Baseball

Athens Academy verses Athens Christian
April 28, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with our phenomenal freshman Henry Terrell and his family as Henry recovers from emergency surgery today. We all wish him a quick and complete recovery.

Congratulations to Coach Kane on reaching the state baseball play-offs for his ninth consecutive year as head coach.

The Spartan baseball team plays with heart. They overcome all obstacles and find a way to achieve their best. Tonight was no exception as they came from behind for an exciting, extra inning victory against two outstanding pitchers and a talented team.

Highlights:
• Pitching:
o Patrick Jansen once again gave his all on the mound, pitching 7 2/3 innings, giving up one run on four hits, while striking out six
o Patrick struck out the side in the eighth inning
• Offense:
o The Spartans amassed 7 runs on 12 hits in nine innings
o McKay Matthews was 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 3 stolen bases
o Matt Woodruff was 2/5 with a key double to tie the game at 5-5
o Patrick Jansen was 2/3 with a soaring 3 run homerun and was intentionally walked twice
o Evans Wellborn had the winning hit in the ninth inning
o Hunter Stiles was 1 for 4 with an RBI
o Thomas Sanders was 1 for 4
o Everett Young was 2 for 4
• Defense:
o Mark Sanders turned an unassisted double play in the first inning
o Thomas continues to play first base exceptionally well, showing an outstanding vertical reach
o The Spartans turned a second double play in the seventh inning going from Matthews to M. Sanders to T. Sanders
o James Waugh came in defensively and fielded the last out of the ninth inning perfectly

Scoring:
• First inning:
o Matt singled up the middle (the Eagles pitcher then threw to 1st base four times, showing well deserved respect for Matt’s speed)
o Patrick singled, putting men on first and second
o Hunter singled to left field sending Matt to the plate
 One run scored
• Fifth inning:
o McKay singled and stole second
o Matt reached on a error
o Patrick took the second pitch and planted it deep in the pine trees beyond the right center field fence for a towering home run
 Three runs scored
• Seventh inning:
o McKay singled down the left field line and stole second
o Matt tied the score with a double to right center, sending McKay home
 One run scored
• Ninth inning:
o Once again, McKay led off the inning with a single and stole second (what a great pattern to be in!)
o After Patrick was walked intentionally, McKay attempted to steal third and came home on a throwing error by the catcher as Patrick advanced to third
o With the count one and one, Evans slammed a single up the middle for the game winning hit
 Two runs scored

It was an electrifying game with the Spartans coming out victorious and claiming their ninth consecutive state play-off spot. The Spartans had to overcome adversity in losing a key member of their team (Henry Terrell) and a questionable call in the 8th inning when Mark Sanders attempted to score.

The Spartans have the best fan support. Once again the stands were full and the enthusiasm contagious throughout the game.

The Spartans will take on Jefferson for their last game of the regular season on Friday at 5:00 p.m. As Coach Chuboff said, “we are going to have to wrap the players in bubble wrap to keep everyone else healthy for Friday!”

Hope to see you there!

Final Score: Athens Academy 7, Athens Christian 6 (in 9 innings)

Athens Academy: (14-8 overall) (11-6 region)