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GACS
1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, Georgia
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 2006 Review |
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Thursday, January 12
CUNNINGHAM COMMITS FOR 2006 - THE VELVET VOICE RETURNS !!!
After testing the waters of the free agent market, Ed Cunningham a/k/a the Velvet Voice of GAC baseball, will be returning to the pressbox for the 2006 campaign. Lead negotiator Joe Chapple had his concerns, stating "Ed brings so much to the table, I knew that others would be interested and I was not sure if we could get the deal done". But after some long negotiating sessions a tentative deal was hammered out and Ed has verbally committed to return to Hester field for the 2006 season. Details of the agreement were not released, although it is rumored that Chapple himself will assist Cunningham in the booth, replacing Edgar Brush who came on board in 2005 to replace longtime assistant Mike Dobson.
Monday, January 30
SPARTANS VS. WOLVES AT THE TED !!!
After receiving approval from the GHSA, athletic Director Tim Vick announced today that a charity exhibition game between the GACS Spartans and the Wesleyan Wolves will take place on May 10th at Turner field, prior to the Georgia Tech - UGA baseball game. So all of you Spartan fans, call 45,000 of your closest friends and come support the Spartans as they take on the crosstown rivals and help raise money for Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. Tickets for the event are $10.00 each and all seating is general admission.
Tuesday, February 14
2006 Roster Set - Less than 2 weeks until opening day
Tryouts for the 2006 edition of the GAC Spartans baseball team wrapped up late last week and Coach Cliff Shelton has officially released the roster (click on roster tab in the left margin). With less than 2 weeks until opening day vs. St. Pius, the boys are hard at work preparing for what will hopefully be another exciting and succesful campaign. Led by Seniors Brock Bennett, Brock Snead and John Wood, and returning standout Juniors Lee Chapple and Landon Bennett, the Spartans are hopeful to improve on their 14-13 finish and first round playoff exit from last season.
Tuesday, August 30
2006 Spartan Baseball Schedule
Yes, I know it's only August,2005, but the 2006 Spartan Baseball schedule is now available to the general public. Along with familiar region foes Buford, Wesleyan, Providence and the rest of region 8-AA, the Spartans will also be taking on non-region opponents such as St. Pius, Walker, and Central Gwinnett to name a few. Click on the schedule tab in the left margin to find out all the details.
Monday, February 27
Spartans win opener over St. Pius 9-6
The 2006 edition of Spartan baseball traveled to Oglethorpe University tonight and began the season in good fashion, taking a 9-6 road win versus the St. Pius Golden Lions. The Spartans sent 6 pitchers to the hill and registered 13 strikeouts in their combined outing versus only 3 walks. Landon Bennett closed out the game with authority, registering 3 strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh.
The Golden Lions got on the board first, pushing a run across versus starter Taylor Wood in the second inning. But the Spartan bats got warmed up in the top of the 3rd as Landon Bennett mashed a triple to deep center to score catcher Brock Bennett. Landon would score soon thereafter on a passed ball and the Spartans held a lead that they would not relinquish on the evening. Brock had a great night at the plate, going 3 for 4, as did Landon Bennett. John Wood, Colton Chapple, Mark Edwards, and Patrick Savage also had hits as the Spartans totaled 10 hits for the game.
The Spartans return home to the friendly confines of Hester Field this Thursday for the home opener versus the Holy Innocents Bears and wrap up the week at home on Friday versus Eagles Landing.
