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Posted 4/29/19 Updated 5/1/19 at 4:28 p.m.
Redan will play at Fannin County in the Class 3A second round best-of-three series that starts on May 1.
GHSA baseball moves into second round
The second round of the Georgia High School Association state baseball playoffs is scheduled for May 2-3 unless otherwise noted. Here is
Class 7A Lassiter (14-19) at Newnan (21-9) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Lassiter -- Kyle Rustay; Newnan -- Marc Gilmore How they got here: Lassiter defeated Colquitt County in three games to win its first round series. Newnan defeated North Cobb in Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Brookwood-Grayson series. Outlook: Lassiter broke out the offense to defeat Colquitt County 13-2 in Game 3 of its first round series. The Trojans are in the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brookwood (23-9) at Grayson (24-9) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Brookwood -- Titus Martin; Grayson -- Jed Hixson How they got here: Brookwood defeated Mountain View 7-6 and 3-1 to sweep its first round series. Grayson defeated Lambert in Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Lassiter-Newnan series. Outlook: An All-Gwinnett second round series. Brookwood scored a huge sweep in the first round over another Gwinnett County rival ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Woodstock (22-10) at Hillgrove (26-7) When: Wednesday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 5:55 p.m. Coaches: Woodstock -- Jeff Brown; Hillgrove -- David Richardson How they got here: Woodstock defeated Camden County 10-4 and 10-6 to sweep its first round series. Hillgrove defeated Wheeler in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Mill Creek-Milton series. Outlook: This is an intriguing matchup that will live up to the hype. Woodstock is in the second round for the third straight year. The Wolverines don't have the pitching depth like they had in previous years, but senior pitcher Josiah Siegel has been lethal. On offense, infielder Brennan Milone is having an exceptional season. Hillgrove's talented seniors have helped the Hawks win 26 games and capture the Region 3 title. Hillgrove will be tough in a three-game series, ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Mill Creek (21-12) at Milton (23-7) When: Wednesday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Mill Creek -- Doug Jones; Milton -- Jeff Heusing How they got here: Mill Creek defeated Norcross in three games to win its first round series. Milton defeated Rockdale County 11-1 and 13-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Woodstock-Hillgrove series. Outlook: After finishing as the Class 7A state runner-up last year, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Mill Creek. But the Hawks have won 21 games and are playing well. A senior-led Milton squad has helped the Eagles to their best season since 2013 when the school won its last state championship. Don't be surprised if this season goes three games. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ North Paulding (25-6) at Walton (23-9-1) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:55 p.m. Coaches: North Paulding -- Dennis Jordan; Walton -- Shane Amos How they got here: North Paulding defeated Campbell 11-1 and 11-0 to sweep its first round series. Walton defeated Collins Hill 9-1 and 10-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the North Forsyth-Parkview series. Outlook: The spotlight will be on a pair of great pitching staffs during this series. North Paulding's Zach Maxwell and Mitchell Heer have dominated, while Walton pitchers William Marconi and Bobby Spencer have been tough on opponents. The offense isn't too shabby either. North Paulding's Mickey Maguire and Walton's Luke Boynton and Jared Jones have put up some impressive offensive numbers. This is a series that will be played too early in the postseason. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ North Forsyth (18-12) at Parkview (28-4) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: North Forsyth -- Jim Cahill; Parkview -- Chan Brown How they got here: North Forsyth defeated Archer 4-1 and 2-1 to sweep its first round series. Parkview defeated Peachtree Ridge 2-1 and 6-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the North Paulding-Walton series. Outlook: North Forsyth has played well this season and pitchers Anthony DiMola and Brody Westbrooks have led the charge. Infielder Garrett Staton has been solid at the plate. Parkview has won eight straight. Pitchers Xander Stephens and Miles Garrett have made life tough on opposing hitters. North Forsyth will be a challenge. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Etowah (21-11) at Kennesaw Mountain (21-10-1) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Etowah -- Greg Robinson; Kennesaw Mountain -- George Hansen How they got here: Etowah defeated Lowndes 6-0 and 12-2 to sweep its first round series. Kennesaw Mountain defeated East Coweta 3-0 and 4-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Forsyth Central-North Gwinnett series. Outlook: Etowah is the last of the remaining No. 4 seeds in the Class 7A playoff bracket. The Eagles made it look easy in a sweep of Lowndes last week, helping coach Greg Robinson win his 400th career baseball game. Kennesaw Mountain also made quick work of East Coweta last week. This series could easily go three games. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Forsyth Central (18-9) at North Gwinnett (27-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Forsyth Central -- Kevin McCollum; North Gwinnett -- Ryan Moity How they got here: Forsyth Central defeated South Gwinnett 15-0 and 8-1 to sweep its first round series. North Gwinnett defeated Lakeside-DeKalb 13-2 and 10-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Etowah-Kennesaw Mountain series. Outlook: A year after missing the postseason last year, Forsyth Central is back in the playoffs and has won six of its past seven games. But North Gwinnett is having another strong season. Two of their five losses were in extra innings. North Gwinnett has been ranked in the Top 5 of the Class 7A polls all season. Keep an eye on this series. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 6A Valdosta (23-8) at Effingham County (26-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: Valdosta -- Brad Porter; Effingham County -- Chris Johnson How they got here: Valdosta defeated MLK 17-0 and 15-0 to sweep its first round series. Effingham County defeated Lakeside-Evans 4-3 and 11-5 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the River Ridge-Winder-Barrow series. Outlook: Valdosta broke out the offense in a big way in the first round, combining to outscore MLK 32-0 in a two-game sweep. The Wildcats have been led offensively by Colby Thomas and Cory McCann and on the mound by Jude Ard and Avery Stephens. Effingham County sports a senior-led team that has played well this season and won the Region 2 title. The Rebels have lost just five times this year -- Wayne County, Metter, Winder-Barrow, Glynn Academy and Richmond Hill. