The Long County baseball team will kick off its season Tuesday at Wayne County.

Last year, the Blue Tide posted a 12-14 overall record and an 8-6 region mark. They also made the state playoffs for the first time since 2006 before falling to Fitzgerald County. Head coach Tyler Rogers said that even though last season was one to remember, his team is now looking to this year.

“Most of our team from last year is back,” he said. “We lost three seniors last year. I believe that all these returners play a key role in our success this year. We are a year older, stronger and wiser, and I think that will help us be successful this year. We want to make the playoffs again this year, but would like to get a little deeper in the tournament.”
Rogers said he told the players that if they are going to have a good season, the success would have to come from each and every one of them.

“We have a good group of seniors and juniors who all sort of lead in their own way,” he said. “I have told them that this is their team, and they have embraced that and took control when needed.”
On Thursday, Long County had a scrimmage against Liberty County in Ludowici. The Blue Tide beat the Panthers 5-0, and Rogers said he was pleased with his team’s play.

“We played well,” he said. “We didn’t hit it that great, which is expected early in the year, but we threw strikes and played excellent defense. We threw everybody, and everybody threw pretty good, and I told them not to worry about who got the win or loss for the scrimmage.”
The leading batters for Long County were Josh Gordon, who had two hits. Ryan Desbiens added a hit with three RBIs, and Andrew Swindell also had a hit.

Rogers said the wins and losses will take care of themselves, but the key for the team is to give 100 percent effort and have fun doing so.
“I’m just looking forward to another good year of baseball,” he said.
Tuesday’s game is in Jesup with the first pitch at 6 p.m.