Dawgs harass Panthers in sweep of Perry

PERRY, Ga — Prior to the Elite-Eight series between Cedartown and Perry, the Bulldogs were a very versatile team that could score fast, and pitchers had the ability to leave the mound expeditiously. Cedartown’s pitchers allowed the Bulldog defense to rest, while the batters did the majority of the work. During the Elite-Eight series against the Panther Pit, Cedartown’s play did not change.

In Game One, Cedartown scored three runs in the first inning, and Perry scored two runs. Both the Cedartown Bulldogs and the Perry Panther Pit scored a run a piece during the second inning. Also in Game One, the Perry Panthers had a total of seven hits, which is below their game average.

Dylan Butler went two-for-two and had one run batted in. Tanner Knowles went one-for-four, with one double and scoring once. Carson Bryant was one-for-three with one run batted in, also serving on the mound for the Panthers in Game One. Bryant gave up six hits in five innings, four runs and three walks. The senior first baseman and pitcher struck out two Cedartown batters.

In Game Three of the GHSA class 4A Elite-Eight, Cedartown did not ease off the accelerator. In Game Two, Perry had another seven hits. Tanner Knowles, Lane Smith and Connor Griffin all went two-for-three.

Ben McDow was on the mound for Perry in Game Two. McDow pitched six innings in the Game Two loss, walking two Bulldog batters and striking another two.

Though Perry was a very balanced team, Cedartown appeared to be too much of a problem. Game One ended with Cedartown winning, 8-3, and Game Two ended with the Bulldogs also winning, 5-2. Though the Panthers did not win a GHSA state title, this season has still been a historic one for the team.

Perry won its first baseball region title in over ten years. Coach Denny Bryant and the Panther Pit also finished 25-11 overall in 2022.

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