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ River Ridge (18-13) at Winder-Barrow (28-3) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: River Ridge -- Scott Bradley; Winder-Barrow -- Brian Smith How they got here: River Ridge defeated Cambridge in three games in its first round series. Winder-Barrow defeated Creekside 8-2 and 13-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Valdosta-Effingham County series. Outlook: After starting the season 0-7, River Ridge rebounded to make the playoffs and has won six of its last seven. The Knights are playing their best baseball at the right time. They will meet the hottest team in Class 6A. Winder-Barrow has won 20 straight and they haven't lost since falling to Bob Jones (Ala.) in the Perfect Game Showdown on March 9. The Bulldoggs are led on the mound by pitchers Zack Smith and Cain Tatum. Keep an eye on Class of 2021 prospect Brady House, one of the top hitters in the state. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Coffee (14-17) at Heritage-Conyers (23-5) When: Thursday (DH), 3 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 1 p.m. Coaches: Coffee -- Sy Jones; Heritage-Conyers -- Shane Ramsey How they got here: Coffee defeated Tucker 16-4 and 13-3 to sweep its first round series. Heritage-Conyers defeated Glynn Academy 1-0 and 7-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Allatoona-Alexander series. Outlook: Coffee has won six of eight and easily won its first round series. But things will get much tougher against Heritage, who captured its second straight Region 3 title behind a dominant pitching staff and a clutch-hitting team. In the Patriots' 10-game winning streak, Heritage pitchers have tossed six shutouts. Junior pitcher Wes Lott has been a staple this season for Coffee. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Allatoona (21-10) at Alexander (26-5) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Allatoona -- Keith Hansen; Alexander -- Zach Romain How they got here: Allatoona defeated Alpharetta 2-1 and 12-0 to sweep its first round series. Alexander defeated Apalachee in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Coffee-Heritage-Conyers series. Outlook: Allatoona has won five of its last six, and after beating Alpharetta 2-1 in nine innings in Game 1 of its first round series, the Buccaneers rolled in Game 2 to sweep the series. Alexander needed three games to oust pesky Apalachee. The Region 5 champions were riding an 11-game winning streak before Apalachee took the first game of the first round series. The Cougars have quietly put up some impressive mumbers this season. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Lee County (17-16) at Greenbrier (21-8) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Lee County -- Brian Trivette; Greenbrier -- David Barnes How they got here: Lee County defeated Stephenson in three games to win its first round series. Greenbrier defeated Brunswick 12-2 and 12-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Dacula-Pope series. Outlook: Lee County defeated Region 4 champion Stephenson last week in its first round series. The young Trojans are in the second round for the sixth straight season, These two teams met last year in the second round in Leesburg with Greenbrier sweeping the two-game series. The Wolfpack's 1-2 pitching combo of Bryce Melear and Chase Dollander has been tough on the opposition. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Dacula (17-17) at Pope (25-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: Dacula -- Scott Gaffney; Pope -- Jeff Rowland How they got here: Dacula defeated Northgate in three games to win its first round series. Pope defeated Creekview in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Greenbrier-Lee County series. Outlook: Dacula has won eight of its last 12 and scored a one-run victory over Northgate in Game 3 of its first round series to advance. It has been a strange season for Pope. The Greyhounds dug themselves into a hole in the region standings before rallying to win the Region 7 title. Then they needed a walkoff single in their last at-bat to beat Creekview 8-7 in Game 3 of their first-round series. This could be an interesting series. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Grovetown (15-8) at Houston County (21-10) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Grovetown -- Nick Wandless; Houston County -- Matt Hopkins How they got here: Grovetown defeated Richmond Hill 6-5 and 9-4 to sweep its first round series. Houston County defeated Mount Zion-Jonesboro 15-0 and 14-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the South Paulding-Harrison series. Outlook: Just like last season, Grovetown is hot at the right time. The Warriors swept a very good Richmond Hill team last week to earn a date with Houston County. The Bears weren't challenged in a sweep of Mount Zion-Jonesboro last week and combined to score 29 runs in the two games. Houston County has won eight straight, but Grovetown will present a challenge. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ South Paulding (26-5) at Harrison (24-6) When: Wednesday (DH), 5 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: South Paulding -- Jay Sneddon; Harrison -- Mark Elkins How they got here: South Paulding defeated Habersham Central 7-6 and 6-2 to sweep its first round series. Harrison defeated Dunwoody 15-5 and 4-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Grovetown-Houston County series. Outlook: South Paulding has won 15 of its last 16 and eight straight, including a sweep of Habersham Central last week in the first round. The Spartans, however, will get a stiff test from Region 6 champion Harrison, who has won eight in a row as well. Four of Harrison six losses this season were to schools who play in Class 7A. The Hoyas are one of the teams to beat in Class 6A. They are playing as well as anybody right now. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 5A Thomas County Central (26-4) at Wayne County (19-12) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Thomas County Central -- Ryan Strickland; Wayne County -- Justin McDonald How they got here: Thomas County Central defeated Jones County 6-4 and 4-2 to sweep its first round series. Wayne County defeated Fayette County 8-0 and 11-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Carrollton-Loganville series. Outlook: Thomas County Central has lost just four games this season -- three to Harris County and one to Starr's Mill. The Jackets 1-2 pitching punch of RJ Delaney and Pace Mercer has been solid this season. TCC is having its best season in three years. Wayne County has won four straight and defeated South Effingham two of three in a key three-game set the last week of the regular season to win the Region 2 title. The Jackets finished as the Class 5A state runner-up in 2017. Several members of the current team played a role on that team. