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In a pivotal early season region class between rivals LaGrange and Troup on Thursday, it was the Grangers who came out on top 5-1 to earn their first win of the season.

The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the first when Kaitlyn Smalley hit a single to bring Haley Kitchens home. Kitchens bounced back after going hitless on Wednesday to go 3-for-4 with a run scored against LaGrange and keep up her hot start to the season.

Both starting pitchers settled in from there as the game turned into a real pitcher’s duel.

Zoe Thompson had a dominant showing, going all seven innings while allowing just six hits on seven strikeouts.  

Camden Bassett got the start on the mound for the Tigers and produced a quality showing as well, pitching 5 ⅓ innings, allowing just five hits and three earned runs on six strikeouts. Anna Grace Keller pitched the rest of the game, allowing just one hit. 

LaGrange was finally able to get some offense going late and tied the game when Tatum Nation put down a bunt to drive Tatiana Dudley home.

Harlee Overton then delivered another picture perfect run to drive in the winning run in  the game. The Grangers were not done there as Abby McGIll hit a one-run single to give LaGrange a 3-1 lead. Overton scored later in the inning on a passed ball before a one-run single from Hudson Wood rounded out the scoring in the inning for LaGrange.

McGill led the way for the Grangers offense, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Carolyne Garcia also had two hits while Jasia Swanson and Wood finished with one apiece.

Sheniyah Philpot had two hits for Troup while Smalley had one as neither team’s offense was able to dominate in the game.

The Grangers (1-2) will be looking to keep the momentum going when they play a doubleheader at home against region foe Riverdale on Friday. Troup (2-3) will also play Riverdale next, hosting the Raiders next Tuesday.