In baseball, coaches often speak of the need to have quality pitching, defense and timely offense in order to have a chance to win.
However, when Winder-Barrow and Loganville clash this week to determine the No. 1 seed from Region 8-AAAA, will the best-of-three series come down to those simple things. Will other elements play a factor?
After pausing a moment to reflect, Diamond Doggs coach Brian Smith said, “That’s a good question. It was a great baseball game the last time we played. In the end, pitching, defense and timely hitting will be what decides it.”
LHS went through the regular season a perfect 14-0 against Region 8-AAAA opponents (including a one-run win in the seventh inning against WBHS). The Red Devils were 8-0 in Region 8-AAAA South.
Likewise, WBHS was 10-0 in Region 8-AAAA North and 14-1 overall in region (the one loss to LHS).
The series has all the makings of a classic high school baseball showdown with plenty at stake.
“We didn’t see their ace the first time we met,” Smith said. “I expect them to bring everything they have now.”
In breaking down the Red Devils, Smith said to win at a consistent basis season in and season out is what makes Loganville’s program so impressive.
“They’ve been good for years,” Smith said. “Having a couple of pitchers who throw 90 certainly makes you good. However, Coach (Jeff) Segars has it down to a science. They are always going to be competitive with him there. This is going to really help us prepare for the playoffs.”
The Diamond Doggs will be without one of their top offensive and defensive players as Max Pentecost has been lost for the season due to injury. While his loss is big, Smith said freshman Christian Hodge has done well stepping into the big shoes left by Pentecost.
“Christian’s tough,” Smith said. “He’s shown what he is capable of doing. I think if we play with heart and desire like we have been doing then we can compete with anybody. We just need to have everything working in our favor.”
In addition to Pentecost, Ryan Brown suffered a right forearm sprain against Apalachee last week and is trying to get to 100 percent, Smith said.
Going into the season, WBHS set a goal of winning its subregion. That goal has been reached.
“We know we are guaranteed a playoff spot,” Smith said. “That takes some of the pressure off of us and we can now focus on the pride factor with us and Loganville. It would be nice to play a No. 4 seed in the opening round of state but already knowing we will be there and be at home is something which helps.”
Loganville is loaded with quality pitchers including Kenneth Anderson (Senior, left hander), Garrett Ford, (Junior LHP), Christian Miller (Junior LHP), Heath Holder (Senior RHP) and Spencer Thomas (Senior RHP.)
Leading the way offensively for the Red Devils in 2011 have been senior second baseman Cody McCance; senior catcher Brian Jacobs, Holder and Anderson.
“Both teams are solid on the mound, in the field and at the plate,” said LHS coach Jeff Segars. “We learned they have a few guys at the bottom of the order that could really hit. Winder always has good players and are well coached.”
Segars said his players know all too well what is at stake.
“Being the number one seed is nice because you win the region which is always special,” the Red Devil mentor said. “In regards to playoffs, it puts you on the road more if you advance. Sometimes that is not a bad thing in regards to responsibilities and distractions.”