 | | Dillon Geraghty takes 3rd |
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Friday, March 3
Spartans drop home opener to Holy Innocents 7-8
The Spartans drop their home opener of the 2006 season to the visiting Holy Innocents Bears by the score of 8-7. The Spartans came out of the gate in good fashion as leadoff hitter Mark Edwards reached base safely with a single. Landon Bennett's RBI single would score Edwards to enable the Spartans to take a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, John Wood reached base on a fielders choice and first baseman Lee Chapple would drive him in with another RBI single and the Spartans held a 2-0 lead after one inning. The Spartan bats would get going again in the 3rd, as Landon Bennett continued his hot hitting, sending a home run over the left field fence to bring in 2 more runs. Brent Burrows would contribute an RBI single later in the 3rd, to push the lead to 5-0 after 3 innings. Holy Innocents got their offense going in the top of the 4th, plating 2 runs and pulling within 3. But the Spartans would get those 2 back in the 6th, as two base on balls started the inning and Dillon Geraghty bagged the two RBI's as the Spartans headed into the final inning leading 7-2. Unfortunately, the Bears got hot with the bats and plated 6 runs in the top of the 7th, the killing blow being a 3 run go ahead homer. The Spartans were unable to answer in the bottom half of the 7th and the boys took a heartbreaking loss 8-7.
On the hill, Landon Bennett had another good outing, throwing 2 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts and surrendering only 1 hit. Brent Burrows threw the 3rd and 4th innings, surrendering 2 runs. Brock Bennett helped Brent out of a 4th inning jam by picking off a runner who strayed to far from first base. Dillon Geraghty pitched the 5th and 6th, retiring 6 consecutive batters. Freshman Patrick Savage took the loss, pitching the 7th.
Spartans get a chance to right the ship this afternoon at Hester Field as Eagles Landing comes to GAC for a 5:00 contest.
Saturday, March 4
Spartans defeat Eagles Landing 9-5
The Spartans captured their first home win of the season last night as they defeated the visiting team from Eagles Landing by a 9-5 margin. Taylor Wood started on the hill for the home team and worked very efficiently, going 4 innings, surrendering 1 hit and striking out 8 batters. Ryan Griffin came on in the 5th and ran into some trouble after striking out the first two batters he faced. Eagles Landing was able to plate 5 runs in the inning to close the gap to 8-5 after five. Ryan settled in for the 6th and despite a leadoff double, was able to escape without any further damage. Dillon Geraghty came on in the 7th to close out the win and get the save.
At the plate, the Spartans collected nine hits on the evening and enjoyed a big second inning, scoring 6 runs. Freshman Patrick Savage had a great night, going 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and Taylor Wood went 3 for 3 with 3 rbi's. Also contributing were seniors Brock Bennett (1-2, 2 rbi's) and John Wood (2-4, 2 rbi's), Dillon Geraghty had a sac fly rbi, and Landon Bennett had a run scoring single in the second inning.
A good win for the Spartans on a very chilly evening at Hester Field as the boys better their record to 2-1 (0-0) on the year. GAC is back at it next Friday on the home field for a rematch with St. Pius.
Saturday, March 11
Class 0f '09 lead Spartans over St. Pius 3-1
The Spartans improved their record to 3-1 on the young season by capturing a 3-1 victory over St. Pius Friday night at Hester Field. With the Spartans trailing 1-0 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, the home team found itself in need of an offensive spark, and freshmen teammates Colton Chapple and Patrick Savage provided all that would be needed. Coming up to the plate with one out, Savage delivered a triple into the right center gap to get the potential tying run at third base. Taylor Wood followed Savage with a walk to put two runners on, and Lee Chapple followed with a fielder's choice RBI to bring Savage home and knot the score at one apiece with 2 outs. Colton Chapple then came to the plate and mashed a line drive to the left center gap to score pinch runner Preston Crosby with the go-ahead and ultimately winning run. In the sixth, Dillon Geraghty would add an insurance run, scoring from 3rd base on an errant pick off attempt by the St. Pius pitcher. Savage led the way for the Spartan offense, going 3 for 3 on the night, and Mark Edwards and John Wood also contributed hits.
Taylor Wood got the win on the hill, improving his record to 3-0 by throwing 6 2/3 innings, striking out 7 and scattering 6 hits. Sophomore Brent Burrows came in to get the save, striking out the final batter of the game. Colton Chapple also made a very nice put out from his second base position to end the second inning and strand 2 St. Pius runners in scoring position.
The Spartans go back on the road this week with games at Walker on Monday, at Providence on Thursday in the region opener, and at Pace Academy on Saturday.
