April is my favorite sports month of the year. The men and women’s college basketball championships, the start of the MLB season and of course the Masters. I don’t watch nearly as much basketball as I used to. I have watched the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments. This column is being written prior to the guys’ championship game between Texas Tech and Virginia. Unfortunately, the officials had a huge impact at the end of the Virginia-Auburn game on Saturday. The final three shot foul call was the right call, but of course the non-call on the double dribble was brutal. Auburn deserved better in the end but they had their chances.
The women’s championship game on Sunday night was one for the ages between Baylor and Notre Dame. The Lady Bears dominated early, as they would lead by as many as 17 points. The momentum of the game swung when Baylor’s all American forward Lauren Cox hurt her knee late in the third quarter. The Lady Irish would come alive and grabbed the lead for a brief time but Baylor would do just enough and survive 82-81. Baylor was the better team on this night and should have won by more.
Okay so we are nine games into the Braves season and they are 5-4. So far they are kind of as advertised. The East looks strong as everyone expected. The rotation looked just okay but Gausman looked good against the Marlins. The bullpen hasn’t been good, as they couldn’t even hold a lead against the poor Marlins. We are still waiting for Donaldson and Acuna to get on track at the plate. It is still early but my fourth place prediction unfortunately still looks about right.
The month of April has something for everyone including the NFL draft late in the month. My very favorite is the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta. Monday I was fortunate enough to make it to Augusta National Golf Club for the 20th year in a row. Even though I was fortunate enough to see D.J., Bubba, Rory, Tiger, Rickie and others, the course was still the star. Seeing the course in all its beauty brings a chill throughout my body like I am seeing it for the very first time.
The weather was better than expected and the people were really out to watch. Tiger was out early as he usually is and played the back nine with former champ Fred Couples and Justin Thomas. D.J. and Rory weren’t far behind. Johnson made an ultra rare double eagle on the par 5, 15th hole. It is still great to watch players skip balls on the par 3, 16th hole. Everyone that came through, that is what I saw.
Tiger was actually the only player in his group to reach the green on his skip shot. Trust me, if you don’t skip the ball across the pond, you will get booed. Tiger didn’t do it on Tuesday last year and the packed stands let him know it. It’s time for a fearless prediction. It’s time for Rory to complete the career grand slam so I will take him to win. I think D.J. will be in the game and I think Fowler will come close once more, but with good weather I think it will be a bombers paradise at Augusta National.
Sports
By Joey Marchant
Dodge reeled off three consecutive wins this week, including two region wins. They got started on April 1st with an exciting home win in walk off fashion against the Rutland Hurricanes. Rutland is a high school in South Bibb County formed in 2003.
Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge and retired the Canes in order in the first. The Canes took the lead in the second. Woodard gave up three hits in the inning including a two run double giving Rutland a 2-0 lead.
Dodge came right back in the bottom of the second. After two Dodge strikeouts to start the inning, Noah Mincey singled to right and moved to second on a wild pitch. Landin Crummey followed with a double scoring Mincey. Parker Hardin walked, and Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for him. Brendan O’Connor hit a fly ball to right field that it appeared would end the inning. However, the right fielder misplayed it. With two outs and Crummey and Johnson running on contact, they both scored easily. O’Connor made it all the way to third. Garrett Durden reached on an error by the third baseman allowing O’Connor to score making it 4-2 Dodge.
Rutland batted around retaking the lead in the third. Like Dodge earlier, Rutland made two quick outs before rallying to score five runs. Rutland strung together four base hits and took advantage of two Dodge errors for a 7-4 lead.
Dodge got right back to work in the bottom of the third. DJ Bursch led off with a walk and stole second. Andrew Lowery singled Bursch home. Lowery went to second on the throw to the plate. After a Dodge strikeout, Crummey grounded out to the right side moving Lowery to third. Hardin delivered a base hit scoring Lowery. Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and moved to second on a wild pitch. O’Connor walked as Johnson stole third base on the pitch. A subsequent balk called on the Rutland pitcher scored Johnson tying the game at 7-7.
The Canes continued to take advantage of Dodge miscues in the fourth. They scored two runs without recording a hit aided by two Dodge errors and a hit batsman. Rutland led 9-7.
Dodge couldn’t score in the fourth, and Garrett Durden took the mound to relieve Woodard to begin the fifth. Yet another Dodge error allowed the leadoff man to reach first for the Canes. He would ultimately steal second as Durden fanned the next two Rutland batters. The next batter tripled driving in the runner from second. Durden stranded him by inducing a ground ball for the third out. Rutland led 10-7.
Mincey led off with a base hit in the bottom of the fifth, but was doubled off to end the nning when Hardin hit a line drive right at the second basemen. Dodge faced a three-run deficit with six outs left.
O’Connor led off the Dodge sixth with a single. Durden had an infield hit and went to third on a throwing error allowing O’Connor to score. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Durden. Kaden Burse had a single to drive Cummings home and cut the Rutland lead to 10-9.
The Dodge defense held in the seventh, and Dodge came to bat in the bottom of the inning needing one run to tie the game. Mincey led off with a base hit. Crummey laid down a bunt for a hit sending Mincey to second. Seth Cossett entered as a pinch runner for Crummey. Parker Hardin sent a seeing eye single up the middle to score Mincey with the tying run. Cossett had to hold at second. Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin, and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. O’Connor lined out to left for the first out, but did not hit it deep enough for Cossett to tag and score from third. Durden had an infield hit, but the runners could not advance. The bases were now loaded with Indians. Coach Herring called for the suicide squeeze, and Cossett broke for home at full speed. Woodard got the bunt down in fair territory, but not out of the reach of the Rutland catcher who had the presence of mind to know that because the bases were loaded, he did not need to tag Cossett. He need only tag the plate for the force out. As Cossett slid into home, the catcher dove for the plate. The umpire called Cossett safe with the winning run, and the Rutland coach was livid. Videos captured by fans show the Rutland coach may have had a complaint, but the umpire doesn’t have the benefit of video replay in high school baseball. Dodge won 11-10 to take plenty of momentum into its Region 3AA series with East Laurens.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for four with a walk and a run scored. Garrett Durden was two for five extending his hitting streak to nine games. Brodie Woodard was one for four with a walk and the game winning RBI. Kaden Burse was two for four with one run batted in (RBI). Andrew Lowery was one for four with one RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was three for four with two runs scored. Landin Crummey was two for four with a double and one RBI. Parker Hardin was two for four with a walk and two RBI.
Woodard got a no decision after pitching four innings and surrendering nine runs (three earned) on seven hits. Woodard walked none and hit two batters. He struck out three. Durden got the win for Dodge. He pitched three innings surrendering one run on two hits. He walked one and struck out three.
Dodge traveled to East Dublin on April 2nd to take on the East Laurens Falcons. It looked to be a pitchers’ duel early as East Laurens sent Sophomore Ryan Mimbs to the mound, one of the best pitchers in Region 3AA. The Indians countered with Junior Andrew Lowery who has pitched well for Dodge this year. Lowery would get the best of Mimbs on this day as Dodge won 5-1. Lowery pitched 6 and 2/3 innings scattering five hits and issuing only one walk. Lowery struck out nine Falcons. Lowery got good support from his defense, which has at times let the Dodge pitching staff down this year.
Mimbs made the Dodge hitters look silly the first time through the order striking out six Indians using his fastball to get ahead and his curve ball to finish most of them off. Dodge got on the scoreboard in the third. Brendan O’Connor turned around a Mimbs fastball for a single. Brodie Woodard reached on an error. The runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. O’Connor would then score on another wild pitch making it 1-0 Dodge.
Dodge would add to their lead in the fourth. Landin Crummey led off with a single. DJ Bursch reached on an error. Lowery laid down a bunt, which Mimbs pounced on in time to cut Crummey down going to third. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Lowery. After a Dodge strikeout, another wild pitch allowed the Dodge runners to advance to second and third. O’Connor drew a walk to load the bases. Garrett Durden was hit by a pitch to plate Bursch. Brodie Woodard had a base hit to score Cummings and O’Connor giving Dodge a 4-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Lowery was on cruise control. He was perfect until giving up a bloop single to Mimbs in the bottom of the fourth. The ball probably should have been caught. It appeared the sun may have played a role. Lowery got the next two batters to fly out, and Parker Hardin gunned down Mimbs as he tried to steal second for the third out.
Dodge would add a run in the fifth. Crummey and Burse had consecutive base hits. Lowery hit a rocket shot back up the middle, which Mimbs deflected allowing an infielder to field the ball and step on second to cut down Bursch. Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Lowery and intentionally got into a rundown as East Laurens forgot all about Crummey who trotted home from third base giving Dodge a 5-0 lead.
East Laurens would add a run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth to cut the Dodge lead to 5-1. Lowery fanned the first two batters in the bottom of the seventh before giving up a base hit. He was pulled in favor of Crummey who struck out the only batter he faced to seal the victory.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for three with a walk and two runs scored. Brodie Woodard was two for four with two RBI. Noah Mincey was one for four. Landin Crummey was three for three with one run scored. DJ Bursch was one for three with one run scored. Parker Hardin was one for three.
The series would continue on April 4th as Dodge hosted East Laurens. Parker Gay started on the mound for Dodge. East Laurens got on the board early with four hits and one Dodge error leading to a 3-0 East Laurens lead after one half inning of play. Dodge wasted no time regaining the lead in the bottom of the first. Brendan O’Connor led off with a walk. Garrett Durden doubled to left. Brodie Woodard walked to load the bases. Noah Mincey singled to plate O’Connor. Andrew Lowery tripled to the gap in left center driving in Durden, Woodard and Mincey and giving Dodge a 5-3 lead.
Ryan Mimbs had a solo homerun for East Laurens in the second cutting the Dodge lead to 5-4. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third when Kaden Burse led off with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Mincey sacrificed him to third. Lowery doubled plating Burse. Parker Hardin walked, and Timmy Johnson came in as a courtesy runner for him. Johnson got into an intentional rundown allowing Lowery to score from third making it 7-4 Dodge.
It would remain that way until the sixth when East Laurens cut the Dodge lead to 7-6. Gay struck out the first batter, but the next batter reached on an error. Gay hit the next batter and was then called for a balk. East Laurens had runners at second and third with one out. The next batter hit a seeing eye single to drive in two runs. Gay’s night was done as Crummey came in to relieve him. Crummey wasted no time as he got the runner at first with his great pickoff move. The runner chose to break for second where Mincey threw to Woodard for the easy out. Crummey struck out the next batter for the final out of the inning.
Dodge put East Laurens away in the bottom of the sixth. O’Connor doubled and went to third on a wild pitch. Durden walked and went to second on catcher’s indifference. Woodard walked to load the bases, and Johnson entered as a pinch runner for him. Burse doubled home O’Connor and Durden. Mincey reached on an error, which allowed Johnson and Burse to score. Mincey ended up at second. Crummey had a bunt single, and Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for him. Lowery drove in Mincey with a base hit. Parker Hardin had a bunt single, and Cummings and Lowery scored. Roper Weath ersbee entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. DJ Bursch walked. Durden had a bloop single to load the bases. Woodard grounded out scoring Weathersbee. Bursch scored on a wild pitch to end the game with a 16-6 Dodge victory.
Parker Gay got the win for Dodge going five and one-third innings surrendering six runs (three earned) on six hits. Gay walked one and hit two batters. Gay struck out four. Landin Crummey pitched two thirds of an inning giving up no runs on no hits or walks and striking out one.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for three with a double, two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored. Garrett Durden was three for four with a double, one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was one for two with a double, three walks, two RBI and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was one for three with one RBI and one run scored. Landin Crummey was 1 for three with one walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Andrew Lowery was three for four with a triple, a double, five RBI and one run scored. Parker Hardin was two for three with two walks.
With the two wins over East Laurens, Dodge (12-6) moves into third place in Region 3AA trailing Bleckley County and Washington County. Those two teams play each other twice this week, so Dodge still has a chance to finish second in the region and host a first-round playoff game. Dodge was scheduled to travel to Southwest (2-13) for a region game on April 9th, but results were unavailable at press time. Dodge will travel to Turner County (3-15) on April 10th, host Southwest on April 12th and travel to Telfair County (11-9) on April 15th.
Dodge reeled off three consecutive wins this week, including two region wins. They got started on April 1st with an exciting home win in walk off fashion against the Rutland Hurricanes. Rutland is a high school in South Bibb County formed in 2003.
Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge and retired the Canes in order in the first. The Canes took the lead in the second. Woodard gave up three hits in the inning including a two run double giving Rutland a 2-0 lead.
Dodge came right back in the bottom of the second. After two Dodge strikeouts to start the inning, Noah Mincey singled to right and moved to second on a wild pitch. Landin Crummey followed with a double scoring Mincey. Parker Hardin walked, and Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for him. Brendan O’Connor hit a fly ball to right field that it appeared would end the inning. However, the right fielder misplayed it. With two outs and Crummey and Johnson running on contact, they both scored easily. O’Connor made it all the way to third. Garrett Durden reached on an error by the third baseman allowing O’Connor to score making it 4-2 Dodge.
Rutland batted around retaking the lead in the third. Like Dodge earlier, Rutland made two quick outs before rallying to score five runs. Rutland strung together four base hits and took advantage of two Dodge errors for a 7-4 lead.
Dodge got right back to work in the bottom of the third. DJ Bursch led off with a walk and stole second. Andrew Lowery singled Bursch home. Lowery went to second on the throw to the plate. After a Dodge strikeout, Crummey grounded out to the right side moving Lowery to third. Hardin delivered a base hit scoring Lowery. Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and moved to second on a wild pitch. O’Connor walked as Johnson stole third base on the pitch. A subsequent balk called on the Rutland pitcher scored Johnson tying the game at 7-7.
The Canes continued to take advantage of Dodge miscues in the fourth. They scored two runs without recording a hit aided by two Dodge errors and a hit batsman. Rutland led 9-7.
Dodge couldn’t score in the fourth, and Garrett Durden took the mound to relieve Woodard to begin the fifth. Yet another Dodge error allowed the leadoff man to reach first for the Canes. He would ultimately steal second as Durden fanned the next two Rutland batters. The next batter tripled driving in the runner from second. Durden stranded him by inducing a ground ball for the third out. Rutland led 10-7.
Mincey led off with a base hit in the bottom of the fifth, but was doubled off to end the nning when Hardin hit a line drive right at the second basemen. Dodge faced a three-run deficit with six outs left.
O’Connor led off the Dodge sixth with a single. Durden had an infield hit and went to third on a throwing error allowing O’Connor to score. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Durden. Kaden Burse had a single to drive Cummings home and cut the Rutland lead to 10-9.
The Dodge defense held in the seventh, and Dodge came to bat in the bottom of the inning needing one run to tie the game. Mincey led off with a base hit. Crummey laid down a bunt for a hit sending Mincey to second. Seth Cossett entered as a pinch runner for Crummey. Parker Hardin sent a seeing eye single up the middle to score Mincey with the tying run. Cossett had to hold at second. Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin, and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. O’Connor lined out to left for the first out, but did not hit it deep enough for Cossett to tag and score from third. Durden had an infield hit, but the runners could not advance. The bases were now loaded with Indians. Coach Herring called for the suicide squeeze, and Cossett broke for home at full speed. Woodard got the bunt down in fair territory, but not out of the reach of the Rutland catcher who had the presence of mind to know that because the bases were loaded, he did not need to tag Cossett. He need only tag the plate for the force out. As Cossett slid into home, the catcher dove for the plate. The umpire called Cossett safe with the winning run, and the Rutland coach was livid. Videos captured by fans show the Rutland coach may have had a complaint, but the umpire doesn’t have the benefit of video replay in high school baseball. Dodge won 11-10 to take plenty of momentum into its Region 3AA series with East Laurens.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for four with a walk and a run scored. Garrett Durden was two for five extending his hitting streak to nine games. Brodie Woodard was one for four with a walk and the game winning RBI. Kaden Burse was two for four with one run batted in (RBI). Andrew Lowery was one for four with one RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was three for four with two runs scored. Landin Crummey was two for four with a double and one RBI. Parker Hardin was two for four with a walk and two RBI.
Woodard got a no decision after pitching four innings and surrendering nine runs (three earned) on seven hits. Woodard walked none and hit two batters. He struck out three. Durden got the win for Dodge. He pitched three innings surrendering one run on two hits. He walked one and struck out three.
