Union County hadn't done well against Lumpkin County recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Union County Panthers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 5-4 win over the Lumpkin County Indians. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since March 5, 2024.

Gunnar Akins
| 02/26/25 vs Lumpkin County | 10 |
| 02/10/25 @ Towns County | 10 |
| 02/14/25 @ Gilmer | 9 |
| 02/24/25 vs Towns County | 4 |
| 02/22/25 @ White County | 2 |
Gunnar Akins made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). He is becoming a predictor of Union County's success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Akins was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Maddox Patton, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Union County is 2-1 when Patton posts two or more runs, but 1-2 otherwise. Cayden Miller was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
The win got Union County back to even at 3-3. As for Lumpkin County, the loss snapped their winning streak at seven games dating back to last season and leaves them with a 6-1 record.
Union County and Lumpkin County's offenses will be put to the test in their next games. Union County will take on Rabun County at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, a squad that's only allowed four runs per game. Meanwhile, Lumpkin County and North Forsyth (who has only given up 3.38 runs per game) will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps