One year ago, Harry Adams – given name Harrison – was an after-thought on the Bryan County baseball team.
The lanky senior did not pitch a single inning and battled roughly a dozen times as an outfielder who was not part of the starting rotation.
However, that was a year ago. Things have changed greatly.
Adams is now one of the Redskins’ most valuable players and he showed why last Thursday night as he helped Bryan County secure a fifth straight state playoff berth with a 10-6 win over Screven County.
Bryan County was staggering to the finish line after losing to Screven, 6-3, on Tuesday but found its season still alive thanks to Portal (7-16, 6-8) dropping a doubleheader to ECI on the same day.
Knowing they had to beat the Gamecocks (15-8, 10-4) to keep alive a playoff streak that started under former coach Justin Covington, the Redskins turned to Adams. Or rather Adams turned to the Redskins.
“The other night after we lost at Screven, he came up to me and said he wanted the baseball,” Farmer said. “He wanted that moment.”
That told the second-year coach all he needed to know about Adams whose name did not appear on the varsity roster for his freshman and sophomore years.
“He deserved the start,” Farmer said. “He’s been pitching his tail off all year. I’m really proud of that guy.”
Adams got off to a rocky start, giving up runs in the first and second innings. However, the Redskins took some pressure off him when they got four runs in their half of the inning.
And, it wasn’t as if Adams was blowing the Gamecocks away. He gave up nine hits and walked two while striking out two. He also hit three batters while allowing four runs, all earned, in his five-inning stint.
But when push came to shove Adams bowed his neck and pushed as he held Screven at bay. Adams stranded 10 Gamecocks baserunners. He was especially clutch in the second when Screven was looking to break the game open early.
The Gamecocks had the bases loaded and a run in when Adams induced cleanup batter Stone McBride to ground out to short on a 3-1 pitch. McBride later hit a solo homer in the sixth off reliever Keller Groover.
“We all knew what was riding on this game,” Adams said. “I was nervous at the start but after the first inning I settled down. My defense really helped me out a lot.
“Making the playoffs means a lot,” Adams said. “I’ve been playing baseball since I was eight years old and to get this win really feels good.”
“For a guy who did not throw any innings last year he’s come a long way,” Farmer said. “He’s now our top guy. He bought in and has done a fantastic job for us all year.
“They didn’t hit anything solid off him,” Farmer said. “He’s that type of guy. He’s different (sidearmer) and he doesn’t throw a straight ball. He’s a ground ball pitcher.”