight when he crossed home on a bases-loaded hit by pitch, but it did not last long. Weeks earned an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth and plated Jaden Seago who reached on a leadoff error. Howell scored the final run on defensive indifference.

Bundy began the fifth with a strikeout of Reggis Shamberger. La’Vincent Black walked but was picked off at second. Armstrong grounded out, and the game was called early due to the mercy rule.

Goolsby went 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and four RBIs. Weeks finished 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs. Goolsby was credited with the win and allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and struck out four in two innings. Stallworth was 1-for-1 with a run and RBI. McClain took the loss and gave up 13 runs (six earned) on eight hits in four innings.

Florala returns to action next week at the Brantley Wood Bat Spring Break Tournament. FHS plays Geneva on Monday, March 27, at noon and Highland Home at 2 p.m. before a matchup against Brantley on Tuesday, March 28, at 1 p.m.