Dodge traveled to East Dublin on April 2nd to take on the East Laurens Falcons. It looked to be a pitchers’ duel early as East Laurens sent Sophomore Ryan Mimbs to the mound, one of the best pitchers in Region 3AA. The Indians countered with Junior Andrew Lowery who has pitched well for Dodge this year. Lowery would get the best of Mimbs on this day as Dodge won 5-1. Lowery pitched 6 and 2/3 innings scattering five hits and issuing only one walk. Lowery struck out nine Falcons. Lowery got good support from his defense, which has at times let the Dodge pitching staff down this year.
Mimbs made the Dodge hitters look silly the first time through the order striking out six Indians using his fastball to get ahead and his curve ball to finish most of them off. Dodge got on the scoreboard in the third. Brendan O’Connor turned around a Mimbs fastball for a single. Brodie Woodard reached on an error. The runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. O’Connor would then score on another wild pitch making it 1-0 Dodge.
Dodge would add to their lead in the fourth. Landin Crummey led off with a single. DJ Bursch reached on an error. Lowery laid down a bunt, which Mimbs pounced on in time to cut Crummey down going to third. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Lowery. After a Dodge strikeout, another wild pitch allowed the Dodge runners to advance to second and third. O’Connor drew a walk to load the bases. Garrett Durden was hit by a pitch to plate Bursch. Brodie Woodard had a base hit to score Cummings and O’Connor giving Dodge a 4-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Lowery was on cruise control. He was perfect until giving up a bloop single to Mimbs in the bottom of the fourth. The ball probably should have been caught. It appeared the sun may have played a role. Lowery got the next two batters to fly out, and Parker Hardin gunned down Mimbs as he tried to steal second for the third out.
Dodge would add a run in the fifth. Crummey and Burse had consecutive base hits. Lowery hit a rocket shot back up the middle, which Mimbs deflected allowing an infielder to field the ball and step on second to cut down Bursch. Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Lowery and intentionally got into a rundown as East Laurens forgot all about Crummey who trotted home from third base giving Dodge a 5-0 lead.
East Laurens would add a run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth to cut the Dodge lead to 5-1. Lowery fanned the first two batters in the bottom of the seventh before giving up a base hit. He was pulled in favor of Crummey who struck out the only batter he faced to seal the victory.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for three with a walk and two runs scored. Brodie Woodard was two for four with two RBI. Noah Mincey was one for four. Landin Crummey was three for three with one run scored. DJ Bursch was one for three with one run scored. Parker Hardin was one for three.
The series would continue on April 4th as Dodge hosted East Laurens. Parker Gay started on the mound for Dodge. East Laurens got on the board early with four hits and one Dodge error leading to a 3-0 East Laurens lead after one half inning of play. Dodge wasted no time regaining the lead in the bottom of the first. Brendan O’Connor led off with a walk. Garrett Durden doubled to left. Brodie Woodard walked to load the bases. Noah Mincey singled to plate O’Connor. Andrew Lowery tripled to the gap in left center driving in Durden, Woodard and Mincey and giving Dodge a 5-3 lead.
Ryan Mimbs had a solo homerun for East Laurens in the second cutting the Dodge lead to 5-4. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third when Kaden Burse led off with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Mincey sacrificed him to third. Lowery doubled plating Burse. Parker Hardin walked, and Timmy Johnson came in as a courtesy runner for him. Johnson got into an intentional rundown allowing Lowery to score from third making it 7-4 Dodge.
It would remain that way until the sixth when East Laurens cut the Dodge lead to 7-6. Gay struck out the first batter, but the next batter reached on an error. Gay hit the next batter and was then called for a balk. East Laurens had runners at second and third with one out. The next batter hit a seeing eye single to drive in two runs. Gay’s night was done as Crummey came in to relieve him. Crummey wasted no time as he got the runner at first with his great pickoff move. The runner chose to break for second where Mincey threw to Woodard for the easy out. Crummey struck out the next batter for the final out of the inning.
Dodge put East Laurens away in the bottom of the sixth. O’Connor doubled and went to third on a wild pitch. Durden walked and went to second on catcher’s indifference. Woodard walked to load the bases, and Johnson entered as a pinch runner for him. Burse doubled home O’Connor and Durden. Mincey reached on an error, which allowed Johnson and Burse to score. Mincey ended up at second. Crummey had a bunt single, and Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for him. Lowery drove in Mincey with a base hit. Parker Hardin had a bunt single, and Cummings and Lowery scored. Roper Weath ersbee entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. DJ Bursch walked. Durden had a bloop single to load the bases. Woodard grounded out scoring Weathersbee. Bursch scored on a wild pitch to end the game with a 16-6 Dodge victory.
Parker Gay got the win for Dodge going five and one-third innings surrendering six runs (three earned) on six hits. Gay walked one and hit two batters. Gay struck out four. Landin Crummey pitched two thirds of an inning giving up no runs on no hits or walks and striking out one.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for three with a double, two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored. Garrett Durden was three for four with a double, one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was one for two with a double, three walks, two RBI and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was one for three with one RBI and one run scored. Landin Crummey was 1 for three with one walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Andrew Lowery was three for four with a triple, a double, five RBI and one run scored. Parker Hardin was two for three with two walks.
With the two wins over East Laurens, Dodge (12-6) moves into third place in Region 3AA trailing Bleckley County and Washington County. Those two teams play each other twice this week, so Dodge still has a chance to finish second in the region and host a first-round playoff game. Dodge was scheduled to travel to Southwest (2-13) for a region game on April 9th, but results were unavailable at press time. Dodge will travel to Turner County (3-15) on April 10th, host Southwest on April 12th and travel to Telfair County (11-9) on April 15th.
Russ's Sports Review
I know we are a couple of games into the regular season, but I have decided to do my fearless predictions for the 2019 season. Okay, here we go. Let’s start with the National League East. I have heard from several of you about why am I so tough on the Braves. I don’t like the make-up of this team. Injuries to four key pitchers could be a huge knock to this team. Shockingly, they could still correct the rotation and the bullpen.
Unfortunately, I do not believe either will happen. Yes, I think the Braves will finish fourth. I hope I am wrong. I have debated with myself about who I like in the East. I guess I will take the Nationals by just a little. If they can hit enough, they have plenty of pitching lead by Max Scherzer and free agent Patrick Corbin. Soto and company should be able to do enough. If the Mets pitchers stay healthy, they will be a factor.
The National League Central looks like it will be a three-team battle as well. The Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers should all be close. I think the pressure is really on the Cubs to win. The rotation led by Darvish, Hamels and Lester will have to come through. I like them over the Brewers by just a little. Don’t ever count out the Cardinals though. The National League West is a two-team race I think. It should come down to the Dodgers and the Rockies If you go by talent, I like the Dodgers, but health could play a huge role.
Kershaw and Rich Hill both started the season on the injured list. They should be ready soon but there is a question of how long they will hold out. They may have to lean on their offense early in the season. The Rockies will lean on Arenado, Story and the strong offense. I will take the Dodgers. It may be close but they are the better team. The Padres and Giants will both be better but not strong enough.
The American League East has long been considered the strongest division in baseball. I will take the Yankees over the world champion Red Sox. The Yankees helped the rotation as they picked up James Paxton from Seattle. They also have Tanaka, Severino and Happ. Judge, Stanton and Torres lead a loaded line up. The Sox will be good with Betts, Bogaerts and Martinez in a strong offense. The rotation is good with Price and Sale. The bullpen has lost Kimbrel and they may struggle. The second place team should be the wild card. Don’t count on CY Young award winner Blake Snell and the Rays. They should be the favorite for the second wild card.
The American League Central should go to the Indians. They are strong in the rotation with Kluber and Bauer. The Twins may challenge them but I don’t think that they can hang with the Indians.
The American League West should belong to the Astros. The dynamic duo of Verlander and Cole lead a strong rotation. The offense should be really good with Correa, Springer, Bregman and Altuve. I guess Oakland has a shot but Houston should be a huge favorite. They could use one more starting pitcher but I like their chances. The Angels and Trout could be spoilers but not enough firepower to contend. We will take a look back at these picks in September.
Let’s wrap up things with a college softball report. On Wednesday, Middle Georgia’s Lady Knights and former Dodge County Lady Indian Margaret Simmons hosted Georgia Southwestern. It was a big day for Simmons, a sophomore shortstop. She went three for six with four runs scored and a long homer in the double-header sweep in three to one and five to one wins. The Lady Knights are 20-10 on the year.
Unfortunately, I do not believe either will happen. Yes, I think the Braves will finish fourth. I hope I am wrong. I have debated with myself about who I like in the East. I guess I will take the Nationals by just a little. If they can hit enough, they have plenty of pitching lead by Max Scherzer and free agent Patrick Corbin. Soto and company should be able to do enough. If the Mets pitchers stay healthy, they will be a factor.
The National League Central looks like it will be a three-team battle as well. The Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers should all be close. I think the pressure is really on the Cubs to win. The rotation led by Darvish, Hamels and Lester will have to come through. I like them over the Brewers by just a little. Don’t ever count out the Cardinals though. The National League West is a two-team race I think. It should come down to the Dodgers and the Rockies If you go by talent, I like the Dodgers, but health could play a huge role.
Kershaw and Rich Hill both started the season on the injured list. They should be ready soon but there is a question of how long they will hold out. They may have to lean on their offense early in the season. The Rockies will lean on Arenado, Story and the strong offense. I will take the Dodgers. It may be close but they are the better team. The Padres and Giants will both be better but not strong enough.
The American League East has long been considered the strongest division in baseball. I will take the Yankees over the world champion Red Sox. The Yankees helped the rotation as they picked up James Paxton from Seattle. They also have Tanaka, Severino and Happ. Judge, Stanton and Torres lead a loaded line up. The Sox will be good with Betts, Bogaerts and Martinez in a strong offense. The rotation is good with Price and Sale. The bullpen has lost Kimbrel and they may struggle. The second place team should be the wild card. Don’t count on CY Young award winner Blake Snell and the Rays. They should be the favorite for the second wild card.
The American League Central should go to the Indians. They are strong in the rotation with Kluber and Bauer. The Twins may challenge them but I don’t think that they can hang with the Indians.
The American League West should belong to the Astros. The dynamic duo of Verlander and Cole lead a strong rotation. The offense should be really good with Correa, Springer, Bregman and Altuve. I guess Oakland has a shot but Houston should be a huge favorite. They could use one more starting pitcher but I like their chances. The Angels and Trout could be spoilers but not enough firepower to contend. We will take a look back at these picks in September.
Let’s wrap up things with a college softball report. On Wednesday, Middle Georgia’s Lady Knights and former Dodge County Lady Indian Margaret Simmons hosted Georgia Southwestern. It was a big day for Simmons, a sophomore shortstop. She went three for six with four runs scored and a long homer in the double-header sweep in three to one and five to one wins. The Lady Knights are 20-10 on the year.
Sports 04-03-2019
By Joey Marchant
It is not often that a team can get outhit 20-10, have three men thrown out on the base paths, commit five errors and still win a baseball game, but that is just what Dodge did against Telfair on March 25. Dodge won a seesaw battle. The difference in the game was the ability of the Dodge pitching staff to throw strikes. Dodge did not issue a single walk. Telfair handed out ten free passes.
With only two varsity games this week and no region games, Dodge was able to use three pitchers without having to worry about available arms. Andrew Lowery was the first to take the mound.
Telfair came out swinging. Jalen Clemons led off with a bunt single. Cameo Blankenship reached on an error, and the runners moved up on a wild pitch. Trey Bess grounded out to third scoring Clemons. Jared Dopson drove in Blankenship with a base hit up the middle. After giving up another hit to Tre Blankenship, Lowery settled down to retire the next two batters.
Dodge wasted no time taking the lead in the bottom of the first. Brendan O’Connor and Brodie Woodard walked. Kaden Burse reached on an error to load the bases. DJ Bursch then hit a Grand Slam over the fence in left center to give Dodge a 4-2 lead.
Lowery retired the first two batters in the top of the second, but then Telfair came roaring back. Clemons singled. Cameo Blankenship doubled. Trey Bess drove in two runs with a double. Dodge turned a hard hit ground ball by Dopson into a three base error scoring Bess. Tre Blankenship followed with a base hit driving in Dopson for a 6-4 Telfair lead.
Dodge tied it in the bottom of the second. O’Connor led off with a walk. Garrett Durden laid down a sacrifice bunt. Woodard singled plating O’Connor. Burse had a base hit to move Woodard to third. Burse attempted to get in a rundown to score Woodard from third. The pitcher would not bite, and Burse moved up to second on the play. Woodard then broke for home just before the left handed pitcher started his motion. The pitch beat Woodard to the plate, but he slid in under the tag for the steal of home. The score was tied 6-6.
Telfair regained the lead in the third. Landin Crummey came into relieve Lowery. Jude King led off with a bunt single. He stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Crummey struck out the next two batters before allowing a base hit to Cameo Blankenship scoring King. Telfair led 7-6.
The Telfair lead was short lived. O’Connor legged out a double. Durden followed that up with a single, but O’Connor fell coming around third and had to retreat. Woodard hit a sacrifice fly to center driving in O’Connor and tying the game at 7-7.
Telfair continued to score in the fourth. Dopson reached on an error. Tre Blankenship doubled. Noah Harrelson grounded out to score Dopson and give Telfair an 8-7 lead.
Dodge was held scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, and it looked like Telfair would pull away. Woodard came in to relieve Crummey, and Telfair continued to pound the baseball. Clemons and Cameo Blankenship singled. Bess doubled home Clemons. Dopson grounded out scoring Blankenship. Tre Blankenship had an infield hit to score Bess giving Telfair a 10-7 lead.
Dodge battled back in the bottom of the fifth. Seth Cossett came in as a pinch hitter and was hit by a pitch. Parker Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson came in as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor doubled scoring Cossett. Durden doubled scoring Johnson and O’Connor tying it again at 10-10.
Telfair continued to score runs in the sixth. King singled and stole second. He moved to third on a passed ball. Clemons drove in King with an infield hit. Cameo Blankenship reached on an error allowing Clemons to score and giving Telfair a 12-10 lead.
Dodge came back in the bottom of the sixth. Bursch was hit by a pitch, and Crummey reached on an error. However, Bursch was then picked off at second. Noah Mincey delivered a base hit to center. Cossett walked to load the bases. Hardin was hit by a pitch scoring Crummey. Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor reached on an error allowing Mincey and Cossett to score. Durden singled plating Johnson and giving Dodge a 14-12 lead.
Telfair would add a run in the seventh on back to back doubles by Tre Blankenship and Landin Connell, but Dodge would hang on for the 14-13 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: O’Connor was 2 for 3 with two doubles, two walks, two RBI and three runs scored. Garrett Durden was 3 for 4 with a double and three RBI. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with two RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Kaden Burse was 1 for 3 with a run scored. DJ Bursch was 1 for 2 with a Grand Slam, a walk, a hit batsman, four RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 3 with a walk and one run scored.
On March 28, Dodge defeated the visiting Treutlen County Vikings by a score of 10-1. Parker Gay started on the mound for Dodge and got the win going four innings surrendering one run on three hits while walking three and striking out three. Landin Crummey pitched the final three scoreless innings surrendering only one hit and no walks. Crummey struck out four batters.
Dodge took a 3-0 lead in the first. Garrett Durden doubled. Brodie Woodard reached on an error allowing Durden to score. Kaden Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch walked. Andrew Lowery grounded into a fielder’s choice to erase Bursch, but Woodard scored in the process. Lowery then got into an intentional rundown, which allowed Burse to score from third.
Dodge would blow it open in the third. With Dodge leading 3-1, Woodard led off with a walk. Burse reached on an error. Woodard was erased when Bursch hit into a fielder’s choice. Lowery walked loading the bases. Noah Mincey hit a sacrifice fly scoring Burse. Crummey reached on an error allowing Bursch to score. Parker Hardin reached on catcher’s interference loading the bases. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Lowery scored on a wild pitch. O’Connor singled plating Crummey and Johnson giving Dodge an 8-1 lead.
Dodge added a run in the fifth when Lowery led off with a single. Crummey had a base hit. Lowery tagged and advanced on a fly out to center by Hardin. O’Connor reached on an error allowing Lowery to score making it 9-1 Dodge.
Dodge added a final run in the sixth when Burse reached on an error. Johnson entered as a pinch runner for Burse and moved to third on a wild pitch. After a short sun delay, Lowery tripled scoring Johnson for the 10-1 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 4 with two RBI. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 3 with a triple, a walk, two RBI and two runs scored.
