The Quitman Bulldogs split a pair of district baseball games with Malakoff last week, bouncing back from a tough loss at home to gain a solid road victory on Friday.

Malakoff took the first game Tuesday in Quitman, thanks to a big offensive push in the fourth inning on the way to their 15-1 win. The game was a defensive battle with Malakoff leading 1-0 until the top of the fourth. Malakoff exploded offensively, scoring 10 runs that were a result of hits and errors by the Bulldog defense.

Despite the tough loss, the Bulldogs managed to collect five hits. Jonas Prather led the effort at the plate, going 2-for-2 and driving in Quitman’s only run. Canin Peppers started on the mound for the Bulldogs and struck out three over the course of three innings. 

Quitman displayed new energy Friday, beating Malakoff 9-4 at Malakoff with strong offense and solid pitching. The Bulldogs jumped out early in the first inning, when Colten Barkdull delivered a two-run single. 

Quitman added to its lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a Malakoff error and a two-run double by Davis Watson to move into the lead, where they would stay.

Watson also got the start on the mound, striking out seven over almost five innings. Logan Davis relieved Watson in the fifth inning and had a strong showing, pitching more than two scoreless innings to secure the win.

Quitman decisively pounded out 10 hits during the game. Davis led the way with three hits, while Watson and Barkdull each drove in three runs. The Bulldogs also showed patience at the plate with eight walks, and were aggressive on the bases, stealing four times. 

Quitman will return to action Friday, March 20, at Winona.