WINCHESTER, Tenn. — The Franklin County Rebels showed resilience Monday night, battling back late to secure a 6-5 win over the Forrest Rockets at home for their 13th victory of the season.
After building a three-run lead, the Rebels saw momentum shift in the top of the sixth inning when Forrest capitalized on four consecutive baserunners—two singles, a double, and an error—to plate four runs and take a 5-4 lead.
Franklin County answered immediately.
Connor Parker was hit by a pitch to open the bottom of the sixth, and after a fielder’s choice, Braden Jackson and Gavin McBee drew back-to-back walks to load the bases with one out. Layton Jones then delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing home the tying run. On the same play, a defensive error allowed the go-ahead run to score, flipping the lead back in favor of the Rebels at 6-5.
The Rebels shut the door in the seventh, retiring the Rockets in order to secure the narrow victory.
Franklin County responded quickly throughout the night. After Forrest took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, Avery Jackson answered with a two-out RBI single in the bottom half to even the score. The Rebels later surged ahead in the fifth inning behind an RBI single from Jones and a two-run single from Ayden Hodosi, building a 4-1 advantage before the sixth-inning swing.
On the mound, Gus Gardner worked the first five innings, striking out seven while allowing seven hits and three earned runs. Cameron Denton was strong in relief, tossing two scoreless innings with one strikeout to earn the save.
With the win, Franklin County improves to 13-8 on the season and continues to build momentum as district play intensifies.
The Rebels will travel to Forrest on Tuesday for a rematch, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.
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