Dodge improves to 9-6. The Indians were scheduled to host Rutland High (5-12) on April 1 and travel to East Laurens (8-9) on April 2nd, but results of those games were unavailable at press time. Dodge will host East Laurens on April 5. We should learn a lot about Dodge’s playoff prospects after these two games against East Laurens.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s Junior Varsity (JV) got their offense on track this week in a big way. Dodge scored fifty-four runs in four games winning three and losing one. Dodge hosted Toombs County in what was scheduled to be two five inning games on March 26th. The first game was called after four innings as Dodge won by a score of 17-2.
Toombs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first as Brendan O’Connor gave up two walks and two hits. O’Connor settled down from there and pitched three more scoreless innings to earn the win.
Dodge scored eleven runs in the bottom of the first all coming with two outs. Seth
Cossett reached on an error. Cole Cranford reached on an error. Cossett alertly scored on the play as the throw from the outfield rolled all the way through the infield and into foul territory. Austin Cannon entered as a courtesy runner for Cannon. Griffin Durden walked. Noah Cummings hit a three run homer over the left field fence to clear the bases. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Davis Marchant walked. Tyler Shields was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Gage Pittman singled scoring Rowland and Marchant. Kade Harpe tripled to center driving in Shields and Pittman. Trase Moore walked. Cossett reached on an error allowing Harpe and Moore to score. Cranford singled driving in Cossett. Dodge led 11-2.
Dodge made it 12-2 in the second on a leadoff double by Rowland followed by singles by Marchant and Shields.
Dodge scored five in the fourth to complete the 17-2 mercy rule win. Cummings was hit by a pitch. Rowland singled. Marchant singled scoring Cummings. Shields singled scoring Rowland. Marchant scored on a wild pitch. Pittman and Harpe both walked. Trase Moore reached on an error allowing Shields to score. Cossett drew a bases loaded walk to score Pittman with the final run.
Dodge substituted liberally in the second game. Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance to earn a 7-6 walk off win.
Pittman led off with a base hit for Dodge in the first, but he was erased when Shields grounded into a fielder’s choice. Marchant singled to score Shields giving Dodge a 1-0 lead.
Toombs tied it at 1-1 in the top of the third before Dodge took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the inning. Pittman singled and scored on a triple by Rowland. Brady Moore just missed a homerun when he doubled off the left field fence to drive in Rowland.
Toombs came back with five runs in the top of the fourth to take a 6-3 lead. It stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth. Pittman and Shields walked. Marchant singled driving in Pittman. Cannon singled plating Shields. Marchant scored the tying run on a passed ball. Brady Moore walked, and Trase Moore singled scoring Cannon with the winning run for the 7-6 victory.
Leading hitters on the day for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 6 with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Kade Harpe was 1 for 3 with a triple, a walk, two RBI and one run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 3 with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Cole Cranford was 1 for 3 with one RBI. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with a homerun, three RBI and two runs scored. Macky Rowland was 3 for 4 with a walk, a triple, a double, one RBI and three runs scored. Davis Marchant was 4 for 5 with a walk, three RBI and three runs scored. Tyler Shields was 2 for 4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Gage Pittman was 3 for 4 with two walks, two RBI and three runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 2 with a walk, a double and one RBI. Austin Cannon was 1 for 1 with one RBI and two runs scored.
Dodge JV continued to score almost at will with a 15-0 route of Treutlen County on March 28. Garrett Durden did not allow a hit as Dodge took care of the Vikings in three innings. Cummings led off the second inning with a double. Cranford drove in Cummings with a double. Cannon entered as a pinch runner for Cranford. He moved to third on a wild pitch. Rowland walked and stole second. Cannon scored on the throw to second. Griffin Durden walked. Marchant hit into a fielder’s choice erasing Durden and moving Rowland to third. Brady Moore grounded out scoring Rowland. Shields walked and stole second. Marchant scored on a wild pitch. Trase Moore singled scoring Shields. Pittman singled. A throwing error on the play allowed Trase Moore to score and Pittman to advance to second. Harpe singled scoring Pittman. Cummings doubled home Harpe. Cranford doubled home Cummings. Cannon entered to run for Cranford and scored when Rowland reached on an error. Griffin Durden reached on an error allowing Rowland to score. Marchant doubled in Durden making it 12-0 Dodge.
In the third, Pittman had a base hit. Aren Barden walked. Cameron Gooch was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Cranford doubled in Pittman and Barden. Jason Lann singled in Gooch to give Dodge the 15-0 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Noah Cummings was 2 for 2 with two doubles, and RBI and two runs scored. Cole Cranford was 3 for 3 with three doubles and four RBI. Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with a run scored. Gage Pittman was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Kade Harpe was 1 for 2 with one RBI and one run scored. Jason Lann was 1 for 1 with one RBI. Davis Marchant was 1 for 2 with a double, one RBI and one run scored.
Dodge JV traveled to Douglas to face the Coffee County Trojans on March 29. Coffee came out with bats blazing. Through three innings, Coffee used seven hits, a combined eight walks and hit batsmen, and four Dodge errors to build a 13-0 lead. Dodge fans were making dinner plans when Dodge began to mount a huge comeback.
Dodge got things started with two runs in the fourth. Cossett led off with a walk. Griffin Durden drove him in with a single. Marchant walked. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Durden to score cutting the lead to 13-2.
Dodge crept closer in the fifth. Kade Harpe had an infield hit. Barden entered as a pinch runner for Harpe. Cossett singled. Runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Rowland walked. Joel Joiner entered as a courtesy runner for Rowland. With the bases now loaded, Durden was hit by a pitch to score Barden. Durden was erased on a fielder’s choice by Marchant, but Cossett scored on the play. Brady Moore singled in Joiner. Coffee led 13-6.
Dodge came all the way back to tie it in the sixth. Harpe walked. Cossett had a base hit. Rowland was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Rowland. Durden was hit by a pitch scoring Harpe. Marchant walked scoring Cossett. Durden was erased on a fielder’s choice by Brady Moore, but Barden scored in the process. Cannon entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Trase Moore had a single to load the bases. Pittman walked scoring Marchant. Harpe singled driving in Cannon and Trase Moore. Cossett was hit by a pitch. Pittman scored from third on a wild pitch to tie it 13-13.
Coffee would score two runs in the bottom of the seventh to take a 15-13 lead. Dodge refused to give up. Durden led off the seventh with a walk. Marchant reached on an error. Brady Moore moved the runners to second and third with a ground ball to the right side. Trase Moore reached on an error scoring Durden. Pittman singled home Marchant tying it 15-15.
Coffee would go on to score the winning run with one out in the bottom of the seventh for the 16-15 victory. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 2 for 5 with a walk and two runs scored. Kade Harpe was 2 for 4 with two walks, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 5 with a walk, two RBI and one run scored. Brady Moore was 1 for 5 with two RBI. Seth Cossett was 2 for 3 with a walk, a hit batsman and three runs scored. Griffin Durden was 1 for 2 with a walk, two hit batsman, three RBI and a run scored.
Dodge JV improves to 7-6-1 with games remaining versus Bleckley on April 3, at Irwin on April 10 and at Rutland on April 11.
Dodge County High School (DCHS) Squaws Head Basketball Coach, CaSandra Walker Hamilton, was recently named the 2019 Region 3AA Girls’ Coach of the Year.
Coach Hamilton has received this honor for the second year in a row. She has been head coach of the Squaws for the past three seasons and has led her team to Region 3AA Championship games three years in a row, winning the championship for the past two seasons.
Coach Hamilton has also led the Squaws to the state playoffs all three years. Her teams have won 25 games each of the past three seasons for an overall record of 75-12 in three seasons.
It is not often that a team can get outhit 20-10, have three men thrown out on the base paths, commit five errors and still win a baseball game, but that is just what Dodge did against Telfair on March 25. Dodge won a seesaw battle. The difference in the game was the ability of the Dodge pitching staff to throw strikes. Dodge did not issue a single walk. Telfair handed out ten free passes.
With only two varsity games this week and no region games, Dodge was able to use three pitchers without having to worry about available arms. Andrew Lowery was the first to take the mound.
Telfair came out swinging. Jalen Clemons led off with a bunt single. Cameo Blankenship reached on an error, and the runners moved up on a wild pitch. Trey Bess grounded out to third scoring Clemons. Jared Dopson drove in Blankenship with a base hit up the middle. After giving up another hit to Tre Blankenship, Lowery settled down to retire the next two batters.
Dodge wasted no time taking the lead in the bottom of the first. Brendan O’Connor and Brodie Woodard walked. Kaden Burse reached on an error to load the bases. DJ Bursch then hit a Grand Slam over the fence in left center to give Dodge a 4-2 lead.
Lowery retired the first two batters in the top of the second, but then Telfair came roaring back. Clemons singled. Cameo Blankenship doubled. Trey Bess drove in two runs with a double. Dodge turned a hard hit ground ball by Dopson into a three base error scoring Bess. Tre Blankenship followed with a base hit driving in Dopson for a 6-4 Telfair lead.
Dodge tied it in the bottom of the second. O’Connor led off with a walk. Garrett Durden laid down a sacrifice bunt. Woodard singled plating O’Connor. Burse had a base hit to move Woodard to third. Burse attempted to get in a rundown to score Woodard from third. The pitcher would not bite, and Burse moved up to second on the play. Woodard then broke for home just before the left handed pitcher started his motion. The pitch beat Woodard to the plate, but he slid in under the tag for the steal of home. The score was tied 6-6.
Telfair regained the lead in the third. Landin Crummey came into relieve Lowery. Jude King led off with a bunt single. He stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Crummey struck out the next two batters before allowing a base hit to Cameo Blankenship scoring King. Telfair led 7-6.
The Telfair lead was short lived. O’Connor legged out a double. Durden followed that up with a single, but O’Connor fell coming around third and had to retreat. Woodard hit a sacrifice fly to center driving in O’Connor and tying the game at 7-7.
Telfair continued to score in the fourth. Dopson reached on an error. Tre Blankenship doubled. Noah Harrelson grounded out to score Dopson and give Telfair an 8-7 lead.
Dodge was held scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, and it looked like Telfair would pull away. Woodard came in to relieve Crummey, and Telfair continued to pound the baseball. Clemons and Cameo Blankenship singled. Bess doubled home Clemons. Dopson grounded out scoring Blankenship. Tre Blankenship had an infield hit to score Bess giving Telfair a 10-7 lead.
Dodge battled back in the bottom of the fifth. Seth Cossett came in as a pinch hitter and was hit by a pitch. Parker Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson came in as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor doubled scoring Cossett. Durden doubled scoring Johnson and O’Connor tying it again at 10-10.
Telfair continued to score runs in the sixth. King singled and stole second. He moved to third on a passed ball. Clemons drove in King with an infield hit. Cameo Blankenship reached on an error allowing Clemons to score and giving Telfair a 12-10 lead.
Dodge came back in the bottom of the sixth. Bursch was hit by a pitch, and Crummey reached on an error. However, Bursch was then picked off at second. Noah Mincey delivered a base hit to center. Cossett walked to load the bases. Hardin was hit by a pitch scoring Crummey. Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor reached on an error allowing Mincey and Cossett to score. Durden singled plating Johnson and giving Dodge a 14-12 lead.
Telfair would add a run in the seventh on back to back doubles by Tre Blankenship and Landin Connell, but Dodge would hang on for the 14-13 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: O’Connor was 2 for 3 with two doubles, two walks, two RBI and three runs scored. Garrett Durden was 3 for 4 with a double and three RBI. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with two RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Kaden Burse was 1 for 3 with a run scored. DJ Bursch was 1 for 2 with a Grand Slam, a walk, a hit batsman, four RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 3 with a walk and one run scored.
On March 28, Dodge defeated the visiting Treutlen County Vikings by a score of 10-1. Parker Gay started on the mound for Dodge and got the win going four innings surrendering one run on three hits while walking three and striking out three. Landin Crummey pitched the final three scoreless innings surrendering only one hit and no walks. Crummey struck out four batters.
Dodge took a 3-0 lead in the first. Garrett Durden doubled. Brodie Woodard reached on an error allowing Durden to score. Kaden Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch walked. Andrew Lowery grounded into a fielder’s choice to erase Bursch, but Woodard scored in the process. Lowery then got into an intentional rundown, which allowed Burse to score from third.
Dodge would blow it open in the third. With Dodge leading 3-1, Woodard led off with a walk. Burse reached on an error. Woodard was erased when Bursch hit into a fielder’s choice. Lowery walked loading the bases. Noah Mincey hit a sacrifice fly scoring Burse. Crummey reached on an error allowing Bursch to score. Parker Hardin reached on catcher’s interference loading the bases. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Lowery scored on a wild pitch. O’Connor singled plating Crummey and Johnson giving Dodge an 8-1 lead.
Dodge added a run in the fifth when Lowery led off with a single. Crummey had a base hit. Lowery tagged and advanced on a fly out to center by Hardin. O’Connor reached on an error allowing Lowery to score making it 9-1 Dodge.
Dodge added a final run in the sixth when Burse reached on an error. Johnson entered as a pinch runner for Burse and moved to third on a wild pitch. After a short sun delay, Lowery tripled scoring Johnson for the 10-1 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 4 with two RBI. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 3 with a triple, a walk, two RBI and two runs scored.
Dodge improves to 9-6. The Indians were scheduled to host Rutland High (5-12) on April 1 and travel to East Laurens (8-9) on April 2nd, but results of those games were unavailable at press time. Dodge will host East Laurens on April 5. We should learn a lot about Dodge’s playoff prospects after these two games against East Laurens.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s Junior Varsity (JV) got their offense on track this week in a big way. Dodge scored fifty-four runs in four games winning three and losing one. Dodge hosted Toombs County in what was scheduled to be two five inning games on March 26th. The first game was called after four innings as Dodge won by a score of 17-2.
Toombs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first as Brendan O’Connor gave up two walks and two hits. O’Connor settled down from there and pitched three more scoreless innings to earn the win.
Dodge scored eleven runs in the bottom of the first all coming with two outs. Seth
Cossett reached on an error. Cole Cranford reached on an error. Cossett alertly scored on the play as the throw from the outfield rolled all the way through the infield and into foul territory. Austin Cannon entered as a courtesy runner for Cannon. Griffin Durden walked. Noah Cummings hit a three run homer over the left field fence to clear the bases. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Davis Marchant walked. Tyler Shields was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Gage Pittman singled scoring Rowland and Marchant. Kade Harpe tripled to center driving in Shields and Pittman. Trase Moore walked. Cossett reached on an error allowing Harpe and Moore to score. Cranford singled driving in Cossett. Dodge led 11-2.
Dodge made it 12-2 in the second on a leadoff double by Rowland followed by singles by Marchant and Shields.
Dodge scored five in the fourth to complete the 17-2 mercy rule win. Cummings was hit by a pitch. Rowland singled. Marchant singled scoring Cummings. Shields singled scoring Rowland. Marchant scored on a wild pitch. Pittman and Harpe both walked. Trase Moore reached on an error allowing Shields to score. Cossett drew a bases loaded walk to score Pittman with the final run.
Dodge substituted liberally in the second game. Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance to earn a 7-6 walk off win.
Pittman led off with a base hit for Dodge in the first, but he was erased when Shields grounded into a fielder’s choice. Marchant singled to score Shields giving Dodge a 1-0 lead.
Toombs tied it at 1-1 in the top of the third before Dodge took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the inning. Pittman singled and scored on a triple by Rowland. Brady Moore just missed a homerun when he doubled off the left field fence to drive in Rowland.
Toombs came back with five runs in the top of the fourth to take a 6-3 lead. It stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth. Pittman and Shields walked. Marchant singled driving in Pittman. Cannon singled plating Shields. Marchant scored the tying run on a passed ball. Brady Moore walked, and Trase Moore singled scoring Cannon with the winning run for the 7-6 victory.
Leading hitters on the day for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 6 with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Kade Harpe was 1 for 3 with a triple, a walk, two RBI and one run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 3 with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Cole Cranford was 1 for 3 with one RBI. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with a homerun, three RBI and two runs scored. Macky Rowland was 3 for 4 with a walk, a triple, a double, one RBI and three runs scored. Davis Marchant was 4 for 5 with a walk, three RBI and three runs scored. Tyler Shields was 2 for 4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Gage Pittman was 3 for 4 with two walks, two RBI and three runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 2 with a walk, a double and one RBI. Austin Cannon was 1 for 1 with one RBI and two runs scored.