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Carrollton (26-5) at Loganville (23-6) When: Thursday (DH), 3:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Carrollton -- Scott Johnson; Loganville -- Jeff Segars How they got here: Carrollton defeated North Springs 7-1 and 12-0 to sweep its first round series. Loganville defeated Lithonia 11-3 and 13-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Thomas County Central-Wayne County series. Outlook: Carrollton has been red-hot and hasn't lost since March 27. The Trojans are riding an 11-game winning streak and playing their best baseball at the right time. Loganville has won eight in a row and is seeking to make it back to the state championship series for the fourth straight season. The two-time defending state champions have gotten solid pitching as usual this year. Look for that trend to continue. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Locust Grove (20-8) at Starr's Mill (28-4) When: Wednesday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Locust Grove -- Stephen Phillips; Starr's Mill -- Brent Moseley How they got here: Locust Grove defeated Bainbridge 7-0 and 11-3 to sweep its first round series. Starr's Mill defeated Ware County 2-1 and 3-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Riverwood-Southwest DeKalb series. Outlook: Locust Grove hasn't lost in the month of April and has won eight in a row. The Wildcats have been led by pitcher/outfielder Luke Welborn, who is having a monster season. Starr's Mill struggled to beat Ware County last week, ousting the Gators in a pair of one-run victories. The young Panthers have exceeded preseason goals and look to take things a step farther. Shortstop Brian Port has led Starr's Mill at the plate. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Riverwood (23-4) at Southwest DeKalb (17-4) When: Thursday (DH), 2 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Riverwood -- Trey Henson; Southwest DeKalb -- Tyrus Taylor How they got here: Riverwood defeated East Paulding in three games to win its first round series. Southwest DeKalb defeated Clarke Central 16-6 and 16-6 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Locust Grove-Starr's Mill series. Outlook: Since dropping a pair of games to Decatur that cost Riverwood the Region 6 title, the Raiders have won five of their last six, including a 12-2 victory over East Paulding in Game 3 to help Riverwood win the best-of-three first round series. The Raiders' pitching punch of Brett Thomas and Allen Grier has been strong. Southwest Dekalb scored a combined 32 runs to sweep past Clarke Central in the first round. It was the Panthers' first postseason baseball series victory in 41 years. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ McIntosh (21-9) at Ola (23-9) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: McIntosh -- Tom Kelley; Ola -- Beau Edwards How they got here: McIntosh defeated South Effingham 6-5 and 5-2 to sweep its first round series. Ola defeated Veterans 10-0 and 10-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Buford-Kell series. Outlook: McIntosh has won five of its last six. Its lone loss during that stretch was an 8-1 setback to Ola on April 20 in its regular-season finale at SunTrust Park. Ola won the Region 4 crown with a strong group of seniors -- Dalton Thomas, Evan Boyle and Tyler Richardson, Junior Patrick Holloman is a player to keep an eye on. Ola won 10 of 12 in the month of April. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Buford (20-10) at Kell (25-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:55 p.m. Coaches: Buford -- Stuart Chester; Kell -- Todd Harris How they got here: Buford defeated Arabia Mountain 13-3 and 15-0 to sweep its first round series. Kell defeated Maynard Jackson 15-0 and 14-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the McIntosh-Ola series. Outlook: The Wolves combined to outscore Arabia Mountain by a combined 28-3 in its first round series victory. Buford has won six of its last seven since dropping a one-run game to Walnut Grove on April 10. Kell has been on an offensive tear of late and they will need to continue against Buford's strong pitching rotation. The Longhorns held on to win the rugged Region 7 crown. This could be one of the best second round series in Class 5A. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Whitewater (19-10) at Harris County (22-8) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Whitewater -- Rusty Bennett; Harris County -- Steve Westmoreland How they got here: Whitewater defeated Statesboro in three games to win its first round series. Harris County defeated Union Grove in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Walnut Grove-Decatur series. Outlook: Whitewater defeated Statesboro in Game 3, 3-0, to advance to the second round for the second straight season. The Wildcats have won nine of their past 12 games. Harris County won the Region 1 title and went unbeaten in region play. Four of the team's eight losses came against higher classification Alabama schools. Harris County has won for of its last five games. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Walnut Grove (19-9) at Decatur (26-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Walnut Grove -- Carl Allen; Decatur -- Robby Gilbert How they got here: Walnut Grove defeated Chamblee 7-0 and 6-2 to win its first round series. Decatur defeated Rome 4-1 and 10-0 to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Whitewater-Harris County series. Outlook: Walnut Grove is one of the team's not many want to see in the playoffs. The Warriors are playing well as evidenced in their 2-1 victory over Buford on April 10 in a key Region 8 contest. Decatur has won 18 of 21 and has played well in what was labeled a rebuilding year. The Bulldogs have been led by junior slugger Jordan Walker and pitcher Jalen Paden. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 4A Columbus (22-7) at Mary Persons (25-7) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Columbus -- Chad Mathis; Mary Persons -- Clae Mathis How they got here: Columbus defeated Hampton 10-0 and 18-1 to sweep its first round series; Mary Persons defeated Richmond Academy 14-0 and 11-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Marist-North Oconee series. Outlook: Since a three-game losing skid in early March, Columbus High has won 16 in a row and is playing perhaps its best baseball of the season. Since Columbus won three straight state titles from 2010-12, the tradition-rich Blue Devils haven't made it past the quarterfinal round since. Mary Persons may be a year ahead of schedlule. The Bulldogs have won six straight, including a three-game sweep pf Upson-Lee the final week of the season to win the Region 2 title. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Marist (25-6) at North Oconee (20-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Marist -- Mike Strickland; North Oconee -- Jay Lasley How they got here: Marist defeated Pickens 6-4 and 16-10 to sweep its first round series. North Oconee defeated Cedartown 16-7 and 3-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Columbus-Mary Persons series. Outlook: Marist has won nine of its past 10 with its only loss being a one-run setback to top-ranked Blessed Trinity which cost the War Eagles the Region 7 title. In what was supposed to be somewhat of a rebuilding season, North Oconee captured the Region 8 title with ease. The Titans have won nine straight and have been led offensively by Will Pearson and Dom Hughes. This series could be as good it gets in Class 4A. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Perry (11-19) at Northside-Columbus (24-7) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Northside-- Dee Miller; Perry -- TJ Hutchens How they got here: Northside defeated Eastside 8-1 and 10-0 to sweep its first round series. Perry defeated Burke County in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Flowery Branch-Cartersville series. Outlook: Perry is one of two No. 4 seeds still alive in the Class 4A playoffs. The Panthers run-ruled Burke County 17-7 in Game 3 to take the first round series. Northside has won 12 of 13 and seven straight, including a sweep of Region 4 runner-up Eastside last week in the first round. The Patriots are a very dangerous team and could be a sleeper in the state playoffs. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Flowery Branch (16-12-2) at Cartersville (26-4) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Flowery Branch -- Joey Ray; Cartersville -- Kyle Tucker How they got here: Flowery Branch defeated Heritage-Catoosa 4-2 and 9-0 to sweep its first round series. Cartersville defeated Oconee County 10-0 and 5-0 to sweep itsw first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Perry-Northside-Columbus series. Outlook: This matchup will be one of the best in the classification and features some of the nation's top pitching prospects. Flowery Branch features juniors Andrew Armstrong and Zander Sechrist, while Cartersville features Mason Barnett. Cartersville has won 11 straight games. Pitching was the storyline for both team's in the first round. Look for offense and runs to be a premium in this series. Winner will be expected to challenge for the state championship in Class 4A. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Upson-Lee (15-13) at Woodward Academy (22-7) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Upson-Lee -- Jonathan Thompson; Woodward Academy -- Jose Fernandez How they got here: Upson-Lee swept Thomson 4-0 and 6-4 to sweep its first round series. Woodward Academy defeated Hardaway 4-0 and 8-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the LaGrange-Blessed Trinity series. Outlook: Upson-Lee continues to make progress under coach Jonathan Thompson,.The Knights entered the state playoffs on a four-game losing skid, but combined to outscore Thomson 10-4 in a first round series sweep last week. After an early March slump, Woodward has hit its stride and won 19 of its last 21 and nine in a row. The War Eagles have an excellent senior class, but keep an eye on a pair of juniors in pitcher Will Sanders and outfielder DA Allen. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ LaGrange (14-19-1) at Blessed Trinity (26-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: LaGrange -- Donnie Branch; Blessed Trinity -- Andy Harlin How they got here: LaGrange defeated Stephens County in three games to win its first round series. Blessed Trinity defeated Ridgeland 11-1 and 16-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Upson-Lee-Woodward Academy series. Outlook: LaGrange appears to be peeking at the right time under Donnie Branch, who returned to coach the Grangers a second time. LaGrange, however, will have its hands full trying to slow down a Blessed Trinity squad that hasn't shown signs of slowing down this season. The Grangers got excellent pitching last week to defeat Stephens County in three games. Meanwhile, Blessed Trinity's offense combined to outscore Ridgeland by a combined 27-1 in a two-game sweep in the first round last week. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ West Laurens (25-6) at Cairo (26-3) When: Wednesday (DH), 4 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: West Laurens -- Brian Brown; Cairo -- Chad Parkerson How they got here: West Laurens defeated Cross Creek 14-4 and 12-0 to sweep its first round series. Cairo defeated Druid Hills 11-0 and 15-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will play host to the winner of the St. Pius X-Denmark winner. Outlook: West Laurens has won nine in a row since dropping two straight to Mary Persons which cost the Raiders the Region 2 title. In what was supposed to be a rebuilding season for West Laurens, they still managed to win 25 games. Cairo has been one of the top stories of the year in Class 4A. The Region 1 champions smothered Druid Hills last week, but West Laurens will be a lot tougher. Infielder DJ Collins is hitting as good as anyone, and junior pitcher Garrett Gainous is a player to keep an eye on. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Denmark (13-15) at Saint Pius X (12-20) When: Thursday (DH), 1 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Denmark -- David Smart; Saint Pius X -- Chad Garrison How they got here: Denmark defeated Northwest Whitfield 8-5 and 11-2 to sweep its first round series. Saint Pius X defeated Troup 6-2 and 3-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will play at the West Laurens-Cairo winner. Outlook: Denmark, the fourth seed from Region 7, made the playoffs and won its first postseason series in its first year of existence. All of it happened in the same week. The Danes will face a Saint Pius X squad that is much better than its record indicates. The Lions took command late in Game 1 against Troup last week, then rode that momentum to upset the heavily-favored Tigers. This will be a very intriguing series between two improving teams. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 3A
Rutland (11-16) at Appling County (23-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Rutland -- Steven Gunn; Appling County -- Jeremy Smith How they got here: Rutland defeated Worth County in three games to win its first round series. Appling County defeated Jenkins (Savannah) 4-3 and 8-7 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the North Hall-Westminster series. Outlook: Rutland is one of the few teams in the state playoffs with a record under .500. The Hurricanes stunned Worth County in the first round last week and could be a team to keep an eye on. Appling County, in a rebuilding season, has won 20 or more games again and scored a pair of one-run victories to sweep Jenkins in the first round. The Pirates are no stranger to postseason play and will be a tough out. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Westminster (17-13) at North Hall (17-13) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: Westminster -- Chad Laney; North Hall -- Trevor Flow How they got here: Westminster defeated Jefferson in three games to win its first round series. North Hall defeated Coahulla Creek in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Rutland-Appling County series. Outlook: Westminster pulled the shocker in the state when they defeated Class 3A No. 1 Jefferson, 5-4, in Game 3 of the best-of-three first-round series to advance. Jefferson was the defending Class 4A state champion who dropped into Class 3A this season. Westminster had lost six straight games in Region 5 play before taking two of three from Jefferson. North Hall needed three games to oust Coahulla Creek. The Trojans have played a brutal nonregion schedule which should help out in postseason play. This is a series that should be played later in the postseason. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Crisp County (15-15) at Benedictine (23-7-1) When: Thursday (DH), 1 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Crisp County -- David Lamberth; Benedictine -- Kevin Farmer How they got here: Crisp County defeated Jackson 15-2 and 7-1 to sweep its first round series. Benedictine defeated Brantley County 16-2 and 8-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Calhoun-Pace Academy series. Outlook: Crisp County shocked Jackson last week, sweeping a pair of games to advance. The Cougars, under first-year coach David Lamberth, are making their deepest penetration in the state playoffs since finishing as the Class 4A state runner-up in 2014. Benedictine, the defending Class 2A state champion, has won 12 in a row and is playing well. Keep an eye on Cadet sophomore Carter Holton who can do a little of everything.. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Calhoun (25-5) at Pace Academy (19-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Calhoun -- Chip Henderson; Pace Academy -- Seth LaFera How they got here: Calhoun defeated Greater Atlanta Christian 8-6 and 3-1 to sweep its first round series; Pace Academy defeated East Jackson 10-0 and 15-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Crisp County-Benedictine series Outlook: Calhoun has won eight straight and 11 of 12, including a pair of victories over GAC to sweep the first round series. The Jackets have their hands full with a Pace Academy team that has been unstoppable of late. The Knights have won 14 straight and swept state powers Redan, Westminster and Lovett in Region 5 play to end the regular season. But if there is a team who has the pitching to neutralize Pace Academy's bats, its Calhoun. Keep an eye on Pace's Andrew Jenkins, who has carried a hot bat all season. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Islands (21-11) at Pike County (26-3) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Islands -- Brandon Collins; Pike County -- Don Hanson How they got here: Islands defeated Pierce County 5-3 and 10-3 to sweep its first round series. Pike County defeated Long County 4-1 and 5-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Redan-Fannin County series. Outlook: Islands has won four straight since dropping a pair of games to Benedictine, which cost the Sharks the Region 3 title. But Islands has played well under first-year coach Brandon Collins, including sweeping a good Pierce County team in the first round last week. Pike County's pitching staff shut down Long County to sweep its first round series. The Pirates have won six of their last seven. Pike County has gotten consistent pitching from a solid rotation led by senior Coleman Crow. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Redan (21-11) at Fannin County (23-6) When: Wednesday (DH), 5 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Redan -- Alexander Wyche; Fannin County -- Travis Stone How they got here: Redan defeated Morgan County in three games to win its first round series. Fannin County defeated Haralson County 15-0 and 9-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Islands-Pike County series. Outlook: Another second-round series that should be played later in the postseason, Redan had plenty of offense in its first-round series victory over Morgan County. The Raiders scored 30 runs in the three-game series. They will need that kind of production against a very good Fannin County team that relies heavily on a strong pitching rotation. The Rebels have played very well under first-year coach Travis Stone. Fannin senior Chandler Kendall is a guy to keep an eye on. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Southeast Bulloch (19-10) at Cook (20-11) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Southeast Bulloch -- Brandon Peterson; Cook -- Greg Williams How they got here: Southeast Bulloch defeated Tattnall County 7-1 and 9-7 to sweep its first round series. Cook defeated Peach County 16-4 and 12-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Hart County-Ringgold series. Outlook: After making the quarterfinals last season and returning solid experience, many wrote Southeast Bulloch off after the Yellow Jackets lost a pair of games to Islands in Region 3 play earlier this season. But SEB rebounded, made the playoffs and is riding a six-game winning streak. Cook has been led by senior pitcher Brock Revels, while shortstop KJ Manning gets the offense started. This could be an interesting series that easily could go three games. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hart County (16-15) at Ringgold (27-7) When: Wednesday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 4:30 p.m. Coaches: Hart County - Josh Osborne; Ringgold -- Brent Tucker How they got here: Hart County defeated Lovett in three games to win its first round series. Ringgold defeated Cherokee Bluff in three games to win its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Southeast Bulloch-Cook series. Outlook: Hart County ambushed defending Class 3A state champion Lovett last week and won the best-of-three series in three games. The Bulldogs, the lone representative remaining from Region 8, will face a Ringgold pitching staff that is just as strong. The Tigers have gotten strong pitching from seniors Holden Tucker, Wyatt Tennant and Johnny Camilucci this season. Keep an eye on Ringgold senior and Mississippi State signee Andre Tarver, who could be selected in the June Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 2A Fitzgerald (20-9) at Jeff Davis (24-4) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 6 p.m. Coaches: Fitzgerald -- Jason McDonald; Jeff Davis -- Paul Glass How they got here: Fitzgerald defeated Jefferson County 11-1 and 15-1 to sweep its first round series. Jeff Davis defeated East Laurens 10-2 and 13-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Chattooga-Social Circle series. Outlook: Fitzgerald has won 11 of 13 and four in a row. The Purple Hurricanes dropped two of three to Thomasville during the final week of the regular season, which cost them the Region 1-2A title. In what was supposed to be a rebuiding season for Jeff Davis, the Jackets began the season unranked and are now the No.2 -ranked team in the Class 2A polls. Jeff Davis has lost just four games this season -- Bacon County (2), Toombs County and Appling County. