This is familiar territory for the Winder-Barrow High School baseball team.
Coach Brian Smith’s Diamond Doggs will enter the state playoffs this week, hosting Chamblee in a best-of-three series beginning Friday at 3:30 p.m. A doubleheader is set for Friday with the third game, if necessary, to be played early Saturday afternoon.
Smith was still gathering information on the opening-round opponent earlier this week but the WBHS coach said he knows Chamblee will be formidable.
“Anyone who is in the state playoffs has a chance to beat you,” the coach said. “They have some prospects in their lineup.”
One key for the Bulldoggs, Smith said, will be to concentrate on what they are capable of doing.
“We just need to go out and play our game,” the coach said. “If we do that, we will be OK.”
Competing in the postseason is always a goal for the WBHS program. Once again the players are eager to compete and be able to do so at home.
“Now that we are here, we have to step it up,” said Taylor Keinat. “This team is the most bonded one I believe Winder-Barrow has had in a long time. We have so much heart and always come out fighting and working hard. This week leading up to the first round, we’re going to practice and work to achieve that goal that we set at the beginning of the season, which is to be playing our best baseball and to go deep in the playoffs. The fan and community support have also been great this year and we are looking forward to their support as we begin our playoff run on Friday.”
The preseason goal of hosting a state series has been accomplished. Smith said playing at home is vital in the postseason.
“It’s about knowing your own field and the playing surface and having done so much practice on it,” Smith said. “Plus the atmosphere is even bigger, The fans fill our bleachers and are in the outfield.”
Earning the right to host is fun for the players and fans, Smith said.
“It will be a great environment,” the coach said. “Hopefully we can win the series and give everyone who turns out something to be really excited about.”
WBHS athletic director Justin Grant said admission will be $7 each day, as set by the Georgia High School Association. The first game Thursday is at 3:30 p.m.