Dodge JV continued to score almost at will with a 15-0 route of Treutlen County on March 28. Garrett Durden did not allow a hit as Dodge took care of the Vikings in three innings. Cummings led off the second inning with a double. Cranford drove in Cummings with a double. Cannon entered as a pinch runner for Cranford. He moved to third on a wild pitch. Rowland walked and stole second. Cannon scored on the throw to second. Griffin Durden walked. Marchant hit into a fielder’s choice erasing Durden and moving Rowland to third. Brady Moore grounded out scoring Rowland. Shields walked and stole second. Marchant scored on a wild pitch. Trase Moore singled scoring Shields. Pittman singled. A throwing error on the play allowed Trase Moore to score and Pittman to advance to second. Harpe singled scoring Pittman. Cummings doubled home Harpe. Cranford doubled home Cummings. Cannon entered to run for Cranford and scored when Rowland reached on an error. Griffin Durden reached on an error allowing Rowland to score. Marchant doubled in Durden making it 12-0 Dodge.
In the third, Pittman had a base hit. Aren Barden walked. Cameron Gooch was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Cranford doubled in Pittman and Barden. Jason Lann singled in Gooch to give Dodge the 15-0 win.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Noah Cummings was 2 for 2 with two doubles, and RBI and two runs scored. Cole Cranford was 3 for 3 with three doubles and four RBI. Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with a run scored. Gage Pittman was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Kade Harpe was 1 for 2 with one RBI and one run scored. Jason Lann was 1 for 1 with one RBI. Davis Marchant was 1 for 2 with a double, one RBI and one run scored.
Dodge JV traveled to Douglas to face the Coffee County Trojans on March 29. Coffee came out with bats blazing. Through three innings, Coffee used seven hits, a combined eight walks and hit batsmen, and four Dodge errors to build a 13-0 lead. Dodge fans were making dinner plans when Dodge began to mount a huge comeback.
Dodge got things started with two runs in the fourth. Cossett led off with a walk. Griffin Durden drove him in with a single. Marchant walked. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Durden to score cutting the lead to 13-2.
Dodge crept closer in the fifth. Kade Harpe had an infield hit. Barden entered as a pinch runner for Harpe. Cossett singled. Runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Rowland walked. Joel Joiner entered as a courtesy runner for Rowland. With the bases now loaded, Durden was hit by a pitch to score Barden. Durden was erased on a fielder’s choice by Marchant, but Cossett scored on the play. Brady Moore singled in Joiner. Coffee led 13-6.
Dodge came all the way back to tie it in the sixth. Harpe walked. Cossett had a base hit. Rowland was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Rowland. Durden was hit by a pitch scoring Harpe. Marchant walked scoring Cossett. Durden was erased on a fielder’s choice by Brady Moore, but Barden scored in the process. Cannon entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Trase Moore had a single to load the bases. Pittman walked scoring Marchant. Harpe singled driving in Cannon and Trase Moore. Cossett was hit by a pitch. Pittman scored from third on a wild pitch to tie it 13-13.
Coffee would score two runs in the bottom of the seventh to take a 15-13 lead. Dodge refused to give up. Durden led off the seventh with a walk. Marchant reached on an error. Brady Moore moved the runners to second and third with a ground ball to the right side. Trase Moore reached on an error scoring Durden. Pittman singled home Marchant tying it 15-15.
Coffee would go on to score the winning run with one out in the bottom of the seventh for the 16-15 victory. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 2 for 5 with a walk and two runs scored. Kade Harpe was 2 for 4 with two walks, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 5 with a walk, two RBI and one run scored. Brady Moore was 1 for 5 with two RBI. Seth Cossett was 2 for 3 with a walk, a hit batsman and three runs scored. Griffin Durden was 1 for 2 with a walk, two hit batsman, three RBI and a run scored.
Dodge JV improves to 7-6-1 with games remaining versus Bleckley on April 3, at Irwin on April 10 and at Rutland on April 11.
Dodge County High School (DCHS) Squaws Head Basketball Coach, CaSandra Walker Hamilton, was recently named the 2019 Region 3AA Girls’ Coach of the Year.
Coach Hamilton has received this honor for the second year in a row. She has been head coach of the Squaws for the past three seasons and has led her team to Region 3AA Championship games three years in a row, winning the championship for the past two seasons.
Coach Hamilton has also led the Squaws to the state playoffs all three years. Her teams have won 25 games each of the past three seasons for an overall record of 75-12 in three seasons.
Russ's Sports Review
Here it is folks, one of the greatest weeks of the sports season. I know the official start to the MLB season started last week in Japan, but Thursday is the true opening day. The Braves start in Philly as Bryce Harper makes his debut. I still don’t have a bad feeling on the defending NL East champs, but more on that later. It is also the week we determine the final four in college basketball. It looks like all four number one seeds will make it to the sweet 16. Duke was very fortunate to be alive after their somewhat lucky 77-76 win over UCF. Zion is questionably the real deal but if this team can’t make outside shots they will be in real trouble. They will play Virginia Tech on Friday night.
Now for baseball; tomorrow (Thursday) is opening day. Right now I do not feel good about the Braves. The East has passed them talent wise without question. I would have never believed that Julio would be starting on opening day. Granted, I think if healthy, that Folty would be out there, but he will join Minter and O’Day on the disabled list. Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright will both actually start the year in rotation and pitch games 2 and 3. In a move I do not agree with, Touki will start the season at AAA Gwinnett. The team actually made a pair of free agent pickups. They got veteran bullpen guy Josh Tomlin. He has been with several teams, most notably the Indians. On Saturday, they acquired veteran outfielder Matt Joyce. The Braves were his third team of the week. In case you missed it, the Braves are still “in” on free agent closer Craig Kimbrel. It looks like it will come down to the Braves or Brewers. If the all-star closer wants more than a one year deal, I don’t like the Braves’ chances.
Let’s change things over to the Falcons. It looks like they are on the verge of a long-term deal with superstar wide out Julio Jones. Reports are they are about to sign him on a four or five year deal worth 20 million per year. It looks like about half or maybe a little more will go against the cap, which is pretty standard. The money is high but it’s about right for Julio who is considered one of the best, if not the leagues very best.
The move could even open up at least a little cap room for this season, which is desperately needed. It doesn’t look like the team is making any progress with signing star defense tackle Grady Jarrett to a long-term contract. He will be a Falcon this season as he is playing under the franchise tag. He will make 15.9 million this season with all the money counting against the salary cap. The defensive line will likely be the center of attention for the franchise as the draft is coming up starting April 25th.
It is a good draft for the defensive line so I feel sure the Falcons will address the position even if they are able to sign Jarrett long term. The most attractive player to me is Ed Oliver who played with Houston. The big question is will he be there when the birds pick at 14. There are also the strong members of National Champion Clemson that will be available. The draft will start on April 25th.
To wrap things up this week, let’s talk a little college baseball. The Georgia team is off to their best start since 1920. They are currently ranked 5th in the country. They won 2 out of 3 over the weekend against 10th ranked LSU. As is the case in most sports, the conference is loaded. The wins kept them on top of the east.
Now for baseball; tomorrow (Thursday) is opening day. Right now I do not feel good about the Braves. The East has passed them talent wise without question. I would have never believed that Julio would be starting on opening day. Granted, I think if healthy, that Folty would be out there, but he will join Minter and O’Day on the disabled list. Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright will both actually start the year in rotation and pitch games 2 and 3. In a move I do not agree with, Touki will start the season at AAA Gwinnett. The team actually made a pair of free agent pickups. They got veteran bullpen guy Josh Tomlin. He has been with several teams, most notably the Indians. On Saturday, they acquired veteran outfielder Matt Joyce. The Braves were his third team of the week. In case you missed it, the Braves are still “in” on free agent closer Craig Kimbrel. It looks like it will come down to the Braves or Brewers. If the all-star closer wants more than a one year deal, I don’t like the Braves’ chances.
Let’s change things over to the Falcons. It looks like they are on the verge of a long-term deal with superstar wide out Julio Jones. Reports are they are about to sign him on a four or five year deal worth 20 million per year. It looks like about half or maybe a little more will go against the cap, which is pretty standard. The money is high but it’s about right for Julio who is considered one of the best, if not the leagues very best.
The move could even open up at least a little cap room for this season, which is desperately needed. It doesn’t look like the team is making any progress with signing star defense tackle Grady Jarrett to a long-term contract. He will be a Falcon this season as he is playing under the franchise tag. He will make 15.9 million this season with all the money counting against the salary cap. The defensive line will likely be the center of attention for the franchise as the draft is coming up starting April 25th.
It is a good draft for the defensive line so I feel sure the Falcons will address the position even if they are able to sign Jarrett long term. The most attractive player to me is Ed Oliver who played with Houston. The big question is will he be there when the birds pick at 14. There are also the strong members of National Champion Clemson that will be available. The draft will start on April 25th.
To wrap things up this week, let’s talk a little college baseball. The Georgia team is off to their best start since 1920. They are currently ranked 5th in the country. They won 2 out of 3 over the weekend against 10th ranked LSU. As is the case in most sports, the conference is loaded. The wins kept them on top of the east.
Sports 03-27-2019
By Joey Marchant
After three straight losses, Dodge got back on the winning track by defeating the Washington County Golden Hawks by a score of 12-5 in Eastman on March 19th. Dodge got off to a rocky start before roaring back in this one. Brodie Woodard started on the mound and went the distance for Dodge. He gave up a base hit to start the game. The next batter attempted to sacrifice bunt, but nobody covered first. Rather than hold the ball, Dodge tried to make a throw across the diamond to a moving target and threw the ball away. A second throwing error in the inning and another base hit resulted in a 2-0 deficit for Dodge.
Dodge wasted no time coming back. Brendan O’Connor led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and scored on a Garrett Durden triple. Parker Dixon had a sacrifice fly to score Durden to tie the game 2-2.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the second, and Dodge picked up where they left off in the bottom of the inning. DJ Bursch led off with a walk, stole second base and scored on a botched pickoff play giving Dodge a 3-2 lead.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the third, and Dodge broke it open in the bottom of the inning. Woodard helped himself with a base hit to start the inning. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Dixon was hit by a pitch. Kaden Burse moved the runners to second and third with a ground ball out to the right side. Andrew Lowery delivered a single scoring Cummings and Dixon. Lowery advanced to second on the throw to the plate. Bursch singled scoring Lowery and took second on the throw home. Bursch moved to third on a wild pitch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Bursch. Parker Dixon singled and took second on a throwing error, which error allowed Mincey to score. When the dust settled, Dodge had sent ten men to the plate and scored six runs in the inning. Dodge led 8-2.
Woodard hit a bump in the fourth as Washington County scored two runs on a walk, a stolen base, an infield hit and a double. Dodge got one of those back in the bottom of the fourth as Dixon led off with a double, went to third on a wild pitch and trotted home on a sacrifice fly to deep center by Burse. Dodge led 9-4.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the fifth, and Dodge added three more runs in the bottom of the inning. Mincey reached on an error. Parker Hardin doubled Mincey home. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor struck out but reached first when the catcher missed the ball. Durden hit into a fielder’s choice at second, but plated Johnson in the process. Woodard singled. Burse reached on an error, which also allowed Durden to score making it 12-4 Dodge. Washington County would add a meaningless run in the 7th to cap the scoring. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for four with one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for four with a triple, two runs batted in (RBIs) and one run scored. Parker Dixon was one for two with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. He was also hit by a pitch. Kaden Burse was one for three with one RBI. DJ Bursch was one for three with a walk, one RBI, one stolen base and two runs scored. Andrew Lowery was one for four with two RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Parker Hardin was one for three with a double and one RBI. Woodard went seven innings allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks striking out one for the win. On March 21st, Dodge welcomed the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes to Eastman by shutting the Canes out 7-0. Andrew Lowery pitched a gem. He went seven scoreless innings giving up only three hits and no walks. He struck out six batters.
Dodge took the lead in the first inning when Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden led off with back to back walks. These two sophomores at the top of the lineup have been a bright spot for Dodge this year as it seems like one or the other is always on base. In this case, it was both on base for Brodie Woodard who sacrificed them to second and third. Parker Dixon reached on an error by the shortstop scoring O’Connor. Kaden Burse delivered a single to drive in Durden to give Dodge the 2-0 lead. Noah Mincey led off the bottom of the second with a base hit to right field. Parker Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Roper Weathersbee, making his first varsity start, sacrificed the runners to second and third. O’Connor grounded out plating Mincey. Durden singled scoring Johnson.
Weathersbee walked in the fourth, and he eventually scored on a ground out by Durden.
Dixon had an infield hit in the fifth. He would eventually swipe third base and score when DJ Bursch connected for a two-run homerun over the left field fence making the final 7-0 Dodge. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Garrett Durden was one for three with a walk and two RBIs. Parker Dixon was two for three with two stolen bases and one run scored. Kaden Burse was one for three with one RBI. DJ Bursch was one for three with a homerun and two RBIs.
On March 22nd, Dodge traveled to Sandersville for a rematch with Washington County. This game was totally different as Washington defeated Dodge County by a score of 2-0. Dodge struck out eight times while managing only three hits. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with a walk. Garrett Durden was one for two with a walk. Brodie Woodard was two for three. Parker Gay started for Dodge and pitched three innings giving up one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one. Landin Crummey came on in relief and pitched three innings giving up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three. Dodge improves to 7-6 overall and 3-3 in region play. That is good for fourth place in Region 3AA trailing Bleckley (5-1), Washington County (5-1) and East Laurens (3-1). Dodge now gets a break from region play hosting three straight non-region games. Dodge hosted Telfair County (10-5) on March 25th, but results were unavailable at press time. They will host Treutlen County (6-8) on March 28th at 6:00 p.m. and Rutland High (5-10) on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s Junior Varsity team traveled to Vidalia on March 18th for a pair of five inning games with the Vidalia Indians. Vidalia defeated Dodge in the first game by a score of 1-0.
Tyler Shields started and pitched well for Dodge. He gave up only one run on three hits and one walk in four innings. He did hit three batters. He struck out one.
Down 1-0 with two outs in the top of the fifth, Trase Moore and Kade Harpe had back to back singles and moved to second and third on a wild pitch. However, Dodge could not score.
Macky Rowland started the second game on the mound for Dodge. The game was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the third when Vidalia sent thirteen men to the plate and scored eight unearned runs, all coming with two outs. Vidalia went on to win the second game 11-3.
On March 20th, Dodge hosted Fitzgerald. Dodge defeated the Purple Hurricanes 5-4 in walk off fashion despite only having two hits. Brendan O’Connor started the game on the mound for Dodge where he amassed twelve strikeouts over five innings. He walked three and gave up five hits. He surrendered four runs (one earned). Austin Cannon pitched the final two scoreless innings for the win. Fitzgerald took a 2-0 lead in the first on two hits, two walks and a Dodge error.
It would remain that way until the second when Macky Rowland walked and Brady Moore reached on an error. Tyler Shields made the Canes pay for the miscues with a two out double scoring Rowland and Moore tying the game at 2-2.
Fitzgerald regained the lead in the third scoring on a walk, a throwing error and an infield hit to make it 4-2 Canes. Dodge cut the deficit to 4-3 with one run in the bottom of the third. Trase Moore led off with an infield hit. He moved to second on a balk. Davis Marchant and Kade Harpe both walked to load the bases. Moore then scored from third on a wild pitch. Dodge tied it in the sixth when Noah Cummings led off with a walk and eventually scored on a wild pitch.
Marchant was hit by a pitch to start the seventh and eventually made his way around to third. Cole Cranford was intentionally walked bringing up Griffin Durden. Durden hit a sacrifice fly to center field, and Marchant beat the throw to the plate with the winning run for a 5-4 Dodge victory. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was one for three with a run scored. Tyler Shields was one for two with a double, a walk and two RBI. Davis Marchant was 0 for one with two walks, a hit batsman and one run scored. Dodge JV improves to 4-5-1 on the season. They are scheduled to host Toombs County in two five inning games on March27th beginning at 4:00 pm and host Treutlen on March 28th at 4:00 pm. They will travel to Douglas to take on Coffee County at 5:00 pm on March 29th.
By Mary Beth Dopson
The Dodge County High School Tennis team wrapped up their final week of region play this past week. They battled and reigned victorious against both the Hawkinsville Red Devils and the Washington County Hawks. The Indians traveled to Hawkinsville on March 18.
The girls team won 6-0 as a team. Winners include: 1st singles Mary Beth Dopson (8-2), 2nd singles Jessie Thomas (8-3), 3rd singles Annie Jones (8-2), 1st doubles Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning (8-3), 2nd doubles Mattie Grace Hutcheson and Precious Coleman (8-1), and doubles team Ellie Jones and Makiyah Roberson (8-1).