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chattooga (19-11) at Social Circle (15-12) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Chattooga - Mike Shank; Social Circle -- Danny Blue How they got here: Chattooga defeated McNair 28-0 and 21-0 to sweep its first round series; Social Circle defeated Heard County 4-2 and 4-3 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Fitzgerald-Jeff Davis series. Outlook: Chattooga won its first state baseball playoff series in school history last week, and the Indians did it in convincing fashion, outscoring McNair by a combined 49-0 in the two-game sweep. The competition will much tougher as the Indians travel to meet the Region 8 champions. Social Circle, under first-year coach Danny Blue, has won five of their last six. The Redskins made it to the third round last season before falling to eventual Class 2A state champion Benedictine. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Westside-Augusta (22-7) at Bleckley County (21-10) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Westside -- Gerald Barnes; Bleckley County -- Brad Davis How they got here: Westside defeated Berrien in three games to win its first round series. Bleckley County defeated Metter 8-7 and 4-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Dade County-Bremen series Outlook: Westside needed three games to eliminate Berrien in its first round series last week. The Patriots have won 15 of their last 18 games. Berrien needed eight innings to defeat the Patriots in Game 2 of their first-round series last week. Bleckley County has won 10 of its last 12 after starting the season 0-4 by playing a brutal nonregion schedule. The Royals lost in the first round of the state playoffs last year. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Dade County (14-8) at Bremen (25-5) When: Wednesday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Thursday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Dade County -- Aaron Simmons; Bremen -- Chris Brown How they got here: Dade County defeated Hapeville Charter 12-0 and 18-3 to sweep its first round series. Bremen defeated Union County 11-3 and 9-2 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Westside-Augusta-Bleckley County series. Outlook: Dade County has won eight of its last 11, including last week's pounding of Hapeville Charter in the first round. The Wolverines are making their third straight appearance in the state playoffs. Bremen, who dropped into Class 2A from 3A this season, has been the No. 1-ranked team the entire year. Just five teams have beaten the Blue Devils this season -- South Paulding, Decatur, Cedartown, Callaway and Oxford (Ala.). ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Vidalia (20-11) at Harlem (25-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Vidalia -- Brent Korn; Harlem -- Jimmie Lewis How they got here: Vidalia defeated Washington County in three games to win its first round series. Harlem defeated Brooks County 7-4 and 11-1 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Elbert County-Rockmart series. Outlook: After dropping Game 1 of its best-of-three first-round series against Washington County last week, Vidalia combined to outscore Washington County 21-7 in Games 2 and 3 to take the series. The Indians will be on the road for the second straight week. Perhaps no team in Class 2A is hotter than Harlem, who has won 15 in a row and hasn't lost since an 8-6 setback to Class 6A Lakeside-Evans. The Bulldogs have been beaten just five times this year, all to higher classification rivals in Columbia County -- Lakeside, Evans (2), Greenbrier and Grovetown. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Elbert County (19-12-1) at Rockmart (22-6) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Elbert County -- Lance Ingram; Rockmart -- Kenny Yanzetich How they got here: Elbert County defeated Lamar County in three games to win its first round series. Rockmart defeated Washington 14-0 and 13-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Vidalia-Harlem series. Outlook: Elbert County won four its final five games in the regular season to secure the No. 2 seed from Region 8. The Blue Devils broke out the offense in a 9-3 victory in Game 3 of their best-of-three first-round series against Lamar County. Rockmart has won seven in a row, including a pair of shutouts to defeat Booker T. Washington in the first round. Keep an eye on pitcher Ty Floyd, a strong prospect in the Class of 2020. Senior Dylan Bailey has been consistent on offense for the Jackets. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Bacon County (21-8) at Thomasville (23-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4:30 p.m. Coaches: Bacon County -- Noble Coley; Thomasville -- Erik McDougald How they got here: Bacon County defeated Dodge County 4-1 and 11-6 to sweep its first round series; Thomasville defeated Laney 3-0 and 17-0 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Callaway-Model series. Outlook: Bacon County is on a roll right now. The Red Raiders are 9-1 in the month of April and have won 11 of their last 12. Thomasville captured its third straight Region 1-2A title. The Bulldogs had a 14-game winning streak until a one-run loss to Fitzgerald on April 9. Thomasville's 1-2 pitching punch of right-handers Hurston Waldrep and Jacob Bradshaw has been lethal this season. The Bulldogs, however, must find ways to generate more offense. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Model (17-8) at Callaway (19-13) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Model -- Josh Mitchell; Callaway -- Dusty Hubbard How they got here: Model defeated South Atlanta 24-0 and 10-0 to sweep its first round series. Callaway defeated Banks County 11-1 and 8-6 to sweep its first round series. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Thomasville-Bacon County series. Outlook: Model has been playing well this season under first-year coach Josh Mitchell. The Blue Devils combined to outscore Region 6 champion South Atlanta 34-0 in a first-round sweep. Callaway has struggled some this season, but injuries have also played a role. The Cavaliers were good enough to earn the No. 2 in the rugged Region 5 region. This series could produce a lot of offense. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 1A Public
Commerce (15-10) at Pelham (20-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4:30 p.m. Coaches: Commerce -- Steve Cotrell; Pelham - Ron Best How they got here: Commerce defeated Crawford County 11-2 and 20-2 to sweep its first round series. Pelham received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Telfair County-Schley County series. Outlook: Since a three-game losing streak in early April, Commerce ended the regular season by winning six of its last seven. The Tigers piled on the offense in the first round, outscoring Crawford County 31-4. Pelham is in the second round of the state playoffs for the second straight season. The Hornets, in their first season under Ron Best, have not lost in the month of April. Pelham has won nine straight. