STAFF REPORT

The Woodland baseball team improved to 2-1 on the season and 2-1 in matchups with former Region 7-5A rivals who are now Region 5-6A programs with a 14-5 win over Rome.

In a matchup at the East Cobb Baseball Complex, the Wildcats held a massive 17-1 edge in the hit column and scored in every inning.

Woodland produced a single run in the first frame. However, the Wildcats pushed across multiple runs in each subsequent inning — two runs apiece in the second, third and sixth; three runs in the fifth; and four runs in the fourth.

Rome got back to within 9-5 in the top of the fifth before Woodland, which previously defeated Carrollton but fell to Paulding County, put the game away.

Chase Carson had a massive game out of the Wildcats leadoff spot. The junior homered and doubled, while finishing 3-for-5 with three runs scored and the same number driven in.

Ayden Ray also homered as part of a 2-for-3 day, complete with a walk, a run scored and two RBIs. Jakiyon Porter went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and was hit by a pitch.

Jacob Gravett, Rowan Billings and Austin Sanders each recorded two hits. Billings and Julian Wright drove in two runs apiece, while Sanders and Conner Stermer scored twice each.

On the mound, Hunter Shirley tossed the opening 3 2/3 innings and Nate Rosser threw the remaining 3 1/3 frames. The duo combined to strike out 10 and walked five. A handful of defensive miscues led to all of Rome’s runs being unearned.