The boys team won 5-0 against the Red Devils. Winners include: 1st singles Jaret Underwood (8-0), 2nd singles Nathan Newman (8-1), 3rd singles Dane Hardin (8-0), 1st doubles Orlanda Brown and Jason Peterson (8-1), and 2nd doubles Brayden Nardi and Ryan Clements (8-1). The team battled against their second opponent, Washington County, on March 19th.The girls team won 5-0 as a team. Winners include: 1st singles Dopson (8-0), 2nd singles Thomas (8-0), 3rd singles Coleman (8-2), 1st doubles Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning (8-0), and 2nd doubles Jones and Olivia Cranford (8-0).The boys team won 5-0 against the Red Devils. Winners include: 1st singles Underwood (8-0), 2nd singles Newman (8-0), 3rd singles Hardin (8-0), 1st doubles Brown and Peterson (8-1), and 2nd doubles Nardi and Clements (8-1). The team celebrated senior night on March 19 before battling against Washington County. The seniors recognized included: Mary Beth Dopson, Jessie Thomas, Abby Christian Manning, Abbey Manning, Annie Jones, Olivia Cranford, Precious Coleman Nathan Newman, Ryan Clements and Orlando Brown. The Indians will travel to Jeff Davis on Wednesday, March 27 to play their thirteenth match of the season.
After three straight losses, Dodge got back on the winning track by defeating the Washington County Golden Hawks by a score of 12-5 in Eastman on March 19th. Dodge got off to a rocky start before roaring back in this one. Brodie Woodard started on the mound and went the distance for Dodge. He gave up a base hit to start the game. The next batter attempted to sacrifice bunt, but nobody covered first. Rather than hold the ball, Dodge tried to make a throw across the diamond to a moving target and threw the ball away. A second throwing error in the inning and another base hit resulted in a 2-0 deficit for Dodge.
Dodge wasted no time coming back. Brendan O’Connor led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and scored on a Garrett Durden triple. Parker Dixon had a sacrifice fly to score Durden to tie the game 2-2.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the second, and Dodge picked up where they left off in the bottom of the inning. DJ Bursch led off with a walk, stole second base and scored on a botched pickoff play giving Dodge a 3-2 lead.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the third, and Dodge broke it open in the bottom of the inning. Woodard helped himself with a base hit to start the inning. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Dixon was hit by a pitch. Kaden Burse moved the runners to second and third with a ground ball out to the right side. Andrew Lowery delivered a single scoring Cummings and Dixon. Lowery advanced to second on the throw to the plate. Bursch singled scoring Lowery and took second on the throw home. Bursch moved to third on a wild pitch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Bursch. Parker Dixon singled and took second on a throwing error, which error allowed Mincey to score. When the dust settled, Dodge had sent ten men to the plate and scored six runs in the inning. Dodge led 8-2.
Woodard hit a bump in the fourth as Washington County scored two runs on a walk, a stolen base, an infield hit and a double. Dodge got one of those back in the bottom of the fourth as Dixon led off with a double, went to third on a wild pitch and trotted home on a sacrifice fly to deep center by Burse. Dodge led 9-4.
Woodard held Washington County scoreless in the top of the fifth, and Dodge added three more runs in the bottom of the inning. Mincey reached on an error. Parker Hardin doubled Mincey home. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. O’Connor struck out but reached first when the catcher missed the ball. Durden hit into a fielder’s choice at second, but plated Johnson in the process. Woodard singled. Burse reached on an error, which also allowed Durden to score making it 12-4 Dodge. Washington County would add a meaningless run in the 7th to cap the scoring. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for four with one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for four with a triple, two runs batted in (RBIs) and one run scored. Parker Dixon was one for two with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. He was also hit by a pitch. Kaden Burse was one for three with one RBI. DJ Bursch was one for three with a walk, one RBI, one stolen base and two runs scored. Andrew Lowery was one for four with two RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Parker Hardin was one for three with a double and one RBI. Woodard went seven innings allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks striking out one for the win. On March 21st, Dodge welcomed the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes to Eastman by shutting the Canes out 7-0. Andrew Lowery pitched a gem. He went seven scoreless innings giving up only three hits and no walks. He struck out six batters.
Dodge took the lead in the first inning when Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden led off with back to back walks. These two sophomores at the top of the lineup have been a bright spot for Dodge this year as it seems like one or the other is always on base. In this case, it was both on base for Brodie Woodard who sacrificed them to second and third. Parker Dixon reached on an error by the shortstop scoring O’Connor. Kaden Burse delivered a single to drive in Durden to give Dodge the 2-0 lead. Noah Mincey led off the bottom of the second with a base hit to right field. Parker Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Roper Weathersbee, making his first varsity start, sacrificed the runners to second and third. O’Connor grounded out plating Mincey. Durden singled scoring Johnson.
Weathersbee walked in the fourth, and he eventually scored on a ground out by Durden.
Dixon had an infield hit in the fifth. He would eventually swipe third base and score when DJ Bursch connected for a two-run homerun over the left field fence making the final 7-0 Dodge. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Garrett Durden was one for three with a walk and two RBIs. Parker Dixon was two for three with two stolen bases and one run scored. Kaden Burse was one for three with one RBI. DJ Bursch was one for three with a homerun and two RBIs.
On March 22nd, Dodge traveled to Sandersville for a rematch with Washington County. This game was totally different as Washington defeated Dodge County by a score of 2-0. Dodge struck out eight times while managing only three hits. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with a walk. Garrett Durden was one for two with a walk. Brodie Woodard was two for three. Parker Gay started for Dodge and pitched three innings giving up one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one. Landin Crummey came on in relief and pitched three innings giving up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three. Dodge improves to 7-6 overall and 3-3 in region play. That is good for fourth place in Region 3AA trailing Bleckley (5-1), Washington County (5-1) and East Laurens (3-1). Dodge now gets a break from region play hosting three straight non-region games. Dodge hosted Telfair County (10-5) on March 25th, but results were unavailable at press time. They will host Treutlen County (6-8) on March 28th at 6:00 p.m. and Rutland High (5-10) on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s Junior Varsity team traveled to Vidalia on March 18th for a pair of five inning games with the Vidalia Indians. Vidalia defeated Dodge in the first game by a score of 1-0.
Tyler Shields started and pitched well for Dodge. He gave up only one run on three hits and one walk in four innings. He did hit three batters. He struck out one.
Down 1-0 with two outs in the top of the fifth, Trase Moore and Kade Harpe had back to back singles and moved to second and third on a wild pitch. However, Dodge could not score.
Macky Rowland started the second game on the mound for Dodge. The game was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the third when Vidalia sent thirteen men to the plate and scored eight unearned runs, all coming with two outs. Vidalia went on to win the second game 11-3.
On March 20th, Dodge hosted Fitzgerald. Dodge defeated the Purple Hurricanes 5-4 in walk off fashion despite only having two hits. Brendan O’Connor started the game on the mound for Dodge where he amassed twelve strikeouts over five innings. He walked three and gave up five hits. He surrendered four runs (one earned). Austin Cannon pitched the final two scoreless innings for the win. Fitzgerald took a 2-0 lead in the first on two hits, two walks and a Dodge error.
It would remain that way until the second when Macky Rowland walked and Brady Moore reached on an error. Tyler Shields made the Canes pay for the miscues with a two out double scoring Rowland and Moore tying the game at 2-2.
Fitzgerald regained the lead in the third scoring on a walk, a throwing error and an infield hit to make it 4-2 Canes. Dodge cut the deficit to 4-3 with one run in the bottom of the third. Trase Moore led off with an infield hit. He moved to second on a balk. Davis Marchant and Kade Harpe both walked to load the bases. Moore then scored from third on a wild pitch. Dodge tied it in the sixth when Noah Cummings led off with a walk and eventually scored on a wild pitch.
Marchant was hit by a pitch to start the seventh and eventually made his way around to third. Cole Cranford was intentionally walked bringing up Griffin Durden. Durden hit a sacrifice fly to center field, and Marchant beat the throw to the plate with the winning run for a 5-4 Dodge victory. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was one for three with a run scored. Tyler Shields was one for two with a double, a walk and two RBI. Davis Marchant was 0 for one with two walks, a hit batsman and one run scored. Dodge JV improves to 4-5-1 on the season. They are scheduled to host Toombs County in two five inning games on March27th beginning at 4:00 pm and host Treutlen on March 28th at 4:00 pm. They will travel to Douglas to take on Coffee County at 5:00 pm on March 29th.
By Mary Beth Dopson
The Dodge County High School Tennis team wrapped up their final week of region play this past week. They battled and reigned victorious against both the Hawkinsville Red Devils and the Washington County Hawks. The Indians traveled to Hawkinsville on March 18.
The girls team won 6-0 as a team. Winners include: 1st singles Mary Beth Dopson (8-2), 2nd singles Jessie Thomas (8-3), 3rd singles Annie Jones (8-2), 1st doubles Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning (8-3), 2nd doubles Mattie Grace Hutcheson and Precious Coleman (8-1), and doubles team Ellie Jones and Makiyah Roberson (8-1).
The boys team won 5-0 against the Red Devils. Winners include: 1st singles Jaret Underwood (8-0), 2nd singles Nathan Newman (8-1), 3rd singles Dane Hardin (8-0), 1st doubles Orlanda Brown and Jason Peterson (8-1), and 2nd doubles Brayden Nardi and Ryan Clements (8-1). The team battled against their second opponent, Washington County, on March 19th.The girls team won 5-0 as a team. Winners include: 1st singles Dopson (8-0), 2nd singles Thomas (8-0), 3rd singles Coleman (8-2), 1st doubles Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning (8-0), and 2nd doubles Jones and Olivia Cranford (8-0).The boys team won 5-0 against the Red Devils. Winners include: 1st singles Underwood (8-0), 2nd singles Newman (8-0), 3rd singles Hardin (8-0), 1st doubles Brown and Peterson (8-1), and 2nd doubles Nardi and Clements (8-1). The team celebrated senior night on March 19 before battling against Washington County. The seniors recognized included: Mary Beth Dopson, Jessie Thomas, Abby Christian Manning, Abbey Manning, Annie Jones, Olivia Cranford, Precious Coleman Nathan Newman, Ryan Clements and Orlando Brown. The Indians will travel to Jeff Davis on Wednesday, March 27 to play their thirteenth match of the season.
Russ's Sports Review
The official start to the 2019 MLB season is today, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. The league and the players union have agreed to a few rule changes. Most of the changes are in place to speed up the pace of play. Here are the changes that will go into play this season: The first is that there will be just one trade deadline and it is July 31, 2019. Before now, there was an end of August waiver trade deadline but that one is gone. The next one is on the home run derby that is held at the all-star week. There is now a 2.5 million dollar prize pool. The winner will receive one million. That is to try to get the Harper’s Trout and the other big name players in the competition. The number of mound visits per game has been reduced from six to five. That is to speed up the pace of play. The commercials have also been reduced to two minutes.
There are also some pretty big changes that will start in 2020. The regular roster size was increased from 25 to 26 players. Only 13 of the players can be pitchers. A bigger change is on the September 1 increase that will drop from 40 to just 28. Once again only half of those can be pitchers. Another big change in 2020 will be that pitchers must face at least three batters. That hurts the “lefty specialist” a bunch, but it will speed up the pace of play. I do expect the designated hitter to go into effect in a couple of years. It will certainly add offense to the National League games. That will also speed up play, as there won’t be as many pitching changes due to pinch hitters. In the independent league games, MLB has some pretty radical changes that will go into play this year. The home plate umpire will be assisted by a radar system. I do not like the possibility of that at all. There needs to be some human error in the game. Another big one is no mound visits unless there is a pitching change each time. That would not go into effect in an injury situation. I am fine with that one. The sizes of all three bases will go from 15 to 18 inches square. That one is no big deal to me. Another big one is no infield shift. There must be two infielders one each side of second base. That one would really help most lefty hitters that are really played to pull. Some of these independent league experiments are pretty big. Some will probably make it to the big leagues and others won’t.
Now for the Braves, nothing has happened. No trade rumors at all. Folty, Soroka, Minter and O’Day are all expected to start the season on the disabled list. I don’t have high hopes for this team at all. The starters and bullpen both need help. The organization doesn’t seem interested in making this team any better. I will keep my predictions low as I think the Mets, Phillies and Nationals are all better right now. That is subject to change of course with injuries and trades. The organization made great strides last season but they are giving a bunch of them back this year. Let’s hope things change but I hope they don’t make money this year so they will sell this team to a person. I know Mark Cuban has wanted a team for years.
Nothing changed for the Falcons as the league’s “new year” started last week. As expected, the love affair with Coach Quinn and Vic Beasley continues. He will count 12.8 million against the cap this year.
Matt Ryan did defer some of his contract so the team did grab a couple of okay guards that the team needs badly. The move to keep Beasley is a huge risk and he is not worth the gamble
I don’t have high hopes for this team right now. Nice to know you Dan Quinn.
There are also some pretty big changes that will start in 2020. The regular roster size was increased from 25 to 26 players. Only 13 of the players can be pitchers. A bigger change is on the September 1 increase that will drop from 40 to just 28. Once again only half of those can be pitchers. Another big change in 2020 will be that pitchers must face at least three batters. That hurts the “lefty specialist” a bunch, but it will speed up the pace of play. I do expect the designated hitter to go into effect in a couple of years. It will certainly add offense to the National League games. That will also speed up play, as there won’t be as many pitching changes due to pinch hitters. In the independent league games, MLB has some pretty radical changes that will go into play this year. The home plate umpire will be assisted by a radar system. I do not like the possibility of that at all. There needs to be some human error in the game. Another big one is no mound visits unless there is a pitching change each time. That would not go into effect in an injury situation. I am fine with that one. The sizes of all three bases will go from 15 to 18 inches square. That one is no big deal to me. Another big one is no infield shift. There must be two infielders one each side of second base. That one would really help most lefty hitters that are really played to pull. Some of these independent league experiments are pretty big. Some will probably make it to the big leagues and others won’t.
Now for the Braves, nothing has happened. No trade rumors at all. Folty, Soroka, Minter and O’Day are all expected to start the season on the disabled list. I don’t have high hopes for this team at all. The starters and bullpen both need help. The organization doesn’t seem interested in making this team any better. I will keep my predictions low as I think the Mets, Phillies and Nationals are all better right now. That is subject to change of course with injuries and trades. The organization made great strides last season but they are giving a bunch of them back this year. Let’s hope things change but I hope they don’t make money this year so they will sell this team to a person. I know Mark Cuban has wanted a team for years.
Nothing changed for the Falcons as the league’s “new year” started last week. As expected, the love affair with Coach Quinn and Vic Beasley continues. He will count 12.8 million against the cap this year.
Matt Ryan did defer some of his contract so the team did grab a couple of okay guards that the team needs badly. The move to keep Beasley is a huge risk and he is not worth the gamble
I don’t have high hopes for this team right now. Nice to know you Dan Quinn.
Sports 03-13-2019
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County began their 3AA Region schedule by hosting the Dublin Irish on March 5th. This is a baseball rivalry that dates back over one hundred twenty years long before the establishment of the two high schools. Old newspaper accounts from the Eastman Times reveal that Eastman’s first baseball club was formed in 1879. The first games were played on the courthouse grounds. By 1898, the towns of Eastman and Dublin had developed quite a rivalry. To put that in perspective, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox did not play their first game until 1901.
In 1948, the Georgia State Baseball League was formed with the Eastman Dodgers being one of six initial teams. In 1949, the Dublin Green Sox (later renamed the Dublin Irish) joined the league, and the rivalry continued. This was a Class D Minor League Baseball League. The league’s most famous former player is Hall of Famer Willie McCovey who played for the Sandersville Giants in 1955 batting .305 and hitting 19 homers at the tender age of 17. Former major leaguer Johnny Vander Meer, most famous for being the only player to throw consecutive no hitters in the majors, managed the Douglas Reds.
In 1950, Dublin finished first in the regular season five games ahead of Eastman, but Eastman took the championship 4 games to 3. Eastman was led at the plate by Ed Hartness who batted .400 and drove in 137 runs that year and on the mound by James Harden who went 22-12 with an ERA of 2.93. However, the most celebrated Dodger through the years has been Jim Harp, who played five seasons with the Dodgers posting a record of 90-50 with an ERA of 2.89. Harp, a native of Thomaston, remained in Eastman after his playing days where he raised his family before passing away in 2016 at the age of 92.
Like a lot of great things from the 1950s, minor league baseball fizzled out in rural Georgia. The Eastman Dodgers folded after the 1953 season. Legion Field grew up with vegetation, and is unrecognizable today. Dublin held on a bit longer. The Georgia State League folded in 1956. Dublin played in the Georgia-Florida League as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in 1958. That year, the team was managed by a young Earl Weaver who would go on to become a Hall of Fame Manager with the big league Orioles. Dublin’s final stab at minor league baseball was as an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves in 1962. Lovett Park fell into disrepair and was torn down in the late 1980s.
