BUFORD — Buford’s baseball team saw its winning streak come to an end Thursday, March 12, falling 5-4 to Loganville at Gerald McQuaig Field in a tightly contested non-region matchup.
The Wolves held a late tie but were unable to contain Loganville in the final inning, as the Red Devils scored the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh to secure the win.
Buford out-hit Loganville 8-7 but could not capitalize on key opportunities late in the game.
Loganville struck first in the second inning on an RBI single by Devon Nixon, but Buford responded in the bottom half of the inning to take a 3-1 lead. Junior Ian Chafin drove in a run with a single to right field, followed by a sacrifice fly from junior Lio Garcia and an RBI single by senior Ayden Lockett.
The Red Devils regained momentum in the fifth inning, scoring twice to take the lead on a fielder’s choice and an RBI triple down the left field line.
Buford answered in the bottom of the fifth when senior Vance Bock delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4.
The game remained tied until the seventh inning, when Loganville capitalized on a walk with the bases loaded to push across the decisive run.
Bock and Lockett each recorded two hits to lead Buford at the plate. Chafin, Garcia, Bock and Lockett each drove in a run, while junior Payton Walker added two walks as part of a disciplined offensive effort that drew six walks overall.
Lockett started on the mound for Buford, allowing two runs over three innings while striking out five. Junior Kyle Krause took the loss in relief, giving up three runs (one earned) over three innings with three strikeouts.
Despite the loss, Buford remains unbeaten in region play and now stands at 13-2 overall and 9-0 in Region 8-6A.
The Wolves will travel to Coolray Field on Tuesday, March 17, to face Grayson. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55 p.m.