By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

FRANKLIN FURNACE — The Green Bobcats conserved their energy.

The Bobcats did just enough as they rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning to edge the South Point Pointers 4-3 Tuesday in the season opener for both teams.

“We played well enough to win,” said Green coach Dan McDavid.

South Point took a 3-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning on a walk, a sacrifice and Kyle Winkler’s base hit.

But Green came back with a two-out rally in its half of the inning to get the win.

Tyler Hughes and Robbie Applegate walked, T.J. McCloud was hit by a pitch and Matt Ratcliff hit into a fielder’s choice with McCloud beating the throw to second base that enabled Hughes to tie the game.

Keith Stepp then singled to drive in Applegate with the winning run.

The Pointers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Kyle Dickess had an RBI single and then pulled off a double steal with Caleb Esque who scored from third.

Green got a run in the bottom of the inning when Hughes singled, moved up on a passed ball and scored on McCloud’s base hit.

Colton Brammer singled, took second on a wild pitch and came home on a double by Hughes to tie the game in the second.

McCloud went the distance for the win. He struck out 11, walked four and gave up only four hits.

Stepp and Hughes were 2-3 as Green had eight hits.

Dickess was 2-2 for the Pointers.

The Bobcats host East Friday.

South Point 200 000 1 = 3 4 3

Green 110 000 2 = 4 8 3

Kyle Dickess, Gregory (5) and Rann. T.J. McCloud and Matt Ratcliff. W-McCloud (11-K, 4-BB). L-Gregory (K-3, B-3, HBP-1, H-3). Dickess K-6, BB-0 H-5. 2B-SP: Austin Jeffreys; Green: Tyler Hughes. Hitting-South Point: Austin Jeffreys 1-3, Kyle Winkler 1-4 rbi, Kyle Dickess 2-2 rbi; Green: Tyler Hughes 2-3 rbi, Keith Stepp 2-3 rbi, Matt Ratcliff 1-4, T.J. McCloud 1-2 rbi, Brian Ratcliff 1-3, Colton Brammer 1-3.