But high school baseball lives on in both Eastman and Dublin, and so does the rivalry. Dodge has had the upper hand in recent years as Dublin High’s enrollment has dwindled. This week would be no different. Landin Crummey took the mound for Dodge where he almost went the distance pitching six and two-thirds innings, striking out twelve, while allowing only three hits, issuing two walks and surrendering one unearned run. Dodge defeated the Irish 10-1.
Dublin actually took a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two out Dodge error followed by an RBI double. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third. Parker Hardin reached on an error. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and promptly stole second. Seth Cossett walked. Brendan O’Connor singled in Johnson tying the game at 1-1.
Dodge broke it open in the fourth. Andrew Lowery walked. Kaden Burse doubled to left giving the Indians runners on second and third with no outs. DJ Bursch reached on an error allowing Lowery to score and Burse to advance to third. Noah Mincey ripped a single to left driving in Burse and moving Bursch to second. Hardin flied out to centerfield. Cossett grounded out to short driving Bursch in. O’Connor singled Mincey home for the 5-1 lead.
Brodie Woodard led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching on an error. The hit and run worked to perfection as Woodard broke for second allowing Lowery to single to center. Woodard was held at second. Burse attempted to move the runners to second and third and was awarded a hit when no one covered first base on his bunt. With the bases loaded, everyone advanced on a wild pitch scoring Woodard. Bursch then hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Lowery and advancing Burse to third. Mincey then hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Burse and making it 8-1 Dodge.
O’Connor reached on an error with one out in the sixth. Garrett Durden drove O’Connor in with a triple. Brodie Woodard grounded out driving in Durden making it 10-1 Dodge.
Crummey struck out the first two batters he faced in the top of the seventh before walking the third batter. Garrett Durden came in to record the final out. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows:
Brendan O’Connor was 2 for 4 with two RBI and one run scored. Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a triple, one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 4 with one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 2 with two RBI and one run scored.
On March 6th, Dodge traveled to Fitzgerald to face the Purple Hurricanes in a non region contest. Parker Gay took the mound for Dodge. Due to the schedule and a couple of rain outs, Gay was pitching on eleven days rest. While this was good from the standpoint of getting Gay some rest before a crucial stretch of region games, it is not ideal to have such a long layoff between appearances and often can affect a pitcher’s control. As expected, Gay did not have his best stuff. His strikeouts were down, and his walks were up by Gay’s standards. However, he still went the distance and pitched well enough for Dodge to have a shot at winning the game. Gay went six innings striking out two and issuing six bases on balls while hitting one batter. However, Gay only allowed three hits. He surrendered five runs in a 5-4 loss to the Canes. At times, the Dodge defense was brilliant. However, there was one costly error.
Dodge took an early 1-0 lead when Brodie Woodard reached on an error with two outs and Andrew Lowery singled putting runners at first and third. With Kaden Burse at the plate, Coach Herring signaled for Lowery to break for second before the pitch and intentionally get caught in a rundown hoping to score Woodard from third. The Canes could not resist going after Lowery who was obstructed by the first baseman who did not have the ball. By rule, Lowery was called safe at first, and Woodard scored on the play. Dodge then had some bad luck trying to hit and run. Kaden Burse hit what would have been a base hit up the middle, but with Lowery running, the second baseman headed toward the bag and was in perfect position to field the ground ball and step on second for the force.
Fitzgerald went in order in the first, which was highlighted by a diving stop by Noah Mincey at first base who got up to throw to Gay covering first base for the out.
Dodge went in order in the second. Gay walked two batters in the bottom of the second, but he worked around those. The key to the inning was Woodard fielding a one out ground ball in the hole at short. There was a runner on second, and Woodard had almost no chance to get the batter at first. Instead, he threw behind the runner at second to Garrett Durden. The runner had no choice but to head for third where he was tagged by Burse for the easy out.
Brendan O’Connor walked and stole second in the third. Woodard singled, but O’Connor was thrown out at the plate for the third out. Fitzgerald got to Gay in the bottom of the third. A leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an infield hit gave the Canes runners at second and third with one out. A Dodge fielding error allowed a run to score. Another walk loaded the bases. Gay then issued a third walk in the inning forcing a run home. With the bases still loaded, Gay induced a ground ball to Burse who stepped on third base for the force, but another run scored. Gay got the next batter to fly out to center to end the inning. Fitzgerald led 3-1.
Dodge battled back in the fourth. Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch singled giving Dodge runners at first and second. Both advanced on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch scored Burse cutting the lead to 4-3 Canes. Fitzgerald went in order in the bottom of the fourth.
Neither team scored in the fifth. Dodge went quietly in the sixth. Fitzgerald tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit making it 5-3 Canes. O’Connor, an infielder his whole life, made a diving catch to end the inning in left field where the coaching staff is looking for solid defense. Durden who has been the designated hitter during the early part of the season was flawless at second in place of O’Connor.
Dodge was down to their last out in the seventh when Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch. Then O’Connor doubled down the right field line scoring Johnson to cut the deficit to 5-4. Dodge had the tying run at second, but could not drive him in dropping this one to Fitzgerald. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 3 with a double, one RBI, and one stolen base. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 3. DJ Bursch was 2 for 3.
On March 8th, Dodge visited Dublin to face the Irish. Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge. He went the distance scattering three hits over five innings striking out six and walking two to earn his first win of the season in a 13-0 Dodge victory.
Dodge wasted no time getting on the board in the first. Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden each walked. Woodard singled to left scoring O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. DJ Bursch walked to load the bases. Andrew Lowery doubled driving in Durden and Cummings. Kaden Burse hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Bursch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Lowery. Parker Harden singled scoring Mincey. Landin Crummey entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Seth Cossett doubled home Crummey. When the dust settled, Dodge led 7-0 after one.
Timmy Johnson made a diving catch in left to end the bottom of the first with Dodge still leading 7-0.
Dodge tacked on a run in the second when Bursch walked, went to second on a balk, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lowery making it 8-0 Dodge.
Dodge tacked on another run in the third when Hardin was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a wild pitch. O’Connor grounded out, but drove in Hardin making it 9-0 Dodge.
Dodge added three more runs in the fourth. Lowery had a base hit, but he was erased when Burse hit into a fielder’s choice. Mincey had a base hit advancing Burse to third. Hardin was again hit by a pitch to load the bases. Crummey entered for Hardin as a courtesy runner. Cossett was hit by a pitch plating Burse. O’Connor was then hit by a pitch plating Mincey. Durden was walked plating Crummey. Dodge led 12-0.
Dodge would add a final run in the fifth when Roper Weathersbee walked and stole second. Weathersbee went to third on a wild pitch. After a fly out by Dodge, Cummings walked. Macky Rowland then doubled to left scoring Weathersbee to cap the scoring.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brodie Woodard was 1 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 2 with a double, three RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Parker Hardin was 1 for 1 reaching twice on a hit batsman with an RBI and a run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 1 with a double, a walk and reached on a hit batsman with two RBI and a stolen base.
Dodge (5-2) was to host West Laurens (9-3) on March 11th for a non region game and travel to Bleckley (6-6) on March 12th for a region game, but no results were available at press time. This will be a huge week in region play as Dodge will also host Bleckley on the March 15th. Both teams are thought to be among the best in the region, and both enter the week 2-0 in region play.
By Mary Beth Dopson
Continuing a strong season, the Dodge County High School tennis teams defeated their sixth opponent, Dublin City, on March 5th. Both the boy’s and the girl’s teams were victorious in their region match.
The girl’s team won 4-1 against the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles for the girls, Mary Beth Dopson, won a great match with a score of 6-1, 6-4. No. 3 singles, Mattie Grace Hutcheson, conquered her opponent in a quick match winning 6-2, 6-0. No.1 doubles team, Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning, won with ease at 6-1, 6-0. No.2 doubles team, Olivia Cranford and Precious Coleman, also pulled out a great win.
The boy’s team reigned victorious with a 4-1 win over the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles, Jaret Underwood, dominated the court with a 6-1, 6-0 win. No.2 singles, Nathan Newman, won with an awesome score of 6-3, 6-4. No.3 singles, Dane Hardin, also defeated his opponent. No.1 doubles team, Jason Peterson and Orlanda Brown, had a strong match win of 6-1, 6-4.
The Indians will compete against Bleckley on Tuesday, March 12th and Telfair on Wednesday, March 13th at home.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s junior varsity team continued its season last week losing to West Laurens and defeating Rutland High of Macon to even their season record at 2 wins, 2 loses and 1 tie. Dodge hosted West Laurens on February 26th in another junior varsity game that would be decided by a single run. Dodge had previously lost one run games to Irwin and Fitzgerald.
Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge holding West Laurens scoreless through five innings. Dodge built a 2-0 lead going to the sixth, but West Laurens took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. West Laurens added two more runs in the top of the seventh to lead 5-2.
Dodge loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Kade Harpe drilled one to deep leftfield on what appeared to be a game tying double. However, the runner representing the game tying run fell rounding third base and had to retreat. Dodge could not get the tying run in and lost this one 5-4.
Dodge looked to bounce back at home on March 7th against the Rutland Hurricanes. Tyler Shields started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance scattering five hits over five innings with one walk and one hit batsman. He gave up three runs and struck out nine batters.
Shields was strong through the first four innings holding Rutland scoreless.
Dodge got on the scoreboard in the second. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Brady Moore singled advancing Rowland to third. Aren Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Griffin Durden singled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to second. Barden stole third base and later scored on a wild pitch.
Trase Moore hit an absolute rocket which deflected off the pitcher’s glove. Moore was safe at first as Durden scored from third giving Dodge a 3-0 lead after two.
Dodge continued to score in the third. Kade Harpe reached on an error. Noah Cummings singled to left advancing Harpe to second. Rowland singled driving in Harpe and advancing Cummings to third. Rowland took second on the throw home. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Cummings to score. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore and stole second. Gage Pitman singled scoring Rowland and Barden to make it 7-0 Dodge.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. Davis Marchant hit a bloop single. Harpe grounded out to short while Marchant alertly took second and third as the first baseman held the ball. Cummings walked. Rowland singled to left to score Marchant. Brady Moore singled to left to score Cummings and advance Rowland to second. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Durden doubled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to third. Gage Pittman reached on an error by the shortstop, which also allowed Barden and Durden to score. Marchant singled in Pittman making it 13-0 Dodge.
Rutland would score three runs of their own in the seventh, but Dodge won by a final score of 13-3. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with one RBI and one stolen base. Davis Marchant was 3 for 4 with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and one walk. Macky Rowland was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 3 with one RBI. Griffin Durden was 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 3 with two RBI and one run scored. Aren Barden stole two bases and scored three runs.
Dodge JV was scheduled to travel to Bleckley County to face the Royals on March 12th, but no results were available at press time. Dodge JV will be at West Laurens on March 13th at 5:30 pm. Dodge will host Vidalia on March 18th in a double header consisting of two five inning games scheduled to start at 4:00 pm.
Dodge County began their 3AA Region schedule by hosting the Dublin Irish on March 5th. This is a baseball rivalry that dates back over one hundred twenty years long before the establishment of the two high schools. Old newspaper accounts from the Eastman Times reveal that Eastman’s first baseball club was formed in 1879. The first games were played on the courthouse grounds. By 1898, the towns of Eastman and Dublin had developed quite a rivalry. To put that in perspective, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox did not play their first game until 1901.
In 1948, the Georgia State Baseball League was formed with the Eastman Dodgers being one of six initial teams. In 1949, the Dublin Green Sox (later renamed the Dublin Irish) joined the league, and the rivalry continued. This was a Class D Minor League Baseball League. The league’s most famous former player is Hall of Famer Willie McCovey who played for the Sandersville Giants in 1955 batting .305 and hitting 19 homers at the tender age of 17. Former major leaguer Johnny Vander Meer, most famous for being the only player to throw consecutive no hitters in the majors, managed the Douglas Reds.
In 1950, Dublin finished first in the regular season five games ahead of Eastman, but Eastman took the championship 4 games to 3. Eastman was led at the plate by Ed Hartness who batted .400 and drove in 137 runs that year and on the mound by James Harden who went 22-12 with an ERA of 2.93. However, the most celebrated Dodger through the years has been Jim Harp, who played five seasons with the Dodgers posting a record of 90-50 with an ERA of 2.89. Harp, a native of Thomaston, remained in Eastman after his playing days where he raised his family before passing away in 2016 at the age of 92.
Like a lot of great things from the 1950s, minor league baseball fizzled out in rural Georgia. The Eastman Dodgers folded after the 1953 season. Legion Field grew up with vegetation, and is unrecognizable today. Dublin held on a bit longer. The Georgia State League folded in 1956. Dublin played in the Georgia-Florida League as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in 1958. That year, the team was managed by a young Earl Weaver who would go on to become a Hall of Fame Manager with the big league Orioles. Dublin’s final stab at minor league baseball was as an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves in 1962. Lovett Park fell into disrepair and was torn down in the late 1980s.
But high school baseball lives on in both Eastman and Dublin, and so does the rivalry. Dodge has had the upper hand in recent years as Dublin High’s enrollment has dwindled. This week would be no different. Landin Crummey took the mound for Dodge where he almost went the distance pitching six and two-thirds innings, striking out twelve, while allowing only three hits, issuing two walks and surrendering one unearned run. Dodge defeated the Irish 10-1.
Dublin actually took a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two out Dodge error followed by an RBI double. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third. Parker Hardin reached on an error. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and promptly stole second. Seth Cossett walked. Brendan O’Connor singled in Johnson tying the game at 1-1.
Dodge broke it open in the fourth. Andrew Lowery walked. Kaden Burse doubled to left giving the Indians runners on second and third with no outs. DJ Bursch reached on an error allowing Lowery to score and Burse to advance to third. Noah Mincey ripped a single to left driving in Burse and moving Bursch to second. Hardin flied out to centerfield. Cossett grounded out to short driving Bursch in. O’Connor singled Mincey home for the 5-1 lead.
Brodie Woodard led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching on an error. The hit and run worked to perfection as Woodard broke for second allowing Lowery to single to center. Woodard was held at second. Burse attempted to move the runners to second and third and was awarded a hit when no one covered first base on his bunt. With the bases loaded, everyone advanced on a wild pitch scoring Woodard. Bursch then hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Lowery and advancing Burse to third. Mincey then hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Burse and making it 8-1 Dodge.
O’Connor reached on an error with one out in the sixth. Garrett Durden drove O’Connor in with a triple. Brodie Woodard grounded out driving in Durden making it 10-1 Dodge.
Crummey struck out the first two batters he faced in the top of the seventh before walking the third batter. Garrett Durden came in to record the final out. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows:
Brendan O’Connor was 2 for 4 with two RBI and one run scored. Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a triple, one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 4 with one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 2 with two RBI and one run scored.
On March 6th, Dodge traveled to Fitzgerald to face the Purple Hurricanes in a non region contest. Parker Gay took the mound for Dodge. Due to the schedule and a couple of rain outs, Gay was pitching on eleven days rest. While this was good from the standpoint of getting Gay some rest before a crucial stretch of region games, it is not ideal to have such a long layoff between appearances and often can affect a pitcher’s control. As expected, Gay did not have his best stuff. His strikeouts were down, and his walks were up by Gay’s standards. However, he still went the distance and pitched well enough for Dodge to have a shot at winning the game. Gay went six innings striking out two and issuing six bases on balls while hitting one batter. However, Gay only allowed three hits. He surrendered five runs in a 5-4 loss to the Canes. At times, the Dodge defense was brilliant. However, there was one costly error.
Dodge took an early 1-0 lead when Brodie Woodard reached on an error with two outs and Andrew Lowery singled putting runners at first and third. With Kaden Burse at the plate, Coach Herring signaled for Lowery to break for second before the pitch and intentionally get caught in a rundown hoping to score Woodard from third. The Canes could not resist going after Lowery who was obstructed by the first baseman who did not have the ball. By rule, Lowery was called safe at first, and Woodard scored on the play. Dodge then had some bad luck trying to hit and run. Kaden Burse hit what would have been a base hit up the middle, but with Lowery running, the second baseman headed toward the bag and was in perfect position to field the ground ball and step on second for the force.
Fitzgerald went in order in the first, which was highlighted by a diving stop by Noah Mincey at first base who got up to throw to Gay covering first base for the out.
