1A State Semi Final Game 1

Gilmer Union Hill Bulldogs v Abbott Panthers

The game would begin with a nice overcast to keep the temperature down a little at Dell Diamond.  Game 1 would feature the Abbott Panthers versus the Gilmer Union Hill Bulldogs.  Coach Crawford’s Panthers had last seen the State Tournament in 1985.  Coach Smith’s Bulldogs were here in 2006.  The Panthers wore their white uniforms with black stripes and gold writing.  The Bulldogs in Black with blue sleeves and white letters.  Hunter Pope took the mound for Abbott.  Kealin Dunn for Union Hill.

The top of 1 would begin with a leadoff walk on 4 pitches to Nelson Gabe.  Another walk and 3 strikeouts later, Abbott would be in the dugout preparing to bat.  Abbott would set the stage scoring 10 runs on 6 hits and 2 errors.  It was 4-0 before Union Hill recorded an out.  A pitching change later didn’t help much as Abbott continued to be disciplined at the plate and put it in play. 

Both pitchers settled in during the second and had quick 1-2-3 innings.  Abbott would continue with a 1-2-3 inning.   This was added by Abbott’s Nolan Kaska robbing Colton Wade of a hit to end the inning.  Abbott would add two more in the 3rd.  Union Hill could never get any offense going as Hunter Pope would keep them off balance at one point retiring 10 in a row.  He allowed a leadoff walk in the 7^th to Mallory Colt.  A sacrifice bunt would move him over to 2^nd.  That’s as far as he would get as he was picked off trying to steal third.  A strikeout would end the game.

 WP – Hunter Pope (2-0)
LP – Kealin Dunn (0-1)

Player of the Game: Hunter Pope