Monday, March 13
Spartans run into Hale-storm at Walker
Walker Wolverine and Princeton signee David Hale was a one man wrecking crew tonight in Marietta, leading his team in a dramatic come from behind win over the Spartans 7-6 in eight innings. At the plate, Hale homered twice to gather 5 rbi's on the night and scored the winning run in the eighth inning to add to his heroics. And by the way, he also pitched 6 innings, registering 12 strikeouts and holding the Spartans to 1 run after coming on in relief in the 3rd inning.
The night started out well for the Spartans as they jumped on the Wolverine starting pitcher for 5 runs in the first two innings. Brent Burrows and Lee Chapple collected 3 rbi's in the first inning, knocking in Mark Edwards (BB), Landon Bennett (single) and Patrick Savage (single). The good work at the plate continued in the second inning as two Wolverine errors led to Edwards and Bennett reaching safely once again, and Patrick Savage and John Wood collecting the rbi's as the Spartans took a 5-1 lead after two innings. In the fifth, Lee Chapple would reach base on a single, and sophomore Michael Carothers, in his first appearance of the season, brought Lee home with a double down the left field line to wrap up the scoring for the Spartans.
Although another late inning loss for the Spartans, there were lots of positives to build on. Patrick Savage got his first start at first base and played solid defensively. Brock Bennett nailed yet another ill-fated steal attempt (# 3 on the season)and sophomore pitcher Brent Burrows threw 5 quality innings in his longest outing of the season, striking out 6 Wolverines. Last and certainly not least, the Spartan defense had their first error free game of the season, converting 13 of 13 opportunities into putouts.
The preseason is now over, and the Spartans (3-2, 0-0) travel to Lilburn on Thursday to take on always tough region 8AA foe Providence. This one matters, so come out and support the Spartans as they begin their quest for a region championship.
Thursday, March 16
Spartans over Stars 5-1
|  | | Burrows gets 1st career win |
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2006 region play opened up tonight as the Spartans traveled to Lilburn to take on the Providence Stars. It took eight innings to get it done, but the Spartans brought home a very nice 5-1 region road win to get the 8AA portion of their schedule off on the right foot.
Landon Bennett led the way offensively for the Spartans, going 3 for 4 on the night including a single in the final inning. Also in the eighth, Brock Bennett singled, Dillon Geraghty singled and bagged 2 rbi's, Lee Chapple singled in another run, and Brent Burrows base hit scored the final run of the day. Taylor Wood (2 hits), John Wood (1 hit) and Patrick Savage (double) also contibuted hits.
Defensively, Brock Bennett had another stellar game behind the plate, putting another notch on his catcher's mitt by gunning down yet another ill-fated steal attempt. John Wood also made a huge defensive play in the 7th, gunning down a runner at the plate from his left field position who tried to score from second base on a base hit.
On the bump, Taylor Wood continued his good work, throwing 6 2/3 innings, striking out 10, surrendering 4 hits versus no walks and no earned runs. Sophomore Brent Burrows cashed in on the win, getting the final out of the 7th and closing out the game in the eighth.
The Spartans (4-2, 1-0) travel to Pace Academy Saturday for a non-region matchup with the Knights at 1:00. Region play continues on Monday as the team travels to East Hall.
Saturday, March 18
Spartans over Pace Academy Knights 9-5
The Spartans captured their second road win in a row today, downing the Pace Academy Knights 9-5. Ryan Griffin threw a fantastic complete game today to get his first victory of the young season to go along with 2 hits, and Landon Bennett hit his second homer of the season, a two run, opposite field blast in the 6th inning. Senior catcher Brock Bennett pegged another runner attempting to steal 2nd base and also gunned down a baserunner who strayed too far from first base. Lots of kudos to go around in this one, as the Spartans pounded 12 hits and the defense continues to improve with each game.
The Spartans (5-2, 1-0) will need to carry this momentum into next week as they face 3 important 8AA region contests: @ East Hall on Monday, home versus Rabun on Wednesday, and @ Buford on Friday.
