LUDOWICI — As they say in kid’s games, close doesn’t count in anything but horseshoes and hand grenades, but Tuesday, the Long County Blue Tide came about as close as they could in knocking off the 2-AA, 8-0, Pierce County Bears.
The number one team in the state came to Ludowici to take on the Blue Tide. And from the 12-2 score in their first meeting this year, the bears probably figured on an easy win.
But Tide coach Brian Thomas had his team ready to play, and especially ready, to not quit.
The Blue Tide lost the game 10-11.
“I was happy with our team’s performance. We hit the ball hard and on the ground. We also capitalized on a few mistakes they made.”
Thomas added, “We were behind most of the way, but never quit and kept scratching away at Pierce’s lead. This was a much improved effort, compared to our first meeting when they beat us 12-2 in six innings.
“We were in this game right up to the last pitch.”
Stetson Strickland started the game going 1-2/3rd innings, followed by Paul Lewandowski going 2 innings, and Jake Durham finished with 2-1/3rd innings.
The Tide’s leading batters were Stevie Harrison who went 2 for 3, with a triple and 2 runs scored and Richard Johnson who also went 2 for 3 with a double.
Thomas praised the effort of the whole team and also said of the seniors, “I am really proud of our seniors for showing great leadership and being positive role models.”
The Tide’s record now is 9-6 overall, and 3-5 in the 2-AA Region. In the region they are in fifth place, and need to move up to at least fourth to make the play-offs.
On Friday night, Long County traveled to Folkston to take on the Charlton County Indians (9-6 overall and 3-5 in 2-AA Region), but results for that game were not available.
Tuesday, the Blue go back on the road to Nahunta to take on Brantley County. The Herons have a 4-13 overall mark and a 1-7 2-AA Region record. Game time is 5:55 p.m.
The number one team in the state came to Ludowici to take on the Blue Tide. And from the 12-2 score in their first meeting this year, the bears probably figured on an easy win.
But Tide coach Brian Thomas had his team ready to play, and especially ready, to not quit.
The Blue Tide lost the game 10-11.
“I was happy with our team’s performance. We hit the ball hard and on the ground. We also capitalized on a few mistakes they made.”
Thomas added, “We were behind most of the way, but never quit and kept scratching away at Pierce’s lead. This was a much improved effort, compared to our first meeting when they beat us 12-2 in six innings.
“We were in this game right up to the last pitch.”
Stetson Strickland started the game going 1-2/3rd innings, followed by Paul Lewandowski going 2 innings, and Jake Durham finished with 2-1/3rd innings.
The Tide’s leading batters were Stevie Harrison who went 2 for 3, with a triple and 2 runs scored and Richard Johnson who also went 2 for 3 with a double.
Thomas praised the effort of the whole team and also said of the seniors, “I am really proud of our seniors for showing great leadership and being positive role models.”
The Tide’s record now is 9-6 overall, and 3-5 in the 2-AA Region. In the region they are in fifth place, and need to move up to at least fourth to make the play-offs.
On Friday night, Long County traveled to Folkston to take on the Charlton County Indians (9-6 overall and 3-5 in 2-AA Region), but results for that game were not available.
Tuesday, the Blue go back on the road to Nahunta to take on Brantley County. The Herons have a 4-13 overall mark and a 1-7 2-AA Region record. Game time is 5:55 p.m.