By Greg Sullivan
Sports Editor

The Diamond Dogs are still in the thick of things in the region, but they missed a chance to really shake things up Friday night at North Oconee.
The Dogs were coming off a 10-8 win earlier in the week over Washington-Wilkes, the Dogs' third win in a row, but they couldn't keep things going against the Titans (8-4, 7-0), who remain unbeaten in region play.
Michael Vogel gave up five hits and no earned runs for North Oconee as the Dogs fell short 6-3 in Bogart. Justin Driscoll and Taylor Hicks each went 1-2 and had 2 RBI for the Titans.
Clay Duvall pitched five innings for the Dogs, allowing just four hits but five runs in a loss where the Dogs out-hit their opponent. His brother, Caleb, came in for the sixth allowing no earned runs in an inning.
Clay Duvall led the Dogs' effort at the plate, going 3 for 4. Bobby Patrick and Parker Cline both went 1-4 and had an RBI.
"Offensively, we hit the ball all night, but we couldn't get that key hit when we needed it," said Morgan County Head Coach Brandon Patch. "Even though we out-hit North in the game, they were able to get hits at the right time and that was the difference."
Patch said he thought Clay Duvall's pitching was a bright spot for his team in the game.
"Clay was really sharp in this game," Patch said. "He did a great job of changing speeds and keeping North off-balance. Our defense continues to improve. We allowed only one error and there were several fine defensive plays throughout the game."
The Dogs (5-7, 4-3) will look to bounce back from the tough loss with more region games this week. The Dogs hosted Oglethorpe on Tuesday, they visit Putnam on Thursday and host Greene County Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Last Wednesday the Dogs beat Washington-Wilkes 10-8 behind a combined six RBI from Jon Jones and Dylan Jaskowiak.
Olin Watkins pitched the first four-and-a-third innings, giving up just two earned runs. Caleb Duvall closed things out to pick up the win.
Jaskowiak went 2-3 with a home run and two RBI. Jon Jones wen 2-3 with three RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored. Clay Duvall went 2-4 with a stolen base. Cline and Patrick each had a hit and an RBI. Also picking up hits for the Dogs were J.D. Hawkins, Tyler Ward and Drew Stapleton.
"Watkins gave us a quality start and kept the game close," Patch said. "Caleb came in and got the win after we scored three runs in the sixth inning to take the lead. There were several lead changes throughout the game. We did a nice job battling and staying focused to pick up the win."