Wednesday, March 22
Spartans 10 Rabun County 0
The Spartans took care of business in short order tonight, defeating the visiting Rabun County Wildcats 10-0 in a run-rule shortened game at Hester Field. Ryan Griffin got his second win of the season, throwing 6 innings, surrendering only 1 hit, and striking out 7. Freshman Patrick Savage had another good night at the plate, going 2 for 3 and driving in 3 runs. Also picking up RBI's tonight were Lee Chapple, John Wood, Landon Bennett, Ryan Griffin and Louis Brooks who finished off the game with a 2 run double to right center field. Wildcat pitching walked 11 Spartans on the night. Mark Edwards also had an excellent game at shortstop as he single handedly made all 3 put-outs in the 4th inning.
The task grows more difficult tomorrow night as the Spartans (6-2, 2-0) travel to East Hall to take on the Vikings in a 5:30 contest.
Thursday, March 23
Spartans 15 Vikings 3
Dillon Geraghty threw a complete game and John Wood had 4 rbi's as the Spartans cruised to win #7 on the season over East Hall. On a very cold and rainy night, Dillon held the Viking bats in check the whole way with a good mix of fast balls and off-speed pitches, striking out 8 and surrendering only 1 earned run. Offensively, John Wood led the way for the Spartans, plating 2 runs in the first inning with a nice 2 out, opposite field double. John would add to his totals later in the game with another 2 rbi double. Freshman Mark Edwards also collected a few rbi's tonight, driving in 2 runs late in the game. Landon Bennett continued his good work at the plate, getting home run #3 on the season with a 2 run shot to left field.
The Spartans (7-2, 3-0) travel to Buford tomorrow to take on the defending 8AA champion Wolves. Game time is 4:30.
Friday, March 24
Spartans 6 Buford Wolves 7
|  | | Colton Chapple & Patrick Savage |
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As is usually the case when these two teams go head to head, and although it was an especially brutal afternoon weather-wise, the Spartans and Wolves put on a very good show in Buford today. With both teams coming into this matchup with unblemished region records (3-0), it figured to be a very close contest....and it was.
The day started out well for the visitors, as one out singles by Brock Bennett and Landon Bennett set the stage for Patrick Savages RBI double which scored Brock and allowed the Spartans to take an early 1-0 lead. The Wolves would return the favor in the bottom half of the second to knot the score at 1 each. The Spartans would push another run across in the fourth, courtesy of John Wood's RBI double which scored Patrick Savage (BB). Buford would counter again in the bottom half of the fourth with a 2 out rally that pushed 2 runs across to get the Wolves their first lead of the night @ 3-2. In the sixth, still trailing 3-2, the Spartans again had a runner on and Patrick Savage would get his second RBI of the night driving in Landon Bennett who had reached on a fielders choice.
In the Spartans half of the seventh, with one out, Colton Chapple got things started by reaching on an error. Coming to the plate with 2 outs and Colton still at first, the Spartans got another defensive miscue by the Wolves to put runners at first and second. Landon Bennett came to the plate and delivered the go ahead RBI, driving Colton in with his single up the middle. Freshman phenom Patrick Savage followed with a fence rattling double to bring home Brock Bennett and Landon to give the Spartans a 6-3 lead going into the bottom of the 7th.
But in the 7th, the Wolves would put together 6 hits to plate 4 runs and send the Spartans home with a heartbreaking 7-6 loss. Taylor Wood went 6 1/3 innings for the Spartans, striking out 12, surrendering 7 hits and walking 2.
The Spartans (7-3, 3-1) go back to work on Tuesday as they travel to Banks County for region contest #5.
Tuesday, March 28
Spartans 19 Banks County 1
|  | | Mark Edwards 2 hits, 2 RBI's |
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The Spartans traveled to Banks County this afternoon and dispatched the Leopards in short order as the visitors got a 19-1 victory in four innings. Landon Bennett had another good day at the plate, going 2-2 including a grand slam (HR #4 on the year) in the 10 run second inning. Other offensive leaders included Mark Edwards (2 hits and 2 rbi's), and the Chapple brothers, who combined for 3 hits and 4 rbi's. Brent Burrows, Dillon Geraghty, Brock Snead, John Wood, and freshman Ian Graham also had hits for the Spartans.
