The Long County High School baseball team traveled to Jesup on Thursday and took on rival Wayne County. It could’ve gone better.

In three innings, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Blue Tide, 15-0.

In the game, Bryan Wingate went 1-1 for Long County, while Cass Silva went 2-2. Tyler Palmer went 2-3 Wayne County.

"This was a tough game, but we are getting better each day, and are poised to turn this thing around," said Tide head coach Brian Thomas. "I believe in these guys."

The loss was the second in a row for the Blue Tide and dropped their overall record to 0-2. The team has yet to play a 2-AA Region game this year.

Last year, the Blue Tide baseball team had a reasonably good year, going 14-11. The coach said he hoped to improve on last year, especially in the all-important region games where their record was below .500, at 6-8.

During the first two games, the team was outscored 33-4 in only nine innings of play.

Last week, Thomas talked about the upcoming season and stressed some of the key areas the team is focusing on.

"This year, we are going to be using a more team-oriented offense. We are not going to rely on a few bats — we are going to hold everyone accountable to get the job done when they come to the plate," Thomas said.

The Tide does have more
experience this year, with seven returning starters, including three seniors.

Seniors Tyler Chambless, Shane White and Stevie Harrison, along with juniors Jake Durham, Richard Johnson, Trent Wells and Wingate are back.

According to Thomas, this year’s schedule is no cake walk.

"We have a very tough schedule this year. Not only do we play a brutal region schedule where there are no easy wins, period, this year we are playing a tough non-region schedule as well," he said.

Some of the non-region games still ahead for the Tide include Groves High School, Bryan County, Calvary Day High School and Bradwell Institute.

The coach also stressed the importance of team play.

"This is a true team, there is no one person more important than the team. I also would like to thank the Long County Blue Tide community for their on-going support and dedication to our program," Thomas said.

The Blue Tide is at home this Tuesday to host Benedictine. The Cadets bring a 0-1 record into the game after they were beaten 15-3 by South Effingham in their season opener. That game is at 6 p.m.