Dodge went in order in the second. Gay walked two batters in the bottom of the second, but he worked around those. The key to the inning was Woodard fielding a one out ground ball in the hole at short. There was a runner on second, and Woodard had almost no chance to get the batter at first. Instead, he threw behind the runner at second to Garrett Durden. The runner had no choice but to head for third where he was tagged by Burse for the easy out.
Brendan O’Connor walked and stole second in the third. Woodard singled, but O’Connor was thrown out at the plate for the third out. Fitzgerald got to Gay in the bottom of the third. A leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an infield hit gave the Canes runners at second and third with one out. A Dodge fielding error allowed a run to score. Another walk loaded the bases. Gay then issued a third walk in the inning forcing a run home. With the bases still loaded, Gay induced a ground ball to Burse who stepped on third base for the force, but another run scored. Gay got the next batter to fly out to center to end the inning. Fitzgerald led 3-1.
Dodge battled back in the fourth. Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch singled giving Dodge runners at first and second. Both advanced on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch scored Burse cutting the lead to 4-3 Canes. Fitzgerald went in order in the bottom of the fourth.
Neither team scored in the fifth. Dodge went quietly in the sixth. Fitzgerald tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit making it 5-3 Canes. O’Connor, an infielder his whole life, made a diving catch to end the inning in left field where the coaching staff is looking for solid defense. Durden who has been the designated hitter during the early part of the season was flawless at second in place of O’Connor.
Dodge was down to their last out in the seventh when Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch. Then O’Connor doubled down the right field line scoring Johnson to cut the deficit to 5-4. Dodge had the tying run at second, but could not drive him in dropping this one to Fitzgerald. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 3 with a double, one RBI, and one stolen base. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 3. DJ Bursch was 2 for 3.
On March 8th, Dodge visited Dublin to face the Irish. Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge. He went the distance scattering three hits over five innings striking out six and walking two to earn his first win of the season in a 13-0 Dodge victory.
Dodge wasted no time getting on the board in the first. Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden each walked. Woodard singled to left scoring O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. DJ Bursch walked to load the bases. Andrew Lowery doubled driving in Durden and Cummings. Kaden Burse hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Bursch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Lowery. Parker Harden singled scoring Mincey. Landin Crummey entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Seth Cossett doubled home Crummey. When the dust settled, Dodge led 7-0 after one.
Timmy Johnson made a diving catch in left to end the bottom of the first with Dodge still leading 7-0.
Dodge tacked on a run in the second when Bursch walked, went to second on a balk, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lowery making it 8-0 Dodge.
Dodge tacked on another run in the third when Hardin was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a wild pitch. O’Connor grounded out, but drove in Hardin making it 9-0 Dodge.
Dodge added three more runs in the fourth. Lowery had a base hit, but he was erased when Burse hit into a fielder’s choice. Mincey had a base hit advancing Burse to third. Hardin was again hit by a pitch to load the bases. Crummey entered for Hardin as a courtesy runner. Cossett was hit by a pitch plating Burse. O’Connor was then hit by a pitch plating Mincey. Durden was walked plating Crummey. Dodge led 12-0.
Dodge would add a final run in the fifth when Roper Weathersbee walked and stole second. Weathersbee went to third on a wild pitch. After a fly out by Dodge, Cummings walked. Macky Rowland then doubled to left scoring Weathersbee to cap the scoring.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brodie Woodard was 1 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 2 with a double, three RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Parker Hardin was 1 for 1 reaching twice on a hit batsman with an RBI and a run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 1 with a double, a walk and reached on a hit batsman with two RBI and a stolen base.
Dodge (5-2) was to host West Laurens (9-3) on March 11th for a non region game and travel to Bleckley (6-6) on March 12th for a region game, but no results were available at press time. This will be a huge week in region play as Dodge will also host Bleckley on the March 15th. Both teams are thought to be among the best in the region, and both enter the week 2-0 in region play.
By Mary Beth Dopson
Continuing a strong season, the Dodge County High School tennis teams defeated their sixth opponent, Dublin City, on March 5th. Both the boy’s and the girl’s teams were victorious in their region match.
The girl’s team won 4-1 against the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles for the girls, Mary Beth Dopson, won a great match with a score of 6-1, 6-4. No. 3 singles, Mattie Grace Hutcheson, conquered her opponent in a quick match winning 6-2, 6-0. No.1 doubles team, Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning, won with ease at 6-1, 6-0. No.2 doubles team, Olivia Cranford and Precious Coleman, also pulled out a great win.
The boy’s team reigned victorious with a 4-1 win over the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles, Jaret Underwood, dominated the court with a 6-1, 6-0 win. No.2 singles, Nathan Newman, won with an awesome score of 6-3, 6-4. No.3 singles, Dane Hardin, also defeated his opponent. No.1 doubles team, Jason Peterson and Orlanda Brown, had a strong match win of 6-1, 6-4.
The Indians will compete against Bleckley on Tuesday, March 12th and Telfair on Wednesday, March 13th at home.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s junior varsity team continued its season last week losing to West Laurens and defeating Rutland High of Macon to even their season record at 2 wins, 2 loses and 1 tie. Dodge hosted West Laurens on February 26th in another junior varsity game that would be decided by a single run. Dodge had previously lost one run games to Irwin and Fitzgerald.
Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge holding West Laurens scoreless through five innings. Dodge built a 2-0 lead going to the sixth, but West Laurens took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. West Laurens added two more runs in the top of the seventh to lead 5-2.
Dodge loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Kade Harpe drilled one to deep leftfield on what appeared to be a game tying double. However, the runner representing the game tying run fell rounding third base and had to retreat. Dodge could not get the tying run in and lost this one 5-4.
Dodge looked to bounce back at home on March 7th against the Rutland Hurricanes. Tyler Shields started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance scattering five hits over five innings with one walk and one hit batsman. He gave up three runs and struck out nine batters.
Shields was strong through the first four innings holding Rutland scoreless.
Dodge got on the scoreboard in the second. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Brady Moore singled advancing Rowland to third. Aren Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Griffin Durden singled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to second. Barden stole third base and later scored on a wild pitch.
Trase Moore hit an absolute rocket which deflected off the pitcher’s glove. Moore was safe at first as Durden scored from third giving Dodge a 3-0 lead after two.
Dodge continued to score in the third. Kade Harpe reached on an error. Noah Cummings singled to left advancing Harpe to second. Rowland singled driving in Harpe and advancing Cummings to third. Rowland took second on the throw home. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Cummings to score. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore and stole second. Gage Pitman singled scoring Rowland and Barden to make it 7-0 Dodge.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. Davis Marchant hit a bloop single. Harpe grounded out to short while Marchant alertly took second and third as the first baseman held the ball. Cummings walked. Rowland singled to left to score Marchant. Brady Moore singled to left to score Cummings and advance Rowland to second. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Durden doubled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to third. Gage Pittman reached on an error by the shortstop, which also allowed Barden and Durden to score. Marchant singled in Pittman making it 13-0 Dodge.
Rutland would score three runs of their own in the seventh, but Dodge won by a final score of 13-3. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with one RBI and one stolen base. Davis Marchant was 3 for 4 with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and one walk. Macky Rowland was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 3 with one RBI. Griffin Durden was 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 3 with two RBI and one run scored. Aren Barden stole two bases and scored three runs.
Dodge JV was scheduled to travel to Bleckley County to face the Royals on March 12th, but no results were available at press time. Dodge JV will be at West Laurens on March 13th at 5:30 pm. Dodge will host Vidalia on March 18th in a double header consisting of two five inning games scheduled to start at 4:00 pm.
Russ's Sports Review
Many years ago, Sports Illustrated did a story called “Loserville”. All the Atlanta teams were not good. The Braves were still in the young days of the Ted Turner ownership. The Falcons were owned by Rankin Smith and family and were going nowhere. The Hawks were honestly boring and were a .500 team. The Atlanta hockey team, the Flames, were not bad but they did not have a championship until they moved to Calgary.
Now what does that have to do with today’s teams? Unfortunately, more than you can imagine. Let’s start with the Braves. They caught lightning in a bottle in 2018. They won better than 90 games as they shocked the world, myself included, as they won the East with ease. Then ownership made the biggest mistake possible; they talked about their off season plans in public. They told the world they made a 97 million dollar profit. They also said they would be in on any free agent and that included Harper and Machado. Things started pretty good as Josh Donaldson was picked to a one year deal. Okay. A good start. On the very next day, they brought home Brian McCann. The move was fine but I really don’t think he has a bunch left in the tank. Then everything went silent. This was a team that didn’t have a right fielder, the starting pitcher needed an ace and the bullpen needed some help as well. That’s fine. There was plenty of money to spend, right? Suddenly, they said the money was not available. Did Liberty bet against Brady in the Super Bowl? Man that would be stupid. Surely the franchise wouldn’t go after Nick Markakis, would they? These owners would and eventually did so. As things stand now, the payroll is actually LOWER than last year. Granted things could change as Kimbrel and Kuechel are still on the market, but there has been little talk.
Okay, did the rest of the National League East get better? Let’s go team by team. First the Nationals. They did lose Harper but they got Patrick Corbin to go in the rotation to go along with Scherzer and Strausberg The offense may be not as good but the pitching is better. A lot rides on the Mets’ pitcher’s health. If DeGrom and Wheeler are healthy, they will be pretty good. They added Edwin Diaz as the closer. If Robinson Cano comes back to his old form, they can challenge for the wild card. Then there’s the Phillies. They said they would spend “stupid money”. They added Segura to play short, McCutchen in left and J.T. Realmuto at catcher. Then they broke the bank by getting Bryce Harper. If they have a weakness, it’s that they have little depth in the rotation and bullpen. They are looking into Kuechel and Kimbrel on short term deals. Anything can happen but I think the Braves are the number four team in the division. Thank you Marlins. My fellow Braves fans, we have been stabbed in the back by ownership. I will be the first to admit if I am proven wrong. The season starts in Philly against Harper and the Phillies.
Good news Falcon fans. They aren’t afraid to spend money. They just don’t know how to do it. Last Wednesday, the team answered that they will keep defensive end Vic Beasley, even if it means keeping him at his 12.8 million dollar option. That will prove to be a disaster. The problem is defense tackle Grady Jarrett is a free agent, if Beasley is kept and they have until March 13th to undo it. On Monday, the franchise tag was put on Jarrett. That means Jarrett will sign a 15.2 million dollar deal. He can’t sign a long term deal until July 15th. That pretty much takes care of the salary cap for the 2019 season. Things can change in the blink of an eye and for the Bird’s sake, I hope so. Dan Quinn’s job will be on the line this year.
There is one pro team that I have confidence in for the future in Atlanta and that is the Hawks. I know they stunk this year but they are doing things the right way. The draft night trade that brought Trae Young to the Hawks didn’t look very good for a while. I know that Doncic is very good but he isn’t that much better than Young. The Hawks are 22-43 and going nowhere this year but if they draft well over the next couple of years, they will be okay.
Have the Falcons peaked under Quinn and company? Was last year’s Braves season a fluke? Can the Hawks recover? I hope things stop short of Loserville again.
On a happy note, it was a really good weekend for the UGA football program. They got four star quarterback Carson Beck out of the blue, as many say, he was a lock to join Florida. They also grabbed wide receiver Justin Robinson. Their 2020 class just got a lot better in a hurry!
Now what does that have to do with today’s teams? Unfortunately, more than you can imagine. Let’s start with the Braves. They caught lightning in a bottle in 2018. They won better than 90 games as they shocked the world, myself included, as they won the East with ease. Then ownership made the biggest mistake possible; they talked about their off season plans in public. They told the world they made a 97 million dollar profit. They also said they would be in on any free agent and that included Harper and Machado. Things started pretty good as Josh Donaldson was picked to a one year deal. Okay. A good start. On the very next day, they brought home Brian McCann. The move was fine but I really don’t think he has a bunch left in the tank. Then everything went silent. This was a team that didn’t have a right fielder, the starting pitcher needed an ace and the bullpen needed some help as well. That’s fine. There was plenty of money to spend, right? Suddenly, they said the money was not available. Did Liberty bet against Brady in the Super Bowl? Man that would be stupid. Surely the franchise wouldn’t go after Nick Markakis, would they? These owners would and eventually did so. As things stand now, the payroll is actually LOWER than last year. Granted things could change as Kimbrel and Kuechel are still on the market, but there has been little talk.
Okay, did the rest of the National League East get better? Let’s go team by team. First the Nationals. They did lose Harper but they got Patrick Corbin to go in the rotation to go along with Scherzer and Strausberg The offense may be not as good but the pitching is better. A lot rides on the Mets’ pitcher’s health. If DeGrom and Wheeler are healthy, they will be pretty good. They added Edwin Diaz as the closer. If Robinson Cano comes back to his old form, they can challenge for the wild card. Then there’s the Phillies. They said they would spend “stupid money”. They added Segura to play short, McCutchen in left and J.T. Realmuto at catcher. Then they broke the bank by getting Bryce Harper. If they have a weakness, it’s that they have little depth in the rotation and bullpen. They are looking into Kuechel and Kimbrel on short term deals. Anything can happen but I think the Braves are the number four team in the division. Thank you Marlins. My fellow Braves fans, we have been stabbed in the back by ownership. I will be the first to admit if I am proven wrong. The season starts in Philly against Harper and the Phillies.
Good news Falcon fans. They aren’t afraid to spend money. They just don’t know how to do it. Last Wednesday, the team answered that they will keep defensive end Vic Beasley, even if it means keeping him at his 12.8 million dollar option. That will prove to be a disaster. The problem is defense tackle Grady Jarrett is a free agent, if Beasley is kept and they have until March 13th to undo it. On Monday, the franchise tag was put on Jarrett. That means Jarrett will sign a 15.2 million dollar deal. He can’t sign a long term deal until July 15th. That pretty much takes care of the salary cap for the 2019 season. Things can change in the blink of an eye and for the Bird’s sake, I hope so. Dan Quinn’s job will be on the line this year.
There is one pro team that I have confidence in for the future in Atlanta and that is the Hawks. I know they stunk this year but they are doing things the right way. The draft night trade that brought Trae Young to the Hawks didn’t look very good for a while. I know that Doncic is very good but he isn’t that much better than Young. The Hawks are 22-43 and going nowhere this year but if they draft well over the next couple of years, they will be okay.
Have the Falcons peaked under Quinn and company? Was last year’s Braves season a fluke? Can the Hawks recover? I hope things stop short of Loserville again.
On a happy note, it was a really good weekend for the UGA football program. They got four star quarterback Carson Beck out of the blue, as many say, he was a lock to join Florida. They also grabbed wide receiver Justin Robinson. Their 2020 class just got a lot better in a hurry!
Dodge Baseball Loses to West Laurens
Dodge Baseball Loses to West Laurens
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County traveled to Dexter to face the AAAA West Laurens Raiders on February 22nd. West Laurens defeated Dodge 7-2 thanks in part to five Dodge errors and ten Dodge runners left on base.
Landin Crummey started on the mound for Dodge. However, in an effort to conserve pitching and get some kids some work in this non-region contest, Coach Herring employed a strategy of rotating pitchers each time through the West Laurens lineup. This strategy seemed to work as a powerful West Laurens lineup only managed one extra base hit.
Dodge started the game by stranding Brendan O’Connor and Andrew Lowery, both of whom walked in the first inning.
West Laurens took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two singles and two Dodge errors.
Dodge would load the bases in the top of the second on a single and steal of second base by Noah Mincey followed by walks issued to Seth Cossett and O’Connor. However, O’Connor was picked off at first to end the inning.
Crummey walked the first West Laurens batter in the bottom of the second, but he was able to get the runner out with his pickoff move to first and the ensuing rundown. Crummey got the next batter to fly out. Then Andrew Lowery was brought in to face the top of the West Laurens order. Lowery retired the first batter he faced ending the inning.
Garrett Durden led off the third with an infield hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brodie Woodard laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Durden to third with one out. Lowery hit a grounder to first where Bradley Wilson fielded the ball and fired it home to nail Durden at the plate. Dodge again failed to score.
West Laurens scored two more in the bottom of the third aided by another Dodge error and a two RBI double by Brody Slaughter. West Laurens led 5-0.
Parker Hardin reached in the fourth when he was hit by a pitch, but Dodge could not score.
Lowery walked the first man he faced in the bottom of the fourth, but he got the next batter to fly out. Woodard move to the mound to pitch to the top of the West Laurens order. With the aid of yet another Dodge error, West Laurens scored two runs to take a 7-0 lead.
