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GACS
1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, Georgia
30093
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 2005 Review |
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Thursday, December 8
2005 Schedule Hot Off the Press !!!
Tuesday March 1st should prove to be an interesting day as the 2005 edition of Spartan Baseball takes the field. With the class of 2004 now only a very fond memory, there promises to be many new faces occupying the diamond and dugout at Hester Field. The Spartans will once again face their always tough opponents in region 8-AA, and will also face some unfamiliar foes in Paulding County High, Eagles Landing High, Centennial, and Southwest Dekalb. No doubt it will be another exciting season. You can access the 2005 schedule by clicking the schedule link in the left margin.
Tuesday, March 1
Old Man Winter -1 Spartans - 0
You can put off that trip to the local store for sunscreen !!
Today's Game Cancelled & rescheduled for March 15th - the Spartans will try again tomorrow, versus St. Pius, to attempt to get the 2005 campaign underway.
Wednesday, March 2
Spartans drop opener to St. Pius
With the Spartans battling a case of early season rust, very cold bats, and numerous defensive miscues, the Golden Lions came to Hester Field and captured a 6-1 victory over GAC. The Spartans could only muster 3 hits on the day, of which, only one left the infield. The lone Spartan run came courtesy of a 2 out, RBI double down the 3rd baseline by junior 3rd baseman John Wood in the bottom of the 5th inning that scored pinch runner Chase Curth.
The lone bright spot for the Spartans had to be senior starter Jason Cunningham's impressive 5 inning shutout performance. Jason allowed the Spartans to carry a 1-0 lead into the 6th inning, as he only allowed 2 hits and finished with 8 strikeouts for the day.
The Spartans attempt to right the ship this Friday as they head to Pace Academy for a 4:00 contest.
Saturday, March 5
Spartans - 2 Pace Academy - 7
The Spartans fall to 0-2 on the young season with a road loss to Pace Academy. Spartan pitchers struggled with the strike zone for most of the day and Pace took advantage of the opportunities to take an early lead which was never threatened.
Offensively, the Spartan bats did heat up a bit. Senior Jason Cunningham lead the way with a 2 hit day, Senior David Shida had a double in the left-center gap, and Lee Chapple, Scott Fambrough, John Wood and Daniel Kytle each contributed singles.
The Spartans have a few days off before visiting Eagles Landing on Wednesday, followed by a return date with Pace at home on Friday, and finish up the week with the only Saturday game of the season @ home versus Paulding County.
Thursday, March 10
Spartans 9 Eagles Landing 1
Sophomore Landon Bennett got his first career win with a 1 hit, 6 inning gem as the Spartans got a much needed win versus the Eagles Landing Golden Eagles. Bennett looked very sharp in his first outing of the season, striking out 12 and surrendering only a solo homer to Georgia Tech signee Luke Murton. Scott Fambrough came in from the bullpen to close out the win with 3 additional strikeouts. Junior catch Brock Bennett was also very sharp behind the dish, blocking the occassional 50 foot curveball, throwing out the only attempted steal, and catching a runner who ventured too far from first base.
Offensively, the Spartans threatened in the first two innings, only to come away empty handed. But in the 3rd, with the score still knotted @ 0-0, the Spartans plated 5 runs in their most productive inning of the season thus far. Offensive standouts for the day were David Shida (4-4, 2 RBI's) & Landon Bennett (3-4, 2 RBI's). Jason Cunningham, Scott Fambrough, and Brock Bennett also contributed with 2 hits each and Daniel Kytle had a triple.
The Spartans (1-2, 0-0) return to campus on Friday for a rematch with Pace Academy. Come out and support the team !!
Friday, March 11
Spartans 3 Pace Academy 0
In his second outing of the season, senior lefty Jason Cunningham threw 5 innings of shutout baseball and gave the home team the only run they would need as he belted a first inning homerun to help the Spartans (2-2, 0-0) capture their second win in a row. Sophomore Ryan Griffin came on in the seventh for the save and got the Spartans out of a bases loaded jam by forcing the final two outs of the game.