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Telfair County (16-12) at Schley County (22-3) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Telfair County -- Hart Mizell; Schley County -- Chuck Cheek How they got here: Telfair County defeated Claxton 10-0 and 11-5 to sweep its first round series. Schley County received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Commerce-Pelham series. Outlook: Telfair County has made the second round of the state playoffs for the third straight season. In what was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the defending Class 1A state runner-ups, the Trojans have won 16 games and outscored Claxton 21-5 in a two-game sweep last week in the first round. Schley County has won two of the last four Class 1A Public classification state championships. The Wildcats, who lost in the quarterfinals in 2018, have been beaten by just three teams this season -- Johns Creek, Westfield and Brookstone. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hawkinsville (15-13) at Johnson County (20-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: Hawkinsville -- Chris Lamb; Johnson County -- Chuck Beale How they got here: Hawkinsville defeated Wheeler County 5-0 and 8-3 to sweep its first round series. Johnson County received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the ACE Charter-Irwin County series. Outlook: This is Hawkinsville's second straight trip to the postseason after missing out in 2017. Last week's first-round sweep over Wheeler County was the Red Devils' first playoff series win since 2015. Johnson County is making its fourth straight trip to the state playoffs. The Trojans made the Class 1A public quarterfinals in 2017. Keep an eye on Johnson County junior right-handed pitcher Adam Hooks, a tough pitcher to beat. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ACE Charter (17-12-1) at Irwin County (16-9) When: Thursday (DH), 4:30 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: ACE Charter -- Josh McLendon; Irwin County -- Drew Tankersley How they got here: ACE Charter defeated Taylor County 12-0 and 9-2 to sweep its first round series. Irwin County received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Hawkinsville-Johnson County series. Outlook: ACE Charter made history twice last week. The Gryphons made their first trip to the GHSA playoffs and their first-round sweep of Taylor County was their first baseball series victory. ACE has won seven of 11 in April. There may not be a team playing better in Class 1A Public than Irwin County right now. Since a three-game slide in mid-March, the indians have won eight of nine to capture the Region 2-1A title. Keep an eye on sophomore right-handed pitcher Brodie Chestnutt, a Florida State commit. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Wilcox County (11-11) at Seminole County (19-7) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Wilcox County -- Stephen McDuffie; Seminole County -- Truette Johnson How they got here: Wilcox County defeated ECI in three games to win its first round series. Seminole County received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Jenkins County-Gordon Lee series. Outlook: Wilcox County is 7-2 in its last nine games and took down ECI in the first round last week. The Patriots appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. Seminole County is making its third straight trip to the postseason. The indians had a 15-game winning streak until a 7-4 loss to Blountstown (Fla.) on April 18. Seminole recorded victories this past season over playoff teams Clinch County, Baconton Charter and Thomasville. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Jenkins County (11-11) at Gordon Lee (24-4) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5 p.m. Coaches: Jenkins County -- Zach Clark; Gordon Lee -- Mike Dunfee How they got here: Jenkins County defeated GMC in three games to win its first round series. Gordon Lee received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Wilcox County-Seminole County series. Outlook: Don't let Jenkins County's record fool you. The Eagles defeated state playoffs teams Savannah Country Day and ECI this season. Jenkins has won three of its past five, including two games last week to oust GMC in the first round. Gordon Lee, the defending Class 1A Public state champions, have played in the state championship series the past two seasons. The Trojans have won 11 in a row. Of their four losses this year, two have come against higher classification schools Ringgold and Heritage-Catoosa. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Trion (15-9) at Clinch County (21-6) When: Thursday (DH), 5 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 2 p.m. Coaches: Trion -- Trent Stamey; Clinch County -- Lee Douglas How they got here: Trion defeated Miller County 10-0 and 12-0 to sweep its first round series. Clinch County received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Bowdon-Baconton Charter series. Outlook: Trion is making its seventh straight trip to the postseason. The Bulldogs started slowly this season, but they rebounded to finish strong. They are riding a five-game winning streak and have won eight of their last nine. Clinch County won its final four games and finished second in the Region 2-1A standings. The Panthers began the season on fire, winning 16 of their first 20. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Bowdon (15-17) at Baconton Charter (21-5) When: Thursday (DH), 2 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 12 p.m. Coaches: Bowdon -- Brian Vance; Baconton Charter -- Bunner Birdsong How they got here: Bowdon defeated Charlton County in three games to win its first round series. Baconton Charter received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Trion-Clinch County series. Outlook: After dropping a 9-4 setback in the first game of the best-of-three first-round series against Charlton County, Bowdon rallied to run-rule the powerful Indians in Games 2 and 3 to take the series. It was a statement series victory considering Bowdon's record has been under .500 for much of the season. Baconton Charter, as much success as they've had recently, have never advanced past the third round in the postseason. The Blazers finished the regular-season by winning their final four games after dropping a pair of games to Schley County on April 11. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Class 1A Private
Strong Rock Christian (24-8) at Prince Avenue Christian (17-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: Strong Rock Christian -- Toby Evans; Prince Avenue Christian -- Phil Roberts How they got here: Strong Rock Christian defeated Holy Innocents' 9-0 and 6-0 to sweep series in first round; Prince Avenue Christian received a first-round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Tattnall Square-Athens Christian series in the quarterfinals. Outlook: Could be one of the best second round series in the Class 1A Private classification. While Strong Rock didn't allow a run in its first round series, they will be facing a hot Prince Avenue Christian squad that had won 10 straight before losing to Providence Christian in its regular-season finale. Prince Avenue was also the state runner-up in this class last season. Prince Avenue coach Phil Roberts was Strong Rock's coach two years ago before he left for Prince. Strong Rock has won five straight. