BUDE – The Southeast Lauderdale Tigers came into “The Swamp” Thursday night knowing they just needed one game to win the series.

The Tigers provided some key big hits and relied on their smooth defense to defeat Franklin County 9-3 to complete the sweep in the second round of the Class 3A State Playoffs.

FCHS Bulldogs concluded their season with 14-8 record overall.

The Bulldogs, coached by Brent Calcote, suffered a 4-1 loss at SE Lauderdale on Tuesday in game one of the series.

Franklin County pitcher Chris Cantrell absorbed the defeat despite pitching a solid game. Like his teammate Jacob McDaniel, who was defeated on the mound in game one, both pitchers provided the Bulldogs a glimpse of a bright future ahead.

DeMarte Collins, the Bulldogs’ speedy sophomore centerfielder, had a double in the contest while Graham Cowart, Antonio Christmas and Will Mofett each hit safely in the game.

FC and SE Lauderdale were tied 3-all in the first three innings, before the visitors scored two runs in the fourth and one more run in the fifth inning to take a 6-3 lead.

Franklin High had several chances to take the lead, loading the bases twice, but failed to score any runs.