Tucker Leanza’s grand slam helps Terrell Academy get past Tiftarea

DAWSON — Terrell Academy’s Tucker Leanza crushed a grand slam in the second inning of Tuesday’s region matchup against Tiftarea, helping the Eagles claim an 11-9 win over the Panthers at home.

“We played really well today,” said Terrell Academy Head Coach Ashley Walker. “Tiftarea is a really good team. We were able to withstand some punches, and we punched back offensively. We had some huge hits with men on base. I am proud of our guys for executing and competing in big-time spots.”

Despite a first-inning two-run homer from Landon Misamore, the Panthers held a 4-3 lead in the second inning. Hunter Green led off the bottom half of the second with a single to left, and Harrison Dozier reached on an error. One out later, John Mark Irvin singled to right, scoring Green and moving Dozier to third. Misamore was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Leanza, who took the first pitch for a ball before launching the second over the left-field fence for a grand slam.

The Eagles added two more runs in the third inning on RBI singles from Irvin and Misamore, extending the lead to 10-4. Tiftarea rallied with four runs in the sixth, including a two-run homer from Reed Jackson, cutting the deficit to two.

Irvin earned the win on the mound, pitching four innings and allowing six runs on nine hits. He walked five and struck out three. Landon Rogers pitched an inning and a third in relief before Brody Cowart came in to record the save. Cowart pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless baseball, allowing no hits or walks and striking out two.

Leanza led the Eagles at the plate with four hits and four RBIs. Misamore, Irvin, and Jack Douglas added two hits apiece.

The two teams are set to meet again Friday at Tiftarea.