Spartans home again tomorrow versus Paulding County at 1:00.
Saturday, March 12
Spartans 4 Paulding County 5
The Spartans came up short today in their efforts to extend their current winning streak to 3 games as they fell to the Paulding County Patriots 4-5. Sophomore Taylor Wood took the hill for his first start of the season, only to be rudely welcomed by the Pats. Paulding County came to the plate very aggresively, and by the end of the first inning, had built a 3-0 lead. Taylor settled in after the first, shutting the Patriots out for the next 5 innings and the Spartans chipped away at the lead, eventually leading 4-3 after five innings. But the error bug came back to haunt the home team again, as two defensive errors in the seventh allowed the Patriots to plate 2 runs and capture the road win.
The Spartans (2-3,0-0) take to the diamond again on Monday, as they travel to Centennial High for a 6:00 game.
Tuesday, March 15
Spartans 2 Centennial 5
In a season thus far characterized by streaks, the Spartans dropped their 2nd game in a row as they fell to the Centennial Knights 2-5. Senior left hander Daniel Kytle got his first start of the season, pitching 6 innings, and other than a bumpy 2nd inning (4 runs), had what could only be described as a quality outing.
Not a lot of offensive highlights for the Spartans, as they only tallied 3 hits for the evening. Scott Fambrough's drive to the cavernous center field fence was the lone multi-base hit of the night.
The Spartans(2-4, 0-0) are back at it again tomorrow with the rescheduled date versus Holy Innocents taking place at Hester Field at 5:00.
Wednesday, March 16
Spartans 7 Holy Innocents 0
Sophomore right hander Dillon Geraghty got his first start of the season and made the most of it, as he combined with Ryan Griffin and closer Scott Fambrough to shut out the Bears 7-0 at Hester Field. Dillon was very sharp for 5 innings, scattering 5 hits and striking out 4 to get the first varsity win of his career.
Scott Fambrough led the way offensively for the home team with a 2-4 night and 2 rbi's. Landon Bennett also had a good evening at the plate, going 2-3 with 2 rbi's also. Junior left fielder John Wood had an rbi double, and catcher Brock Bennett added a hit along with a sac fly rbi.
The Spartans (3-4, 0-0) continue their homestand with a Thursday matchup, and first region contest of the season, versus the Providence Stars.
Monday, March 21
Spartans 1 Providence 11
The Providence Stars came to Hester Field on Saturday and opened up region 8-AA play with a convincing 11-1 defeat of the Spartans. Providence starter Collin McHugh was very sharp for 6 2/3 innings, striking out 11 Spartans and only surrendering 2 hits on the day. The Spartans could never get anything going offensively versus McHugh, and struggled defensively also, committing 3 errors on the day. Stars catcher Chris Waites hit a 2 run homer in the first inning to give the Stars a lead that was never threatened. Senior Jason Cunningham took the loss for the Spartans
GAC (3-5, 0-1) is back at it today with another home date and region contest versus the East Hall Vikings.
Tuesday, March 22
Spartans 2 East Hall 5
East Hall pitcher Corey Jones got the complete game victory for the Vikings as they came to Hester Field and defeated the Spartans 5-2. Jones also helped his own cause by belting a 5th inning home run.
The Spartans appeared to be poised for a big offensive night as Jason Cunningham and David Shida hit oufield gap, rbi doubles in the first inning to tie the contest at 2. But Jones settled in for a long nights work and held the Spartans scoreless for the remainder of the game. Also contributing hits for the Spartans were Landon Bennett, Dillon Geraghty, Daniel Kytle, and Lee Chapple. Landon Bennett took the loss for the Spartans, going five innings and striking out 8 Vikings. Taylor Wood came on in relief, throwing a scoreless 6th and 7th inning for the Spartans. One constant bright spot for the Spartans has been the play of junior catcher Brock Bennett. Brock nailed two attempted steals last night to up his season total to 4.
