The Colleton County Junior Varsity Cougars faced AAAAA Fort Dorchester back-to-back last week in non-conference games. The JV Cougars fell in both matches (9-6, 2-1).
Against Fort Dorchester on Tuesday March 10 at home, Quarice Singleton took the loss on the mound, allowing five runs on three hits and striking out two across three innings of work. Michael Ortiz, Gabe Wolfe and Dakota Dandridge provided relief out of the bullpen.
The JV Patriots jumped ahead early, scoring five runs in the first two innings. Colleton County’s offense battled back in the bottom of the third inning to tie the game. “Jabari Grant drew a leadoff walk and stole second,” said Coach Jake Jacobs. “Trey Simmons grounded into a fielder’s choice to advance Grant to third. Cameron Farnsworth then singled and advanced to second on a pass ball, which scored Grant. Palmer Thomas and Dustin Hadwin both drew walks to load the bases. A triple by Michael Ortiz drove in all three runs, and a sacrifice fly by Dakota Dandridge scored Ortiz.”
The fourth inning saw Fort Dorchester take a one-run lead, but Colleton County quickly tied the game in the bottom of the fourth. “Simmons started things off with a one out triple,” said Jacobs. “He then scored on a sacrifice fly by Farnsworth. Fort Dorchester added two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to win the game.
“I was very proud and encouraged by the way the guys battled back after being in a five-run hole,” said Jacobs. “Ortiz and Simmons had a couple of huge hits. Overall, the guys are seeing the ball well. Defensively, we made a few mistakes which led to runs. We will clean things up and be ready to go again.”
Then on-the-road Thursday rematch with Fort Dorchester saw a pitcher’s duel take center stage in the contest. Dustin Hadwin started the game for the JV Cougars, allowing two runs across five innings, and striking out five. Offensively, the Cougars were led by Julian Snelgrove with two hits, while Jabari Grant, Dakota Dandridge, Cohen Crosby, Farnsworth, Simmons and Thomas each recorded a hit.
“Trey Simmons started the hitting in the first with a one out single,” said Jacobs. “Farnsworth then drew a walk, followed by both runners advancing on a pass ball. Palmer Thomas singled to left, driving in Simmons. This was all the scoring we could muster. They added two runs in the bottom of the first, but then the bats went cold for both teams as each pitcher had their best stuff for the night.
“This game was a true pitchers’ duel,” said Jacobs. “Both teams played sound defense and pitched very well. I couldn’t have asked for a better start from Dustin or a better relief appearance from Dakota. We executed our pitches and stuck with our game plan. When we attacked the ball, we were able to do great things at the plate. We cleaned up our mistakes from the first game and I share the same disappointment with the boys that we were unable to come away with a win.”
The Cougars will be out of action at least through April 5 based on restrictions recommended by the CDC and handed down by SCHSL due to COVID-19.