On the hill, Brent Burrows went the distance, striking out 9, surrendering only 2 hits, and one earned run.
The Spartans (8-3, 4-1) are back on the road Thursday, as they make the long trip up the mountain to Union County. Spartans are back at the friendly confines of the GAC campus next Monday versus crosstown rival Wesleyan.
Thursday, March 30
Spartans 13 Union County 0
Winning Pitcher - Brent Burrows 9 k's
Home Runs: John Wood, Lee Chapple, Patrick Savage & Brent Burrows
Spartans win in five innings.
Next up for the Spartans (9-3, 5-1), a Monday matchup at Hester Field with the Wesleyan Wolves.
Tuesday, April 4
Spartans 1 Wolves 10
The Spartans turned in what could only be characterized as a lackluster performance yesterday at Hester Field, falling to the Wesleyan Wolves 10-1. Wesleyan starter Tony Plagman kept the home team off balance all day with a good mix of fastballs and off speed pitches, scattering 7 hits. It was not until the 7th inning that the Spartans managed to get a runner past second base. The Wesleyan defense stepped up at times also, turning 2 inning ending double plays in the 3rd and 4th innings.
Initially it appeared that this one may be a pitchers duel, as Plagman and Spartan starter Taylor Wood carried goose eggs on the scoreboard thru the 3rd inning. But the Wolves broke out in the 4th as 3 consecutive batters reached safely and 2 runs were pushed across. Again in the 5th, 3 consecutive 2 out hits allowed the Wolves to get two more runs in for a 4-0 lead and the Wolves coasted in from there. Taylor Wood (3-1) took his first loss of the season, going 5 1/3 innings, surrendering 9 hits, and striking out 8 batters.
Colton Chapple bagged the only RBI of the day for the Spartans to go along with his 2 hits. Brock Bennett, John Wood, Landon Bennett, Patrick Savage and Mark Edwards also contributed hits.
The Spartans (9-4, 5-2) are back at it Wednesday, with a road trip to Dawson County and are back home vs. Lumpkin County on Friday.
Thursday, April 6
Spartans 0 Dawson County 3
With the Spartan bats buried deep in the freezer, the Dawson County Tigers were able to throw a goose-egg at the visitors and capture a 3-0 victory. Only 2 hits on the day for the Spartans, both of which came in the 4th inning. With the bases juiced and only 1 out, the Tiger pitcher was able to coax two ground balls to get out of the inning with no damage done. In the top of the seventh, the Spartans would have 2 runners reach by walk with 2 outs, but a fly ball to deep center ended the game with GAC on the losing end.
On the hill, Dillon Geraghty threw six innings, striking out 3, surrendering 9 hits and walking 2 batters.
Spartans (9-5, 5-3) are back at home against Lumpkin County on Friday.
Friday, April 7
The life of a high school pitching coach
No further explanation required.....
Friday, April 7
Spartans 3 Lumpkin County Indians 1
Spartans get a much needed region win tonight at Hester Field, knocking off the visiting Lumpkin County Indians by a 3-1 score. Sophomore Brent Burrows got the start for the Spartans and started out the game in great fashion, striking out 7 of the first 9 batters he faced. Brent's great work would continue thru the 6th inning as he held the Indians to 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 run with 10 strikeouts. Taylor Wood got his first save of the season, retiring the Indians in order in the 7th. Lastly, but certainly not least, Lee Chapple made 2 fantastic plays at his first base position in the first and fourth innings.
