Statesboro’s run through the Region 3-AAAA tournament was no miracle. While the numbers may look surprising to the outsider, the Blue Devils have had the talent and wherewithal since Opening Day.
The Devils (13-12) needed two wins against No. 1 Wayne County, then an upset over Evans just to ensure a home game for the state playoffs. It all seemed so effortless three wins later, as SHS outscored its opponents 26-7 before losing the region title game to Greenbrier.
Now they’re back at home for the first time since April 18 and are fully intent on making a deep run towards a state title. Bainbridge is the draw for round one, beginning today at Mill Creek Park at 4 p.m.
“Nobody really expected us to go this far,” said senior pitcher Tony Hill. “We just went into Wayne County with the emotion that this could be our last game. The seniors really stepped it up.”
Hill will likely get the nod in Game One of tonight’s doubleheader. The Southern University commit said he’s focused on throwing strikes — having thrown 50 walks in 42 innings.
“I just got to try to get ground balls,” he said. “I have struggled a little bit with walks — but I just have to come out with the mentality not to gas people away, but put my defense in a situation where they can make plays.”
The Bearcats (11-14) were given the No. 3 seed out of 1-AAAA — a league were every team makes the playoffs. Statesboro coach Chris Bishop said there’s a lot of similarities between the two sides in terms of an up-and-down season.
“Pretty scrappy bunch of guys,” he said. “They’ve beat everybody in their region, as well as lost to everyone in their region. We think we have a very good chance — we also understand if we do some things that we have done in the past not very well, then we could be done as well.”
If Hill pitches the opener, Simmons will climb the hill in the nightcap. Undoubtedly the team ace, Simmons has an ERA of 0.50 with 94 strikeouts in 582⁄3 innings.
“The second game’s kind of the big game because it’s either going to make or break you,” said the junior. “It’s pretty much the deciding game because it forces you to play that third game.”
Statesboro first baseman Luke Connell may be sidelined with a minor back injury.
Bainbridge has lost five straight coming in and hasn’t had a winning streak of over three games all year.
“We’re not going to overlook them whatsoever,” said Hill.
All tickets are $7 as mandated by the GHSA. The two teams will play Saturday at 1 p.m., if necessary.
Chad Bishop can be reached at (912) 489-9408.
The Devils (13-12) needed two wins against No. 1 Wayne County, then an upset over Evans just to ensure a home game for the state playoffs. It all seemed so effortless three wins later, as SHS outscored its opponents 26-7 before losing the region title game to Greenbrier.
Now they’re back at home for the first time since April 18 and are fully intent on making a deep run towards a state title. Bainbridge is the draw for round one, beginning today at Mill Creek Park at 4 p.m.
“Nobody really expected us to go this far,” said senior pitcher Tony Hill. “We just went into Wayne County with the emotion that this could be our last game. The seniors really stepped it up.”
Hill will likely get the nod in Game One of tonight’s doubleheader. The Southern University commit said he’s focused on throwing strikes — having thrown 50 walks in 42 innings.
“I just got to try to get ground balls,” he said. “I have struggled a little bit with walks — but I just have to come out with the mentality not to gas people away, but put my defense in a situation where they can make plays.”
The Bearcats (11-14) were given the No. 3 seed out of 1-AAAA — a league were every team makes the playoffs. Statesboro coach Chris Bishop said there’s a lot of similarities between the two sides in terms of an up-and-down season.
“Pretty scrappy bunch of guys,” he said. “They’ve beat everybody in their region, as well as lost to everyone in their region. We think we have a very good chance — we also understand if we do some things that we have done in the past not very well, then we could be done as well.”
If Hill pitches the opener, Simmons will climb the hill in the nightcap. Undoubtedly the team ace, Simmons has an ERA of 0.50 with 94 strikeouts in 582⁄3 innings.
“The second game’s kind of the big game because it’s either going to make or break you,” said the junior. “It’s pretty much the deciding game because it forces you to play that third game.”
Statesboro first baseman Luke Connell may be sidelined with a minor back injury.
Bainbridge has lost five straight coming in and hasn’t had a winning streak of over three games all year.
“We’re not going to overlook them whatsoever,” said Hill.
All tickets are $7 as mandated by the GHSA. The two teams will play Saturday at 1 p.m., if necessary.
Chad Bishop can be reached at (912) 489-9408.
