Diamond Doggs learning as they go in 2012

“It was a good experience for us,” Smith said of the trip to Augusta. “We have played some good teams this season. We are still finding out the little things we need to do to make a difference and be a better team.”

Three games into the new season, Smith said none of his players have surprised him with how well they have performed.

“I know my players so well that I don’t think anything anyone of them has accomplished has been a surprise,” Smith said. “No one has surprised us in a good or bad way. We just know we have five more non-region games before it really counts. Our long-term goal is to make the playoffs. That’s what we are focusing on.”

One bright spot for the Bulldoggs Saturday was the return of Travis Demeritte, even in a limited role. The junior, who did not dress out for the opener against Stephens County, did see action in Augusta and had a home run and RBI single.

“It was good to have him swinging the bat,” Smith said.

Even with the team at 0-3, Smith still believes in taking the road of tough opposition.

“This may be the toughest non-region schedule we’ve had,” Smith said. “Our goal is to let them face the best opposition they can. We want them to be tested so they won’t get shaken once the region schedule arrives. Once you get into region play and the playoffs, you have to be ready to face quality opposition each time you take the field.”