Warrior Baseball Completes Late Inning Comeback Against Social Circle

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Walnut Grove Warriors defeated the Social Circle Redskins in a dogfight, winning 4–1 due to late-inning heroics at the plate.​
by Drew Caraway and Ty Cameron

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Walnut Grove Warriors defeated the Social Circle Redskins in a dogfight, winning 4–1 due to late-inning heroics at the plate.

Game Recap (Stats from MaxPreps)
In a midweek clash between the Walnut Grove Warriors and the Social Circle Redskins, the game featured an incredible pitchers' duel between the Warriors’ #4, Branson Blalock, and the Redskins’ #14, Jake Frachiseur. After both pitchers threw one-two-three innings, the first inning ended scoreless. The Redskins scored in the second inning off two errors—one each from Branson Blalock and shortstop Nico Culotta. The score remained 1–0 in favor of the Redskins until the bottom of the 6th inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Warriors erupted, scoring four runs. Second baseman Brayden Kelly hit a single through the first-base side, and after a wild throw to first base, Kelly advanced to third to put a runner on third with no outs. Blalock drew a walk and was pinch-run for. #8 Sean Martell grounded out to first, and Brayden Kelly was called out at home after a fielder’s choice. Nico Culotta then knocked a single off the shortstop’s glove, and #17 Ethan Kennedy scored to make the ballgame 2–1.

#7 Jarrod Cook drew a walk to load the bases. #1 Cole Roberts drew another walk to drive in a run, making it 3–1. Culotta then scored on a sacrifice fly from #19 Cade Riffle to make it 4–1. The inning ended with the Warriors leading 4–1 heading into the final frame.

In a surprising move, Coach Carl Allen kept his ace, Branson Blalock, out for the 7th and final inning. Blalock made quick work of the Social Circle batters. After a pop-out, a strikeout, and a scary collision in right field—which resulted in an out and, thankfully, both fielders being okay—the Warriors defeated the Redskins 4–1.

Player Highlights
#4 Branson Blalock was dominant on the mound, throwing 97 pitches, going all seven innings, and striking out ten batters while only allowing two hits and a walk. Cole Roberts was electric, breaking up the Social Circle no-hitter as well as driving in a run.

Outfielder Sean Martell, a junior, expected the comeback in the 6th. He says, “We were hitting the ball well all game. We knew we were confident, so we knew we could do it.” He thought it was a “pretty good game,” although he added, “we should have won by more.”

Coach Cody Tait, first base coach and assistant coach, talked about improving going forward. He said, “I think just being consistent as a team... no matter the opponent we play. We always want to be level-headed with whoever we’re playing, not worrying about what their record is, [and] just worrying about us. Our brand of baseball and playing really good baseball.”

The Warriors will play again on Tuesday, March 10, as region play opens against the Eastside Eagles here at home. Come out and support your Warriors!

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