It was scary and close, but the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes split the first two games with the Callaway Cavaliers on Tuesday night. The Canes were shut out 1-0 during the first game, but were able to come out on top 4-3 for Game 2.
Despite a strong performance from Garrett Rutledge, the Canes lost Game 1. The Cavaliers were able to strike on a few misplays by the Cartersville defense in the second, which is all they would need. That was Callaway’s fifth, consecutive shutout of the 2014 playoffs.
Cartersville rebounded nicely in Game 2 thanks to the Callaway defense. They scored three runs in the first in lieu of a walk, a wild pitch and a throwing error. Callaway would strike back with two runs in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to 3-2. Mark Quattlebaum then doubled in the fourth to give Cartersville a fourth run, which is all they would need. The Cavaliers did strike back with a home run in the bottom half of the fifth. Elliott Anderson gave way to Lane Wilson in the same inning and the rest was history.
Game 3 will be held on Wednesday at Richard Bell Field at 6:00 pm.