Thursday, April 18. Game #1.
The Packers of Colquitt County jumped on us early Thursday, scoring 3 runs in the 2nd, 3 in the 3rd, and then adding 5 more in the 4th, to defeat the Cats in game one here at Wildcat Field, by a score of 12-3. Mason Moore and Bowen DeRosso led the Packers at the plate, both having two hits each, both driving in two runs, and each scoring twice. Cam Cook got the start on the mound for Colquitt, pitched a complete 7-inning game, striking out five and securing the win. The Cats were able to score three in the 5th-inning. Tyler Gilbert led all Wildcat hitters with two, and he scored once. Alex Harwood had two RBI's for the Cats. Bryce Hendricks got the start for the Cats on the mound and lasted three innings. Jeffrey Nielson, Colby Tanner, and Noah Stone came on in relief for the Cats. Tanner pitched two complete innings, striking out one, and not allowing a run. Coach Hill Thomas commented after game one on Thursday, "I was glad they showed a little fight there at the end, not quitting and scoring a few runs."
Thursday, April 18. Game #2.
The Wildcats got back to what has been their trademark this year, scoring runs early, and getting good pitching. The Cats defeated the Packers of Colquitt in game two Thursday, 5-3. Aiden Pluff got the start on the hill for the Wildcats, throwing five strong innings, striking out six, and allowing only one run. Jaxson Wagner and Gavin Martin came on in relief, with Jaxson earning the win. Martin, for the second straight night, sat down the side in the seventh, in workman-like fashion, throwing only 10 pitches. Lee Johnson, Victor Villella and Aiden Pluff led the Cats at the plate, with each getting two hits. Johnson scored twice, Villella drove in one run, and Pluff scored once. Grant Wagner drove in two runs, with a double, and had a stolen base.
The Richmond Hill Wildcats begin their playoff run next week at Wildcat Field, Richmond Hill High School on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26. The opponent is yet to be determined.
If you enjoy good action-packed quality baseball, with a front row seat (or bring your chair), outstanding quality food for a couple dollars, on a beautiful natural-grass field, gate/game tickets (less than the price of a happy meal) can ONLY be purchased at the GoFan App. Concessions are cash or Credit/Debit Card. If you're not there, you are truly missing a treat!
Allen Cox is a baseball contributor for the Bryan County News. He was previously head coach of Richmond Hill High School's softball team from 2004-2007.