Long County High School wrapped up its baseball season Friday with an 8-5 loss to Vidalia High School.
With the Region 2-AA loss, the Blue Tide ended with an 8-18 overall record and 3-13 region record.
Tristan Goodro took the loss, while the leading batters for the Blue Tide were Austin Middleton who went 2-for-3 with a double and home run; Jacob Turner, also 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored; and Chase Rogers, 2-for-4.
“It was a well-played game by both teams,” Blue Tide head coach Brian Thomas said. “Vidalia was able to produce a few more runs, but we played well.”
Though the Tide didn’t make the playoffs, Thomas said he is optimistic about the off season and next year.
“Over the off season we are going to focus on more hitting and arm strength… With the caliber of players that we have and the excitement that our young players have, I think we will be able to get better in these aspects next year,” Thomas said.
“This year I was pleased with the progress that we made on defense ... Our expectations going into the summer are to increase every players overall strength and conditioning and velocity.”
The coach said he feels the team is ready to make a run for the play offs in 2013.
“We are looking forward to the summertime. I know our players are committed to getting better, and they will sacrifice whatever it takes to get to the play-offs next season,”  he said
Key players who will be returning as seniors next season include Luke Golden, Jacob Turner, Shawn Mills, Chase Rogers, Shane DeLoach and John Christianson. In addition, Cody Fleck, Tristan Goodro, Gage Kasperian, Zach Harris, Austin Simmons, Cole Ray and Austin Middleton will return as juniors.