Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
Richmond Hill’s baseball team has experienced a rollercoaster of a season this year.
The Wildcats began play this week with an overall 14-15 record and a 8-7 mark in the Class 6A Region 1. They have been 11-6 at home, and 3-8 on the road.
They are in the midst of a streak in which they have dropped four of their last six games after winning seven of their last nine contests. It has been that kind of a season where consistency has been a premium.
Yet head coach Hill Thomas likes the current state of the club with the postseason on the horizon. Aside from wins and losses, it has been all about the development of the team.
“We’re excited about where this team is right now,” said Thomas. “ Our guys have continued to grow throughout the season, and you can see that in how they compete, support each other, and handle adversity.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position to keep playing meaningful baseball, and that’s always the goal.”
Statistically, Joey Succi was hitting .361, Noah Stone was hitting .360, and Jax Pursley was at .348.
Thomas has been impressed with his tablesetters at the top of the lineup.
“Offensively, we’ve had some consistent production at the top of the lineup,” said Thomas. “Those guys have done a really good job setting the tone for us.”
On the mound, Landon Walker has been steady with a 4-3 record and a 2.30 ERA, and Noah Stone is 4-5 with a 4.00 ERA. The Wildcats have had an overall effort.
“Our bullpen has logged a lot of innings this year,” said Thomas. “They have done a respectable job for us, especially in key moments late in games.”
The Wildcats will end their regular season against Etowah at Mercer University Wednesday, and Thomas welcomed the chance to play there.
“It’s a great opportunity for our players from both an experience and exposure standpoint,” explained Thomas. “But our focus remains on using it as preparation for the postseason.”
The Wildcats will open the postseason at Buford April 24. Thomas remains positive that his team’s chemistry will play an integral part in their success down the road.
“As we head into the postseason, it really comes down to getting hot at the right time and believing in each other,” said Thomas. “When you have that kind of confidence and trust in your team, it can lead to some special runs.
“We feel like we’re heading in the right direction and are looking forward to the opportunity ahead.”