BUDE – The Lawrence County Cougars shut out the Franklin County Bulldogs 10-0 in baseball action Saturday afternoon . The Cougars scored 6 runs in the top of the first, then coasted to victory. The game was halted, via the 10-run rule, after 6 innings.

With the win, Coach Cory Keyes’ Cougars improved to 13-13 on the season, with a Monday night game at West Jones remaining to be played. Franklin County, coached by Brent Calcote, fell to 13-8 on the season. The Bulldogs, champions of Region 7-3A, will open 3A playoff action later this week.

“We had a decent day,” said Keyes. “We had some good swings in the top of the first, and really didn’t do much after that. It was a win we needed, to at least have a shot at a winning season.”

The top of the first decided the game. T-Tez Cole, Will Jackson, Kody Smith, and Patrick Little all had singles in the inning, and Kewaun May added a booming 2-run double.

That was more than the LCHS pitching staff would need. Kody Smith worked 4 and 1/3 innings to earn the win. He got relief help from Will Jackson and Hunter Stephens. That trio combined to allow 4 singles and strike out 8.

In the top of the third, the Cougars added 3 more runs as Jackson, May, and Smith again hit safely. In the top of the sixth, Matt Patterson’s RBI double gave Lawrence County its 10th run.

Hoby Mullins, Benard Selman, Derrick Brumfield, and Ethan Verdin had hits for Franklin County.

Brumfield started on the mound for the Bulldogs, going 5 and 1/3 innings. Kade Clanton came in to get the final 2 outs.

Junior Varsity Results

Lawrence County won 10-2 in junior varsity action, as Gabriel Lewis threw a 4-inning complete game.