Cartersville fans were greeted with a surprise in Game 1, when Hunter Osborn returned to the mound for his first start in 27 days. Osborn looked sharp at times, but allowed four runs in the second inning, which included a three-run home run. That would be everything the Buford Wolves would need, as Jake Higginbotham shut out Cartersville in seven innings and allowed just two hits.
The Canes would get their revenge in Game 2 early on. Buford’s pitcher, Connor Bennett, had a spectacular 2014 season, but was unable to get past Cartersville’s bats. The Canes put up five runs in the second inning, thanks to a Clifton Dempsey two-run double and a Brent Arnold three-run home run. The star of the game was Garrett Rutledge, who threw seven innings and allowed just two hits in a 7-2 Cartersville victory.
Game 2 didn’t come without controversy, however. Head coach Stuart Chester was ejected in the fifth inning, with Cartersville up 5-2, due to the use of a video camera. GHSA rules state that video taping games is not allowed and will lead to suspension. Chester will miss Game 3 tonight and, should Cartersville win, Game 1 of the state championship against Trinity.