At the plate, the Spartans improved drastically over their dismal showing against Dawson County. In the third, with the score knotted @ 0-0, Dillon Geraghty got things going with a lead off double. Dillon was followed by a Colton Chapple single. 2 outs later, Landon Bennett stepped into the box and delivered a 2 out RBI single up the middle to get the Spartans on the board with a 1-0 lead. The Indians would strike back in the 6th, as a 2 out single followed by a double to the left field corner enabled the Indians to knot the score at 1 apiece. But in the bottom of the sixth, a leadoff double by Patrick Savage and a base on balls to Lee Chapple set the stage for Brock Bennett's bunt single which plated the winning run. Lee Chapple would also score on a throwing error by the pitcher. The Spartans totaled 8 hits on the night.
The Spartans(10-5, 6-3) are home again on Tuesday versus Providence. No sense in saying it is an important game.......all of them are important from here on in. Good luck guys !!
Wednesday, April 12
Spartans 1 Providence 4
Providence starter Joe Hammond threw 5 innings of 1 hit baseball Tuesday afternoon at Hester field and led his team to a 4-1 victory over the Spartans. Spartan shortstop Mark Edwards led off the game with a base hit and moved to second base on a wild pitch with no outs. But, as would be indicative of their struggles on this day, Edwards was left stranded at second base at the end of the inning. The Spartans could only manage 2 hits on the day as Brock Bennett would add a single in the 7th inning.
The Spartans did not fare much better in the field, as 4 errors led to 2 unearned runs. Taylor Wood took his second loss in as many outings as he threw the complete game, striking out 6, walking 1, surrendering 7 hits and 2 earned runs.
The Spartans (10-6, 6-4)return to action on Thursday, with a home contest vs. East Hall.
Thursday, April 13
Spartans 15 East Hall 0
The Spartans got off to a fast start tonight, scoring 12 runs in the first inning and finishing off the visiting Vikings in 4 innings 15-0. Brent Burrows threw the complete 4 inning contest and pocketed the shutout striking out 5 Vikings and surrendering only 2 hits and walking 1.
At the plate, the Spartan pounded out 13 hits, 8 of which came in the 12 run first inning. Senior John Wood had 4 rbi's in the first inning, 3 of which came on a 3 run homer to left field. Patrick Savage also had 4 rbi's in the first on two singles. Brock Bennett, Dillon Geraghty, and Colton Chapple also added rbi singles in the first inning. Lee Chapple and Louis Brooks also added rbi hits in the 4th inning, and Ian Graham added a lead off single.
The Spartans (11-6, 7-4) are back at it on Monday with a long road trip to Rabun County. The team returns home on Tuesday for the second matchup with rival and region leader Buford.
Tuesday, April 18
Spartans 15 Rabun County 5
Spartans move to 12-6 on the season, 8-4 in region play, with a 15-5 five inning win at Rabun County yesterday. Dillon Geraghty threw the complete game for GAC and Landon Bennett got his third home run of the season.
The Spartans are at home today in a 5:30 matchup vs. the visiting Buford Wolves.
Tuesday, April 18
Spartans 6 Buford 1
Spartans get a big win over rival Buford at Hester Field tonight by a 6-1 score. The contest started a little troublesome for Spartans starter Taylor Wood as a leadoff hit, a walk and a hit batter had the Wolves threatening in the first inning with the bases loaded and only one out. But Wood struck out the next two hitters to get out of the inning with no damage done. The Wolves would eventually draw first blood, as Corey Allen hit an inside curveball down the leftfield line for an rbi single in the 3rd inning. The Spartans would get that run back as an errant pickoff attempt at first base allowed the first Spartan run. The game moved to the bottom of the fifth with the score knotted at 1 apiece as Wood and Buford starter Chase Burnette engaged in a good pitchers duel. But with two outs and runners at first and third, Patrick Savage delivered the game winning hit with a blistering ground ball that the Buford third baseman could not handle to get the run across. Two batters later, with the bases juiced, sophomore Brent Burrows stepped up to the plate and delivered a shot down the left field line to score 3 runs. The Spartans would coast in from there for the big region win. Shortstop Mark Edwards had a great game at the plate tonight, going 3 for 3 including a double. A total team effort by the Spartans as they knock off previously undefeated region leader Buford.
