East Alabama Sports Today

PIEDMONT — Piedmont coach Matt Deerman has wanted to see a reawakening of Bulldog bats, and it happened in Friday’s first-round playoff series against Colbert County.

After winning Game 1 4-2 on strong pitching from Brodie Homesley and Jack Hayes, the Bulldogs belted nine hits while winning Game 2 12-2 in five innings.

Fourth-ranked Piedmont (22-6) earned a second-round playoff series at Decatur Heritage next week.

“Survive and advance,” Piedmont coach Matt Deerman said. “We continued to pitch it well and play well defensively. We had several missed opportunities in Game 1 that we didn’t take advantage of but did in Game 2.

“That was the difference.”

McClane Mohon and Jake Austin each had two hits in Game 2. Mohon had a double and RBI, and Austin drove in two runs.

Cole Austin had a double with two runs and two RBIs. Kale Austin and Sloan Smith each had two RBIs, as well.

Hayes cruised on the mound, pitching all five innings. He allowed two hits, one earned run and one walk with four strikeouts.

Hayes also finished off Game 1, retiring the final batter in relief.

Homesley got the start, spreading out three hits with three walks and eight strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

Hayes also homered, doubled and drove in two runs in Game 1. Kale Austin had a single and RBI.