The Georgia Military Prep (GMCP) baseball team wrapped up its regular season last week with a three-game losing streak. The Bulldogs fell 6-3 to George Walton Academy (GWA) in a tournament at St. Simons on March 10, then lost again to GWA, falling 8-3 in a second-straight battle of the Bulldogs at Monroe last Wednesday.
The next day, GMCP traveled to Dublin, where the Fightin’ Irish beat the Bulldogs 9-2 despite a solid performance from GMCP starting pitcher Ayden Hamm, who allowed six hits and two walks and just two earned runs over four innings. Unearned runs proved to be costly for GMCP, however, as it allowed three unearned runs in the loss.
“We played well in spurts. We had a couple of minor injuries and kept guys out of the lineup for precautionary reasons. Those guys will be ready to go this week, though,” GMCP head coach Kyle Redmond said early this week.
GMCP swept its region schedule and finished the regular season 16-12 overall. That set up a best-two-of-three home playoff series against Bryan County in the GHSA A Division 2 baseball state playoffs, beginning this Wednesday in Milledgeville.
“Not how we want to enter the playoffs on a three-game losing streak, but I think once Wednesday gets here, our guys will be ready,” Redmond continued. “Honestly, I think they’ve been looking ahead to the playoffs since they wrapped up the (region) season. That’s kept them from focusing on the games at hand.”
The home playoff stand begins with games at 4 p.m. and approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday against Bryan County, out of Pembroke. If the teams split wins, the third-anddeciding game will be played Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. in Milledgeville.
Bryan County finished its regular season with a similar overall record of 16-14 but went 7-7 in region play. The Redskins play in Region 3 in South Georgia, though, one of GHSA A Div. 2’s toughest regions. So, Redmond recognizes Bryan cannot be taken lightly.
“Them finishing fourth in region doesn’t mean anything,” the coach insisted. “They are a really good team and are playing very well right now. It’s going to be a tough one, but I’m confident my guys will be up for the challenge.”
Redmond also said he’s hopeful of seeing his Bulldogs have fun and play loose as they begin the quest for a state championship.
“I just want to see them … work on the small things that can make a difference in a playoff series,” he said. “I expect a big crowd Wednesday, so I just hope the boys will relax and have fun. They’ve prepared themselves the past three years for a moment like this.
“Regardless, I’m so proud of these boys and everything they’ve accomplished,” the coach added. “I just truly don’t believe that their story is over yet. There are still more pages to write.”