Taylor Wood went the distance on the hill for GAC, surrendering 5 hits and striking out 11 Wolves.
The Spartans (13-6, 9-4) are back at Hester field this Friday for a matchup with the Banks County Leopards.
Friday, April 21
Spartans 9 Banks County 0
Patrick Savage goes yard and Brent Burrows gets the complete game as the Spartans get region win #10 with a 9-0 shutout of the visiting Banks County Leopards. Perhaps a case of big game letdown, the Spartans appeared sluggish all day as they led 4-0 after 4 innings. But in the 5th, Patrick Savage led off the inning with a solo homerun to left center to get the inning started. John Wood would follow with a single and Brent Burrows and Dillon Geraghty would draw walks. Colton Chapple got an rbi as he drew a walk also and an error by the Banks second baseman on a ground ball by Mark Edwards would allow 2 more runs to score as the Spartans advanced their lead to 8-0. Another run would be added in the sixth as a John Wood leadoff double set the stage for Dillon Geraghty's sacrifice rbi. Brent Burrows got the shutout win, going the distance for the home team.
The Spartans (14-6, 10-4) are back at it at Hester Field on Tuesday as Union County comes to the GAC campus.
Also of note, the Providence Stars, due to storm damage at their home field, host the Buford Wolves in a big region 8 matchup on Monday at Hester field.
Tuesday, April 25
Spartans 15 Union County 0
|  | | Lee Chapple Hits Game Ending Homer |
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The Spartans hit the field tonight on a mission and sent 15 batters to the plate in the first inning as they hammered visiting Union County 15-0 in four innings. Freshman hitting machine Patrick Savage did the most damage in the first as he belted 2 bases loaded doubles to garner 6 rbi's as the Spartans jumped out to a 10-0 first inning lead. Dillon Geraghty, Brock Bennett, Colton Chapple and John Wood also contributed rbi's in the first. The Spartans would add 1 more run in the second on a Lee Chapple rbi single, and 3 more in the third on rbi hits by Hunter Montgomery, Dillon Geraghty and Louis Brooks. With the score at 14-0 after 3 1/2 innings, Lee Chapple stepped to the plate to lead off the inning and promptly ended the game with a very nice homer to left center. Lee also gets the Spartan Bulls-Eye award for the day, after being hit by a pitch in his first two trips to the plate.
On the hill, Patrick Savage and Dillon Geraghty combined for the 2 hit shutout, striking out 4 and surrendering only 1 walk.
The Spartans (15-6, 11-4) eclipse last seasons win total with 5 regular season games yet to be played. The boys hit the road this Thursday for a huge region contest at crosstown rival Wesleyan.
Thursday, April 27
Spartans 0 Wolves 6
Spartans drop a big region game vs. Wesleyan and cling to the #4 position in the region by virtue of the 6-0 loss to the Wolves. Wesleyan senior pitcher Tony Plagman continued his mastery of the Spartan hitters as he struck out 13 batters in 6 innings. The Spartans managed only 5 hits on the day, and a one out, bases loaded rally in the fourth inning was snuffed by Plagman with 2 strikeouts to end the inning. Kevin Ruiz pitched the seventh for the Wolves to close out the win. With the win, the Wolves clinched the #2 seed in 8AA.
Taylor Wood took the loss for GAC, striking out 11 and surrendering 5 hits including a 3 run homer in the 6th by Ruiz.
The Spartans (15-7, 11-5) cling to the #4 spot in region 8AA, needing one win in the final two region games (Dawson Co. on Monday at GAC...at Lumpkin County on Wednesday) to clinch a playoff spot.
Monday, May 1
Spartans clinch playoff spot on Senior Day
Spartans clinch a playoff berth tonight with an 11-1 win over Dawson County at Hester Field. The Spartan win, along with wins by Buford and Providence, sets the final seedings for region 8AA. (1) Buford (2) Wesleyan (3) Providence and the Spartans lock up the 4th seed.