Dodge finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. O’Connor led off with a bunt for a hit. Durden moved him to second with a ground ball to short. Woodard singled past the third baseman to drive in O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Lowery walked. DJ Bursch singled driving in Cummings. That would end the scoring at 7-2.
Woodard pitched a clean bottom of the fifth and got two outs in the bottom of the sixth. Durden moved to the mound to get the final West Laurens out.
After going in order in the sixth, Dodge got Woodard on base thanks to catcher’s interference. Kaden Burse had an infield hit. However, West Laurens held Dodge scoreless to end the game.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with two walks and one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for three. Brodie Woodard was one for two with a sacrifice bunt and one run batted in (RBI). Kaden Burse was one for four. DJ Bursch was one for 4 with one RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a stolen base.
Landin Crummey (2-1) took the loss. He pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. Andrew Lowery pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. He struck out two. Brodie Woodard pitched two and one third innings giving up one unearned run on no hits and one walk. He struck out one. Garrett Durden pitched one third of an inning giving up no runs on no hits and one walk.
Dodge (3-1) had two games scheduled in Adel on March 2nd, but those games were rained out. Dodge was set to begin region play by hosting Dublin on March 5th in an effort to defend its 2018 3AA Region Championship, but results were not available at press time. Dodge is scheduled to travel to Fitzgerald on March 6th and Dublin on March 8th before hosting West Laurens on March 11th at 5:30 pm.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County traveled to Dexter to face the AAAA West Laurens Raiders on February 22nd. West Laurens defeated Dodge 7-2 thanks in part to five Dodge errors and ten Dodge runners left on base.
Landin Crummey started on the mound for Dodge. However, in an effort to conserve pitching and get some kids some work in this non-region contest, Coach Herring employed a strategy of rotating pitchers each time through the West Laurens lineup. This strategy seemed to work as a powerful West Laurens lineup only managed one extra base hit.
Dodge started the game by stranding Brendan O’Connor and Andrew Lowery, both of whom walked in the first inning.
West Laurens took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two singles and two Dodge errors.
Dodge would load the bases in the top of the second on a single and steal of second base by Noah Mincey followed by walks issued to Seth Cossett and O’Connor. However, O’Connor was picked off at first to end the inning.
Crummey walked the first West Laurens batter in the bottom of the second, but he was able to get the runner out with his pickoff move to first and the ensuing rundown. Crummey got the next batter to fly out. Then Andrew Lowery was brought in to face the top of the West Laurens order. Lowery retired the first batter he faced ending the inning.
Garrett Durden led off the third with an infield hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brodie Woodard laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Durden to third with one out. Lowery hit a grounder to first where Bradley Wilson fielded the ball and fired it home to nail Durden at the plate. Dodge again failed to score.
West Laurens scored two more in the bottom of the third aided by another Dodge error and a two RBI double by Brody Slaughter. West Laurens led 5-0.
Parker Hardin reached in the fourth when he was hit by a pitch, but Dodge could not score.
Lowery walked the first man he faced in the bottom of the fourth, but he got the next batter to fly out. Woodard move to the mound to pitch to the top of the West Laurens order. With the aid of yet another Dodge error, West Laurens scored two runs to take a 7-0 lead.
Dodge finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. O’Connor led off with a bunt for a hit. Durden moved him to second with a ground ball to short. Woodard singled past the third baseman to drive in O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Lowery walked. DJ Bursch singled driving in Cummings. That would end the scoring at 7-2.
Woodard pitched a clean bottom of the fifth and got two outs in the bottom of the sixth. Durden moved to the mound to get the final West Laurens out.
After going in order in the sixth, Dodge got Woodard on base thanks to catcher’s interference. Kaden Burse had an infield hit. However, West Laurens held Dodge scoreless to end the game.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with two walks and one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for three. Brodie Woodard was one for two with a sacrifice bunt and one run batted in (RBI). Kaden Burse was one for four. DJ Bursch was one for 4 with one RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a stolen base.
Landin Crummey (2-1) took the loss. He pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. Andrew Lowery pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. He struck out two. Brodie Woodard pitched two and one third innings giving up one unearned run on no hits and one walk. He struck out one. Garrett Durden pitched one third of an inning giving up no runs on no hits and one walk.
Dodge (3-1) had two games scheduled in Adel on March 2nd, but those games were rained out. Dodge was set to begin region play by hosting Dublin on March 5th in an effort to defend its 2018 3AA Region Championship, but results were not available at press time. Dodge is scheduled to travel to Fitzgerald on March 6th and Dublin on March 8th before hosting West Laurens on March 11th at 5:30 pm.
Russ's Sports Review
Today (Wednesday) marks a week for the Braves in Spring Training. There has been good news and bad. TO my knowledge, there has been no injuries in camp and unfortunately, that is the good news. As for the bad news, I guess there has still be absolutely no news. The rotation still has a hole in it, and I guess Julio Teheran is still in it. The bullpen is still missing a true closer and yes, Craig Kimbrel is still out here but don’t hold your breath on that one. The biggest thing of the week was the interview with General Manager Alex Anthopolus and Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk. It was a really good interview as the quotes from Anthopolus included “four teams will out spend the Braves in the 2018 off season”. When asked why only the 23-million-dollar deal to Donaldson was the only significant move, Anthopolu said “there was no deal we could make out there”. Granted, I had no interest in Machodo or Harper, but Brantley, Realmuto and Corbin would have been really nice. They could shut all of us up by signing Kimbrel or Keuchel, but I don’t buy it. There were several moves that were setting up this off-season. The complicated Matt Kemp trade was set up to have more money to spend this year. So, guess what? Right now, the payroll is…. lower than what it was last year! What gives? The franchise made a pile of money in 2018. They made nearly $400 million last year. It looks like Liberty is putting a hefty sum in their own pockets. There are reports that Braves fans are putting a go fund me page for the franchise to help the very tight ownership pay for more quality players. Can the team change anything with a couple of pitchers? Sure, and it looks like they are going to have to compete. Sports Illustrated listed the top five teams in the off-season. The Mets, Phillies and Nationals were all listed in the top five. To makes matters worse, the Phillies are favorites to sign Harper. To say our Braves are in real trouble is a huge understatement. Maybe something will happen this week in camp or maybe it won’t.
Let’s swap to the Falcons where there are some nervous coaches. Defensive back Brian Poole became the forth cut joining Alford, Bryant and Reed in the unemployment line. Of course, Alford and Reed have both found jobs with the Cardinals. The team has until March 4 to make the big decision of the off-season and that’s what to do with Vic Beasley. As things stand right now, Beasley is slated to make nearly 13 million this year. I expect the team to attempt a long-term deal with a much smaller per year value or simply release him out right. Of course, the par of deals that need to be done is with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and re-upping Julio Jones. If things fall right, they can play the free agent game and improve on the offensive line especially at guard.
Let’s wrap up things with some University of Georgia news. I don’t’ know if this falls into sports or not but the Dogs finished second in the best party schools in the nation. Tulane was ranked over UGS. I guess its long nights at Bourbon Street and all. Alabama finished at number 8. The poll has only a top 15.
Let’s swap to the Falcons where there are some nervous coaches. Defensive back Brian Poole became the forth cut joining Alford, Bryant and Reed in the unemployment line. Of course, Alford and Reed have both found jobs with the Cardinals. The team has until March 4 to make the big decision of the off-season and that’s what to do with Vic Beasley. As things stand right now, Beasley is slated to make nearly 13 million this year. I expect the team to attempt a long-term deal with a much smaller per year value or simply release him out right. Of course, the par of deals that need to be done is with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and re-upping Julio Jones. If things fall right, they can play the free agent game and improve on the offensive line especially at guard.
Let’s wrap up things with some University of Georgia news. I don’t’ know if this falls into sports or not but the Dogs finished second in the best party schools in the nation. Tulane was ranked over UGS. I guess its long nights at Bourbon Street and all. Alabama finished at number 8. The poll has only a top 15.
Russ's Sports Review
We are just a day or two prom the pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. I would really like to be optimistic and say the Braves will make it a four-team battle in the National League East. I just don’t think so. The Braves are taking a gamble on Donaldson. If he is healthy, he will be fine. The pickups of McCann and Markakis just doesn’t excite me at all. Let’s compare to the other contender in the East. The Nationals got Patrick Corbin to have a strong top three in the rotation. They added Brian Dozier and former Braves Kurt Suzuki as well. The Phillies added Andrew McCutcher for the outfield., David Robertson for the bullpen and of course newly acquired J.T. Realmuto at catcher. I guess the Phillies are a little suspect in the starting rotation, maybe. The Mets got better as well. The key for them is the starting rotation if they are all healthy they well compete. They added Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz among others. Needless to say, the Braves did less than the other three, at least so far. They have just enough pay roll for Kimbrel? Just maybe? Thursday would be pretty good timing. I am not getting my hopes up.
The rest of the news was pretty good last week. Remember when I said the Dogs needed a “flip” on signing day last Wednesday? They go a real big one first thing in the morning. Five start wide out George Pickens flipped from Auburn to the Dogs. That was a position that was so much needed in Athens. The 2019 class was ranked second only to Alabama.
Let’s not forget the biggest pick up in Athens didn’t come from the football team; it came from the struggling men’s basketball program. The 10-13 Dogs, who are 1-9 in the conference, have singed the top high school senior Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards from North Georgia. He is a McDonalds All-American and he is a 6’5” guard. He took Georgia over Florida State, Duke and Kentucky and I really have no clue why, but the Dogs basketball team could really use it.
The NFL off season has just started but the Falcons are very busy. They have opened right at 15 million in a salary cap. Robert Alford, Brooks Reed and Matt Bryant have all been let go. The toughest move of the three was of course to Bryant. He will be 44 this May and yes, that’s old even for an NFL kicker. The Birds will turn over the job to Giorgio Tavecchio. He got a shot wile Bryant was hurt and did really well. A combination of buy outs, age, injuries and contract did in the best clutch kicker in Falcons history along with hall of famer Morten Andersen. Don’t expect the news to end soon. The team has a big decision with Vic Beasley. The Falcons will probably cut or re-do his contract. There is no way he will count nearly 13 million against the cap. There is no secret that the contracts of Julio Jones and Grady Jarrett are vital to the franchise.
Let’s wrap up things with more football. The AF is underway. The Alliance of American Football started last Saturday, and the Atlanta Legends faced Orlando and former Florida legendary coach Steve Spurrier. Honestly, the Legends were far from it as they were blown out 40-6. Matt Simms, former back up quarterback, is the starter and former Dog signal caller Aaron Murray is the back up. It’s kind of like AAA football. The league has several different rules. There are no kickoffs, you have to go for two or extra points and you can only rush 5 on defense. The Legends play at San Diego this Sunday night at 8:00 on the NFL Network.
The rest of the news was pretty good last week. Remember when I said the Dogs needed a “flip” on signing day last Wednesday? They go a real big one first thing in the morning. Five start wide out George Pickens flipped from Auburn to the Dogs. That was a position that was so much needed in Athens. The 2019 class was ranked second only to Alabama.
Let’s not forget the biggest pick up in Athens didn’t come from the football team; it came from the struggling men’s basketball program. The 10-13 Dogs, who are 1-9 in the conference, have singed the top high school senior Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards from North Georgia. He is a McDonalds All-American and he is a 6’5” guard. He took Georgia over Florida State, Duke and Kentucky and I really have no clue why, but the Dogs basketball team could really use it.
The NFL off season has just started but the Falcons are very busy. They have opened right at 15 million in a salary cap. Robert Alford, Brooks Reed and Matt Bryant have all been let go. The toughest move of the three was of course to Bryant. He will be 44 this May and yes, that’s old even for an NFL kicker. The Birds will turn over the job to Giorgio Tavecchio. He got a shot wile Bryant was hurt and did really well. A combination of buy outs, age, injuries and contract did in the best clutch kicker in Falcons history along with hall of famer Morten Andersen. Don’t expect the news to end soon. The team has a big decision with Vic Beasley. The Falcons will probably cut or re-do his contract. There is no way he will count nearly 13 million against the cap. There is no secret that the contracts of Julio Jones and Grady Jarrett are vital to the franchise.
Let’s wrap up things with more football. The AF is underway. The Alliance of American Football started last Saturday, and the Atlanta Legends faced Orlando and former Florida legendary coach Steve Spurrier. Honestly, the Legends were far from it as they were blown out 40-6. Matt Simms, former back up quarterback, is the starter and former Dog signal caller Aaron Murray is the back up. It’s kind of like AAA football. The league has several different rules. There are no kickoffs, you have to go for two or extra points and you can only rush 5 on defense. The Legends play at San Diego this Sunday night at 8:00 on the NFL Network.
Russ's Sports Review
In a million years I never figured it would happen in Super Bowl 53. I was really looking forward to a shoot out between the Patriots and Rams. They have two of the best offenses in the game and somehow it turned into the most boring game in several years. As I expected, the Patriots won but 13-3 with 10 fourth quarter points not a chance. The game did feature a pair of Georgia’s best running backs of all time Todd Gurley and Sony Michel. I thought Gurley came into the game hurt and I really do now. Gurley had but 35 yards on 10 carries. If he wasn't hurt, as he says the coaching job was Shanahan bad from two years ago. On the other hand, Michel had 94 yards and the only touchdown in the game. He became only the second rookie; Jamal Lewis was the other since 1983 to score a touchdown in his first season. Brady continues to prove he is the greatest of all time as he can win the big game with far from the best staff.
We are just 10 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training and there are so many things that have to happen. Free agents Harper, Machado, Keuchel and Kimbrel all have yet to sign. There is also the trading of Miami’s J.T. Realmuto. All of these things have to happen and happen soon. All the so-called “experts” say that the Braves are in on Realmuto and Kimbrel. Honestly, I believe it, I guess. The Braves have been trying to deal for the all-star catcher for better than a year. The deal has a couple of problems. The first one is that the Braves and Marlins are in the same division. I don't know why that is a factor because the Marlins wont be a factor for years. The second is the prospect cost. The price is supposed to be at least two top 100 prospects. That shouldn't be a problem because the Braves still have eight of them. I guess the Marlins want their choice and that's probably not going to happen. The later in Spring Training it goes without a deal the better the Braves chances will be. For some reason I like the Braves chances with Kimbrel. His price has to be dropping at least a little. There is no way he gets six years and his chances for five aren’t much better. I would think three or four-year deal is realistic. You know, if you can move at least half of Teheran or O’days contract, why not both? That would make the N.L. East very interesting! Of course that is extremely unlikely.
Don't forget today is National Signing Day for college football. I know that the December early signing day got a pile of attention but this one is pretty important for the Bulldogs. They got cleaned out pretty good by the early NFL speaking of that, it looks like several of the dogs made mistakes. The rule generally is that if you don't go in the first two rounds you don't leave early. The problem is more of them may go in the first two rounds. So with that being said, the Dogs need some “flips”. A quarterback, running back and maybe a wide out wouldn't hurt. It opened up things some with the early departures so I would be surprised if today (Wednesday) wasn't very interesting in Athens.
We are just 10 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training and there are so many things that have to happen. Free agents Harper, Machado, Keuchel and Kimbrel all have yet to sign. There is also the trading of Miami’s J.T. Realmuto. All of these things have to happen and happen soon. All the so-called “experts” say that the Braves are in on Realmuto and Kimbrel. Honestly, I believe it, I guess. The Braves have been trying to deal for the all-star catcher for better than a year. The deal has a couple of problems. The first one is that the Braves and Marlins are in the same division. I don't know why that is a factor because the Marlins wont be a factor for years. The second is the prospect cost. The price is supposed to be at least two top 100 prospects. That shouldn't be a problem because the Braves still have eight of them. I guess the Marlins want their choice and that's probably not going to happen. The later in Spring Training it goes without a deal the better the Braves chances will be. For some reason I like the Braves chances with Kimbrel. His price has to be dropping at least a little. There is no way he gets six years and his chances for five aren’t much better. I would think three or four-year deal is realistic. You know, if you can move at least half of Teheran or O’days contract, why not both? That would make the N.L. East very interesting! Of course that is extremely unlikely.
Don't forget today is National Signing Day for college football. I know that the December early signing day got a pile of attention but this one is pretty important for the Bulldogs. They got cleaned out pretty good by the early NFL speaking of that, it looks like several of the dogs made mistakes. The rule generally is that if you don't go in the first two rounds you don't leave early. The problem is more of them may go in the first two rounds. So with that being said, the Dogs need some “flips”. A quarterback, running back and maybe a wide out wouldn't hurt. It opened up things some with the early departures so I would be surprised if today (Wednesday) wasn't very interesting in Athens.
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