Troup takes Harlem out

If given the choice next year, Harlem might offer to play Troup on the road. Or Harlem may rather avoid the matchup altogether.

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The Tigers eliminated the Bulldogs in the second round of the Class AAA baseball playoffs for a third consecutive season, sweeping the series 7-3, 17-7.

All three of the Tigers' series wins came at Harlem.

"It's gotten to the point where we're comfortable and relaxed up here," Tigers coach Craig Garner said. "We stay in the same hotel and eat at the same places."

Harlem pitcher Steven Waters started Game 1 for the Bulldogs and allowed six runs. Junior Derek Clayton started the second game and gave up seven runs in a little more than two innings.

Every Troup starter reached base at least three times. Tigers catcher Luke Bailey was intentionally walked five times, but still managed a 3-for-3 performance -- all doubles.

The Tigers used a big inning in each game. They scored four runs during the sixth inning of Game 1 and scored six runs during the sixth inning of Game 2 to invoke the mercy rule.

And so the Bulldogs' season ended on a sour note after a promising run gave them their first region championship since 2001 and the top seed out of Region 3-AAA.

"We went 22-7 and (were) region champs," Lewis said. "I guess I can't complain about that."

Lewis called Region 2, in which Troup plays, one of the best in the state. The Tigers have been to the state playoffs six of the last seven years.

"It's a tough region, and we struggled at times," Garner said.