Things started a little slowly for the Spartans as a first inning error allowed the Tigers to take a 1-0 after 1 inning of play. The score would remain there until the bottom of the 4th inning when a leadoff walk to Landon Bennett, who subsequently stole second base, brought Lee Chapple to the plate. Lee delivered an rbi single to score Bennett and knot the game at 1 apiece. It would not stay that way for long as senior left fielder John Wood came to the plate and mashed a homer to left center field and give the Spartans a 3-1 lead. In the fifth, a leadoff double by Dillon Geraghty, followed by a nice sacrifice by Colton Chapple to move Dillon to third base, payed off when Mark Edwards hit a nice gapper into left center to score Dillon. Landon Bennett followed with the Spartans second 2 run homer of the game and the Spartans had a nice 6-1 lead after 5. To round out the scoring in the 6th, Dillon Geraghty knocked in John Wood and Brock Bennett with his second double of the night. Dillon jogged home as freshman second baseman Colton Chapple went yard for the first time this season to make the score 10-1. Lee Chapple would finish the day off, driving in Landon Bennett with an rbi single to end the game.
Brent Burrows went the distance on the hill for GAC, tossing a very nice 2 hit, no earned run complete game.
The Spartans (16-7, 12-5) take to the road on Wednesday for the final region game of the season at Lumpkin County at 6:00. Spartans return home on Saturday for a non-region matchup with the Walker School from region 5.
Looking ahead, the Spartans finish up the regular season next Wednesday at Turner Field as they square off with the Wesleyan Wolves in the Spring Classic for Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta......be sure to get your tickets and enjoy a nice afternoon and evening at the Ted.
Last, but certainly not least, the Spartans honored their seniors tonight after the game. Thanks to all of these fine young men for what they have done for and meant to the GACS community and baseball program. We are very proud and honored to have been able to watch you compete and rest easy knowing that all of you have bright futures ahead.
Thursday, May 4
Spartans 4 Lumpkin County 5
Despite a dramatic, top of the 7th, 3 run go-ahead homer from Landon Bennett, the Spartans let one slip away last night at Lumpkin County by a 5-4 margin.
Taylor Wood took the loss in a complete game effort.
Spartans are back at the friendly confines of Hester Field this Saturday, with a non-region matchup with the Walker school.
Sunday, May 7
Spartans 4 Walker Wolverines 3
Dillon Geraghty got the complete game win on Saturday versus Walker as the Spartans took a 4-3 non-region win. Dillon struck out 5 and surrendered only 1 earned run. At the plate, John Wood went 2 for 3 with a double, and Brock Bennett went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
The Spartans (17-8, 12-6) travel to Turner Field on Wednesday to take part in the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Spring Classic versus Wesleyan. Game time is 4:00 and the GAC-Wesleyan game will be followed by Georgia vs. Georgia Tech at 7:00. One ticket will get you into both contests.
In the bigger picture, the Spartans open up state tournament play next Friday at Westside Augusta, the #1 seed from region 7AA. Game times for Friday are at 4 & 7:00 with the "if" game on Saturday at 2:00.
Saturday, May 13
Spartans Sweep Westside Augusta and Move on to Round 2
The Spartans traveled to Westside Augusta yesterday afternoon and showed the strength of Region 8AA as the # 4 seed Spartans swept the #1 seed Patriots from Region 7AA by 4-3 and 15-3 scores.
Taylor Wood (7 innings) and Brent Burrows (5 innings, only 9 fingers) both took complete game victories on the hill and Landon Bennett, Colton Chapple and Dillon Geraghty hit home runs for the Spartans.
The Spartans (19-8)will travel to Lovett on Wednesday for round #2. Game time is 2:00 for the double header and 5:00 on Thursday for the "if" game.
Thursday, May 18
Spartans 2006 campaign ends at Lovett in Round 2
A very strong Lovett Lions squad ended the season for the 2006 edition of the GAC Spartans. Lovett took game #1 by a 6-3 margin behind the pitching of Penn signee Reid Terry and game #2 by a 12-4 score behind the pitching of Ole Miss. signee James Wiley. The Spartans end up at 19-10 on the season.
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