The Houston County Bears returned from spring break a bit under the weather, but showed resilience in a strong 6–2 win over the Lee County Trojans to open their final region series.
Lee County struck first in the top of the opening inning, using an RBI triple and a follow-up double to take a quick 2–0 lead. Houston County responded in the bottom half with a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 2–1. The Bears continued to capitalize on Lee County mistakes, tying the game in the second inning on a balk and then taking a 3–2 lead on another balk shortly after.
Momentum stayed with Houston County in the third inning when a Lee County fielding error allowed another run to score, extending the lead to 4–2. Defensive miscues continued to hurt the Trojans, as a throwing error in the sixth inning pushed the Bears’ advantage to 5–2. Later in that inning, Raymond Byrd delivered an RBI single to make it 6–2 and cap the scoring.
On the mound, Ethan Kenney was efficient and composed, tossing a complete game on just 78 pitches. He allowed two earned runs on seven hits, with one walk and three strikeouts, helping secure the region-opening victory.
The win carries major playoff implications. Houston County improved to 11–2 in region play (19–5 overall) and remains ahead of Thomas County Central in the standings. The result also locked the Veterans Warhawks into the postseason, while a win by Coffee over Veterans eliminated Lee County from playoff contention.
Houston County will travel to Leesburg, Georgia on Friday for a region doubleheader against Lee County. The Bears need just one win in that twin bill to clinch the Region 2-5A championship.
