The Long County Blue Tide baseball team knew this week’s series against Calvary Day was a big one when it comes to their seeding in the state playoffs. Getting the region sweep would all but secure them a home game in the state playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Even just one win would go a long way in helping them get a home series. However, on Tuesday, they closed out the month of March with a 5-2 home loss to the Cavaliers as a strong fourth inning put their chances of winning in jeopardy.

In the top of the second inning, the Cavaliers got a hit and two walks to load the bases, but the Tide ended the inning on a double play.

The Tide broke through in the bottom of the third. Dylan Lester was hit by a pitch to lead off, and Charlie Johnson reached when his sharp grounder was mishandled. Dalton Lester singled to left field to bring in Dylan Lester, and Jehmiel Pettis made it 2-0 on his single.

After a hit batter to open the fourth, the Cavaliers went double, double, home run to take a 4-2 lead.

The Tide went cold at the plate as they did not get a hit over the next two innings. Calvary added an insurance run in the fifth on a bases-loaded miscue.

Long County opened the sixth with a walk and a bunt single but could not take advantage. In the seventh, Charlie Johnson and Braedon Chambless each singled with one out but the Cavs quelled that rally.

Pettis walked to open the bottom of the sixth before Luke Poppell reached on a bunt. Isaiah Miller struck out while pinch hitting as the Tide could not take advantage of two runners on base with no outs.

With the loss, the Tide fall to 10-7 and 6-3 in region play. They will play the second game of the series in Savannah on Thursday, April 2.

If they can win that game, the Tide will have a chance to finish 9-3 in region play and possibly hold onto second place by themselves. A loss would mean they are guaranteed to finish no better than a tie with either Southeast Bulloch or Liberty County for second place.