The Toombs County Bulldogs used a clutch seventh-inning home run to secure a 2-1 win over the Dublin Fighting Irish on 2-19-26.

With the game tied 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning, Joseph Owens provided the difference-maker, launching a solo home run to center field to give the Bulldogs a lead they would not relinquish.

Both teams turned in strong performances on the mound in the tightly contested matchup. Toombs County pitchers combined for six strikeouts, while Dublin recorded three.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the third inning when Riley Kersey delivered an RBI single. Dublin responded in the bottom of the sixth as Tal Duke lifted a sacrifice fly to even the score at 1-1.

Ty Hutchinson earned the win for Toombs County, pitching six solid innings. He allowed five hits and one run while striking out four and issuing no walks. Morgan Davis was charged with the loss for Dublin after allowing the go-ahead run in two innings of relief. Jeff Davis started for the Fighting Irish and held the Bulldogs to two hits over four and two-thirds scoreless innings, striking out three and walking five. Owens also recorded the save to close out the game.

At the plate, Owens led Toombs County, finishing 2-for-4 with the game-winning homer. Slade McDonald drew two walks as the Bulldogs showed patience throughout the lineup, earning six walks in the contest. Defensively, Toombs County turned one double play.

Duke paced Dublin offensively with a 2-for-2 performance and one RBI from the three-hole.

Following the game, Head Coach Derek James commended his team’s effort and composure.

“I’m really proud of the way our guys competed tonight,” James said. “Ty gave us a strong start, and we stayed patient at the plate all game. Joseph stepped up in a big moment, and that’s what good teams do — they find a way late.”