BUFORD, Ga. — Buford erased an early three-run deficit and surged past Mill Creek 8-4 Friday at Gerald McQuaig Field Friday, March 27, completing a Region 8-6A sweep and strengthening its hold atop the standings.
Mill Creek struck first, plating a run in the second inning before extending its lead to 3-0 in the third on a sacrifice bunt by Carter Fabor and an RBI single from Calen Mitchell.
Buford answered in the bottom half of the third. Junior Lio Garcia led off with a double to deep right field, and senior Ayden Lockett followed with an RBI single to put the Wolves on the board.
The game shifted in the fourth inning. Buford capitalized on control issues and defensive miscues, scoring five runs to take a 6-3 lead. Junior Ian Chafin drew a bases-loaded walk, and Garcia delivered a key hit that was misplayed in right field, driving in two runs. Lockett added a sacrifice fly, and a wild pitch brought in another run to cap the rally.
Senior Ryland Perry (1-0) earned the win in relief, holding Mill Creek to one run over two innings while striking out two. Senior Chris Alcott recorded his first save of the season, entering with two on and no outs in the sixth inning. He limited the damage to one run and retired the side in order in the seventh to secure the victory.
Buford added insurance in the sixth. With two outs, Garcia lined an RBI double into the left-field corner and later scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 8-4.
Garcia led the Wolves offensively, going 2-for-4 with a double, three runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Lockett finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, and Carson Reeves added a hit, a walk and scored twice.
Buford improved to 17-2 overall and 12-0 in Region 8-6A. The Wolves continue region play Monday, March 30, traveling to Discovery High School for a 5:55 p.m. first pitch.
