Toombs County battled from start to finish Tuesday night, but Brunswick’s late comeback proved to be the difference as the Lady Pirates edged the Bulldogs 3-2 at Brunswick High School.

Toombs County grabbed the lead in the top of the third inning when Taylor Bland launched a two-run home run to left field, putting the Bulldogs ahead 2-1.

The Bulldogs carried that advantage into the bottom of the fifth before Brunswick rallied. Hannah Landers delivered a two-run double to put the Lady Pirates back in front 3-2. Toombs County was unable to answer in the final two innings.

Both pitchers turned in strong performances. Bland went six innings for Toombs County, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out three and walking one. All three runs were unearned. Brunswick’s Kaley Tiner earned the win, allowing four hits and two unearned runs over seven innings while striking out three and walking one.

Bland also led the Bulldogs offensively, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Peyton Bland, Elly Haygood and Saige White each added a hit.

Toombs County played a clean defensive game, committing no errors.

Coach Brant said: “I’m proud of the way our girls competed tonight. We had our chances and played a really clean game defensively. Taylor gave us a great performance in the circle and came up big offensively with the home run. We just didn’t finish the game the way we needed to. That’s something we’ll learn from, and I know this group will respond.”

Toombs County will look to bounce back Thursday when the Bulldogs welcome Montgomery County for a 6 p.m. home game.