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Athens Christian (17-11) at Tattnall Square (26-1) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 3 p.m. Coaches: Athens Christian -- Allen Osborne; Tattnall Square -- Joey Hiller How they got here: Athens Christian defeated Mount de Sales in three games to win first round series. Tattnall Square received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of Strong Rock Christian-Prince Avenue Christian series. Outlook: Athens Christian took the series when they defeated Mount de Sales 17-6 in Game 3 of its first-round series. Ladd Fortson was the winning pitcher and had two hits and a solo homer. Maddux Seagraves had three hits, including a grand slam and six RBIs. The Eagles are back in the second round since going to the semifinals in 2017. Defending state champion Tattnall is the top seed and the top-ranked team in the Class 1A Private Division. They have made it to the semifinal round or better since joining the GHSA in 2015. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ First Presbyterian Day (17-11) at Calvary Day (19-6) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), TBA Coaches: First Presbyterian Day -- Denny Bryant; Calvary Day -- Phillip Lee How they got here: First Presbyterian Day defeated Pinecrest Academy in three games to win its first round series. Calvary Day received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Hebron Christian-Lakeview Academy series. Outlook: Playing from behind in a series seems to be the theme this season for FPD. The Vikings lost the first game in their best-of-three region tournament series to ACE Charter before rallying to win the last two. They did the same thing in the first round against Pinecrest Academy. The Vikings lost the first game 6-4, then rallied to win the next two games by a combined score of 31-17 to advance. Five of Calvary's six losses are to schools still playing in the state playoffs. The Cavaliers have lost in the second round of the Class 1A Private playoffs each of the past two seasons. These two schools met in the second round last year with FPD pulling off a two-game sweep. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hebron Christian (15-13-1) at Lakeview Academy (19-4) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 5:30 p.m. Coaches: Hebron Christian -- Ben Drust; Lakeview Academy -- Deuce Roark How they got here: Hebron Christian defeated Brookstone 7-3 and 9-3 in first round to sweep series. Lakeview Academy had a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the First Presbyterian Day-Calvary Day series. Outlook: An All-Region 8 matchup. Lakeview Academy defeated Hebron Christian 7-3 on April 18 in the two team's only meeting this season. Hebron has won seven of its past 11 and the Lions have been to the second round or better every season since 2010. Lakeview Academy, led by Region Player of the Year Andrew Estes, is having its best season since the school won its last state baseball championship in 2004. The Lions' only losses this season have been to Mount Vernon Presbyterian (2), Lumpkin County and Commerce. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Saint Francis (21-7) at Savannah Country Day (20-4) When: Thursday (DH), 2 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: Saint Francis -- Brandon Bates; Savannah Country Day -- Dan Garofano How they got here: Saint Francis defeated Eagles Landing Christian 10-5 and 16-1 to sweep its first round series. Savannah Country Day received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Mount Paran Christian-Savannah Christian series. Outlook: Saint Francis has won 11 of its last 14 and four of its last five. The Knights are led by a strong senior class. Among the leaders are Kyle Bork, Bret Madren, Will Clark, Brooks Mitchell and Josh Silverman. Savannah Country Day closed the season strong by sweeping a pair of games from Calvary Day in the Region 3-1A Tournament. They have lost just four times, including setbacks to Jenkins County, Johnson County, First Presbyterian Day and Savannah Christian. All four schools are still playing in the state playoffs. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Mount Paran Christian (15-10) at Savannah Christian (22-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 1 p.m. Coaches: Mount Paran Christian -- Kyle Reese; Savannah Christian -- Carl Carter How they got here: Mount Paran Christian defeated George Walton in three games in its first round series to advance. Savannah Christian had a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Saint Francis-Savannah Country Day series. Outlook: In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, Mount Paran Christian is back in the state playoffs again. They are in the second round for the third straight season. The Eagles have won five of their last nine. Savannah Christian, meanwhile, enters the state playoffs predicted to make another deep postseason run. The Raiders are playing in the second round for the sixth straight season. Included in that run includes the Class 1A Private state championship in 2017 whom many of the current players, including standouts Jarrett Brown and Kyle Hilton, played a part in. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Fellowship Christian (21-7) at Mount Vernon Presbyterian (17-6) When: Thursday (DH), 1 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 3:15 p.m. Coaches: Fellowship Christian - Shawn Oliver; Mount Vernon Presbyterian -- Jeremy Beckham How they got here: Fellowship Christian defeated Saint Anne-Pacelli 6-1 and 7-0 to sweep its first round series. Mount Vernon Presbyterian received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the North Cobb Christian-Wesleyan series. Outlook: Fellowship Christian enters postseason play on a hot streak. They lost three one-run games in April, but they have won seven of its last 10. Right-handed pitchers Isaac Bouton (8-0, 2.14 ERA) and Preston Joye (6-1, 1,45 ERA) are a lethal 1-2 pitching combo. Mount Vernon Presbyterian slumped toward the end of the season, dropping five of its final six, after starting the season 15-0. Keep an eye on junior outfielder Nate Anderson (.425 avg., 20 RBIs). ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ North Cobb Christian (22-10) at Wesleyan (22-5) When: Thursday (DH), 4 p.m.; Friday (if needed), 4 p.m. Coaches: North Cobb Christian -- Jimmy Keane; Wesleyan -- Brian Krehmeyer How they got here: North Cobb Christian defeated Trinity Christian 9-1 and 11-5 to sweep its first round series. Wesleyan received a first round bye. Winner of this series: Will meet the winner of the Fellowship Christian-Mount Vernon Presbyterian series. Outlook: North Cobb Christian is playing its best baseball at the right time. The Eagles have won four straight and 12 of their last 13. They outscored Trinity Christian 20-8 in their first round series, including an eight-inning 11-6 victory in Game 2. Right-handed pitcher Ryan Suppa is a potential draft pick in the June Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Wesleyan is equally as hot, winning four straight and 14 of its last 15. Right-handed pitchers Wyatt Copeland (6-2, 2.57 ERA), Jamie Laframboise (4-0, 1.11 ERA) and Jalen Fulwood make Wesleyan tough to beat. |
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