Etowah County high school baseball roundup: How the three teams did in the quarterfinals
The Alabama high school baseball season is through the quarterfinal round and three Etowah County teams were competiting this week.
Westbrook Christian and Sardis had series go to three games, but Westbrook Christian was able to secure a walkoff victory while Sardis fell to the No. 1 Class 5A team in Alexandria. Coosa Christian continued a banner season for the athletic program.
SOFTBALL: Alabama high school softball: What 5 Gadsden area teams could advance to Elite Eight
SARDIS BASEBALL: Rallying a town: Sardis baseball seniors' legacy goes beyond the field
TOP PERFORMERS: Westbrook Christian’s Anna Grace Whittemore scores five goals to lead Gadsden area top performers
Westbrook walks off Fayette County
Game 1: Westbrook Christian wins 8-4
Game 2: Westbrook falls 9-4
Game 3: Westbrook wins 9-8
In a thrilling comeback, where they need two runs to extend the game, Cam Carden came through with a walk-off double that scored two runs before a bad throw allowed the game-winning run to score. Dylan Rainey was another star of the series with six RBIs and masterful 5 ⅔ inning performance in game one where he struck out four batters and allowed four runs. The Warriors struggled in the second game, in a somewhat reversal of what happened in game one.
In game three, the Warriors struggled especially in the field as they racked up four errors that helped allow runs score. But clutch hitting in the final three innings allowed them to return to the semifinals.
Up next: Westbrook Christian vs. Lauderdale County
Coosa Christian sweeps Appalachian
Game 1: Coosa Chr. wins 2-1
Game 2: Coosa wins 9-7
The Conquerors punched their ticket to their first semifinal in school history with a sweep over Appalachian. John David Justus pitched Coosa to a game one win with 11 strikeouts over five innings, allowing one run. In the second game, as the bats awoke, it was Bryan Nelson and Clete O'Bryant each bringing in three RBIs.
The Conquerors jumped out to a seven run lead in the second inning, but Appalachian fought back but they were able to keep them at an arms length.
Up next: Coosa vs. Sumiton Christian
Sardis falls in a thriller to Alexandria
Game 1: Sardis falls 4-2
Game 2: Sardis wins 4-1 (8 innings)
Game 3: Sardis falls 7-0
A battle between the top two teams in the Class 5A playoffs did not disappoint. After falling in the first game, Connor Lowery stepped up with the season on the line and did not disappoint in his final start. He went the distance with nine strikeouts, including two in the eighth to end the game.
The home run ball started flying on Thursday, but not the way of the Lions, allowing Alexandria to break out a lopsided win. Sardis was never able to mount a true comeback.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: How the three final Etowah County high school baseball teams did in quarterfinals
