Diamond Doggs look to subregion schedule

“That win was a big step for us in the right direction,” Smith said. “Everyone poured everything they had into that game. We still need to improve some defensively and we will be working on that this week.”

The win against Dacula helped show WBHS (2-5 overall) it could rally for a victory. The Bulldoggs fell behind 4-0 but continued battling.

Dalton Carter earned the win working five innings. Another positive sign for Smith and his program was the fact junior Travis Demeritte, who has battled an ankle injury, saw pitching work for the first time in 2012.

“Travis is closer to being 100 percent,” Smith said. “He played a big role in the Dacula win and pitched very well in the last two innings for us.”

As WBHS prepares to enter the subregion stage of its season, Smith said he doesn’t expect there to be many surprises in who will be a challenger for the postseason.

“The teams we have expected to do well this season are doing well,” Smith said. “It is going to be a challenge. Nobody is weak. I think we are going to have to fight to get back in the playoffs.”

The Diamond Doggs will host Rockdale County Friday at 5:55 p.m. Smith said RCHS Bulldog pitcher Aaron Barfield returns and will likely face WBHS.

“Rockdale has been beating up on people,” Smith said.

Earlier this week, Smith said he was still determining who he would use as his starting pitcher Friday. Demeritte is still not at full strength pitching-wise because of his ankle.

“It’s important to get everyone in a routine for when they are going to pitch,” Smith said.

Following the game with Rockdale County, WBHS will face Habersham Central in a back-to-back series Monday and Wednesday. The teams will play in Winder Monday and then again in Mt. Airy two days later.