GAME DAY: Baconton Blazers vs. Wilcox Patriots
The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. if the rain holds off.
BACONTON — If the weather cooperates, it’s game day in Baconton as the Blazers prepare for their Elite Eight matchup.
The Baconton Blazers (33-1) are the only Albany-area team to advance to the GHSA Class A Division II Elite Eight. Riding a 23-game winning streak, the Blazers boast a stellar 33-1 record, anchored by a dominant pitching staff that has recorded 14 shutouts this season.
The Blazers are set to host Wilcox County (23-7) in a doubleheader at Blazer Field, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday. If necessary, the decisive “if” game will take place Thursday at 5 p.m.
If the regular season is any indication, junior left-hander Hudson Coronati will get the start in Game 1, while senior Lee Worsham is expected to take the mound for Game 2. The Blazers’ senior leadership extends beyond the mound, with catcher Grayson White, centerfielder Daniel Cruz, and right fielder/reliever Logan Hurst playing vital roles throughout the season.
The visiting Wilcox County Patriots, hailing from Rochelle, also bring a formidable squad to the matchup. Despite a challenging schedule, they remained unbeaten in region play and have won nearly 150 consecutive region games. Their seven losses came against higher-classification opponents, including Veterans (Warner Robins), Ola (McDonough), and Lee County (Leesburg).
Lee County is the only area team that has faced Wilcox County and the Trojans defeated the Patriots twice during the regular season. Lee County head coach Wes Shiver believes the key to success lies in getting past Wilcox County’s starting pitchers and forcing the bullpen into action.
The Patriots’ pitching staff is led by senior ace Johnny Nutt, who boasts an impressive 0.29 ERA with seven wins and 112 strikeouts. At the plate, Nutt also delivers with a .400 batting average. Wilcox County’s No. 2 starter, senior Jake Howell, sports a 0.69 ERA and leads the state’s Class A Division II in home runs, while also batting .431.
With both teams showcasing talent on the mound and at the plate, the series promises to be a battle of strength versus strength. The Blazers hope their home-field advantage and senior leadership will push them past a tough Wilcox County squad and into the Final Four.L
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