By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

PEARL — George County needs a win to stay alive Wednesday night.

And that makes the battle between the defending Class 6A state champs and Saltillo in game two of the state championship series the “Sonic of South Mississippi Big Game of the Week”.

The Tigers won game one Tuesday night 4-3 in eight innings, and can clinch their second state title in four years with either another win on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., back here at Trustmark Park or one Saturday in game three at 10 a.m., if needed.

George County is trying to win back-to-back state titles on the diamond for the first time in school history and the third time overall. Saltillo is attempting to win its sixth overall state title.

In game one, Saltillo scored four runs over the final three innings to slip past GCHS George County.

Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, Saltillo tied the game with two runs and walked it off in the eighth on an RBI single.

George County built a 3-0 lead with a run in the first and two in the fourth. Blaine Green went 2-for-3 with an RBI double, and Tripp Lightsey added a run-scoring single.

Preston McAdory started on the mound for the Rebels and struck out nine over six innings, allowing one hit and two earned runs with four walks.

Saltillo was held hitless until the sixth but capitalized late. The Tigers drew four walks and struck out 11 times, but made the most of their five hits.

Jordan Evers pitched seven innings for Saltillo, giving up four hits and three earned runs with six strikeouts and one walk. Korbin Sheffield earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning in relief.

Sonic Drive In of South Mississippi has long been a staunch supporter of prep sports in the “Southern Six” and all across the Southeast. There are several Sonic locations for all of your pre-game and post-game meal needs if you’re heading to Pearl for the big game tonight.