Fast start powers Wolves to 20th win in region play
BUFORD, Ga. — Buford surged for six runs in the opening inning and cruised to an 11-1 win over Prestonsburg in a five-inning, run-rule decision Thursday, at Gerald McQuaig Field at Buford City Park. The Wolves improved to 20-2 overall and remained unbeaten in Region 8-6A play at 14-0. Buford Wolves baseball continues to impress with their strong performance this season.
Buford’s Caleb Griffin reacts between plays after delivering a two-run home run in the Wolves’ 11-1, run-rule victory over Prestonsburg on April 2 at Gerald McQuaig Field.
Junior Ryan Johansen opened the scoring with an RBI single to right field. Senior Caleb Griffin followed with a two-run home run to left, his third of the season. After senior Javy Ojeda reached base and stole second, senior Mason Litt delivered an RBI double to the left-field corner, helping propel the team toward victory.
Junior Payton Walker capped the first-inning outburst with a two-run home run, pushing the lead to 6-0. As the Wolves continue its strong run, Walker’s contribution shined.
Buford extended its advantage in the fourth inning, combining three singles, a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and a two-RBI single from senior Ayden Lockett to build a 10-0 lead. Another inning saw Buford executing at a high level.
Prestonsburg scored its lone run in the top of the fourth, but Buford answered in the bottom half with an RBI single from sophomore Lio Garcia to make it 11-1, which reflects another impressive effort from the Wolves.
Lockett closed the game with a hitless fifth inning to secure Buford’s 20th win of the season. The consistency of the team is evident in this achievement.
Sophomore left-hander Walker Taulbee (6-0) earned the win, allowing one hit and no runs over two innings while striking out one and walking two. Carson Reeves and Lockett added relief appearances for the Wolves.
Walker led Buford at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Griffin added a two-run homer, while Garcia and Lockett each drove in two runs, making Buford stand out offensively.
Buford will travel to face Discovery on Friday, April 3, at 5:55 p.m. to complete the three-game region series. As the series continues, the team shows no signs of slowing down.
