From staff reports

HAMPTON, Ga. ” The Griffin Bears baseball team spotted the Dutchtown Bulldogs a six-run cushion early and their region foes made that stand up, defeating the Bears 8-4 Friday night in Region 4-AAAA action.

Jeremy Holcomb was the losing pitcher for the Bears, even though he only gave up two hits during Dutchtown’s eight-run outburst in the first inning.

The Bears (9-10 overall, 8-4 region) had several errors and passed balls in the contest that led to several runs for the Bulldogs (14-7, 10-3) in the first.

Griffin started the game in style, with Telvin Nash smacking a two-run home run in the top of the first for a 2-0 lead. It was the last lead Griffin would enjoy.

A Theo Tramontana sacrifice fly in the fifth made it 8-3 in favor of Dutchtown. Jacoby Beckham scored on a wild pitch in the sixth for the final 8-4 margin.

Despite consecutive losses, the Bears are still in the state playoff hunt ” they are currently in fourth place in the region standings, with the North Clayton Eagles breathing down their necks at 7-5 in region play.

Griffin does have a chance to make up some ground: Its next two scheduled games are at home ” Tuesday, April 28 against Alcovy and Friday, May 1 against North Clayton. The Bears still have make up games scheduled against Forest Park and Dutchtown to complete their region schedule.