Indians defeat Lions, closer to clinching top spot

SHARPSBURG-Cole Antmann delivered in his first start of the season as he allowed three hits and recorded nine strikeouts Monday night as the East Coweta Indians defeated the Westlake Lions 7-4 in a key Region 3-AAAAAA matchup.
The Indians contuned to hold on to first place with a region record of 12-1 and a 22-2 overall mark while the Lions will finish third in the region with a current record of 8-5 and overall mark of 13-8-2.
The two teams play Wednesday in Fulton County before playing the finale in Sharpsburg on Thursday.
The Lions took the first lead of the game in the top of the second inning as Koran Coleman scored when Tre Kemp grounded out to shortstop.
However, the lead didn't last long as the Indians came back in the bottom ofthe inning with four runs to take the lead.
Geremy Walton led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a flyball hit to right field by Matthew Meyer before coming home with the tying run on a single by Stephan Cruver.
Travis Williams followed with a double that advancd Cruver to third and after Tim Manning was retired on a flyball, Cameron Smith reached on an error allowing Cruver and Williams to score.
Bryce Gemmel reached on an error that allowed Smith to advance to third before coming home with the fourth run of the inning on a single by Antmann.
The Indians had a chance to increase the lead in the bottom of the fourth as they loaded the bases but were unable to get the key hit and the score remained 4-1 as Antmann and Lions starter Xavier Lushington were locked in a solid pitching duel.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Indians scored three important runs as Manning and Smith  reached on consecutive singles before Bryce Gemmel reached on a fielders choice that forced Smith at second  to right field.
Antmann reached on an infield error allowing Manning to score and Gemmel to second for Jonathan Banks who was looking for an RBI after a solid series against Newnan.
During Banks at bat, Gemmel and courtesy runner Graydon Treadwell recorded stolen bases and Banks was able to bring to the duo home with a single to center field and the lead was 7-1.
After pitching effectively through in his longest stint of the year on the mound in the first six innings, Antmann struggled in the top of the seventh inning as Jamar Williams reached on a leadoff walk and with two outs, Montre Boyce walked and Malcolm Boyce followed with a single that scored Williams.
Both Boyces were in scoring position when Jamar Walton reached on an error that resulted in a run and cut the margin to 7-4 as both Boyces came home on the play with Walton advancing to second after Reese reached first on a dropped third strike.
The two Lions runners remained stranded on base as Antmann recorded his ninth strikeout of the game when Ryan Green was retired on a swinging to end the game.