Next up for the Spartans (3-6, 0-2) is a long road trip to Rabun County
on Wednesday in an attempt to get on the good side of the won/loss column.
Friday, March 25
Spartans 20 Rabun County 0
The Spartans made the long trip to Rabun County yesterday and took care of business in short order as they hammered the Wildcats 20-0 in 3 innings. Senior Jason Cunningham had a career day, belting a pair of home runs in the 10 run first inning, and following that up with another shot in the 2nd. Jason finished the day with 3 homers and 8 rbi's. Senior lefty Daniel Kytle took advantage of the run support, pitching 3 hitless innings and only facing 1 batter over the minimum as he got his first win of the season.
The Spartans (4-6, 1-2) return to the diamond today to take on region leading Buford at Buford.
Saturday, March 26
Spartans 9 Buford 12
Spartans fall to # 5 ranked rival Buford @ Buford in a slugfest that was not decided until the home team plated 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th to take a 12-9 lead. The Spartans, trailing 7-1 after a horrific 6 run second inning, showed a grit and determination that, until last night, had not been seen this season, eventually taking a 9-8 lead into the 6th inning. Both teams struggled defensively, and starting pitchers Taylor Wood and Mark Swanson pitched in and out of trouble all evening. Both starters were retired after the 5th inning. Jason Cunningham (GAC) and Eric Tatum (Buford) came on in relief in the 6th inning.
Offensively, the Spartans hammered out 11 hits on the evening, as Daniel Kytle, David Shida, Jason Cunningham, Scott Fambrough, and Landon Bennett all had 2 hits each.
The Spartans (4-7, 1-3) take to the home field again on Tuesday versus the Banks County Leopards.
Wednesday, March 30
Spartans 15 Banks County 0
Senior lefty Daniel Kytle picked up win # 2 on the season with a 3 inning shutout of the visiting Banks County Leopards. The Spartans jumped on the Leopards quickly, plating 3 runs in the first inning, 7 runs in the second, and finished the run-rule shortened game by pushing 5 runs across in the third. The junior tandem of John Wood and Scott Fambrough combined for 4 rbi's and 4 hits to lead the team offensively.
The current homestand continues for the Spartans (5-7, 2-3) as Union County pays a visit to Hester Field tomorrow.
 | | Ed Cunningham (L) & Edgar Brush | |
Thursday, March 31
The Velvet Voice of GAC Baseball
That smooth voice you hear in the air at Hester Field is not Frank Sinatra, nor Perry Como. It is legendary Spartan baseball announcer Ed Cunningham a/k/a the "Velvet Voice". Ed has been occupying the press box at GAC home games for years and has watched his sons baseball careers blossom from high above the diamond. Ed Cunningham is one shining example of what makes GAC such a wonderful place to be.
If you get the opportunity, stop in at the press box. Ed maintains an open door policy and is always welcoming to star struck admirers dropping in to meet "The Man". You will probably meet Ed's rookie sidekick, Edgar Brush, who handles......well, I'm not sure what Edgar does, but every Carson needs an Ed McMahon. Mr. Cunningham will greet you with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and probably some good advice on where to eat after a game. Negotiations are currently taking place in an attempt to extend Ed's lucrative contract beyond the 2005 season.
Thank You Ed for all that you do for the Spartan Nation !!
Tuesday, April 5
Spartans 0 Wesleyan 4
The combination of cold Spartan bats and some top notch pitching by Wesleyan ace Michael Hutts made for a tough day across town for the Spartans. Hutts was never genuinely threatened in his 6 2/3 innings, striking out 13 Spartans, and only surrendering 1 infield hit with 2 outs in the top half of the 7th inning. The Spartans sent lefty Jason Cunningham to the hill and Jason responded with a stellar outing of his own, surrendering only 1 earned run as he took the hard luck loss.
The Spartans (5-8, 2-4) return to the friendly confines of Hester Field on Wednesday to take on region foe Dawson County in what would have to be characterized as a must win.
Thursday, April 7
Spartans 4 Dawson County 3
The Spartans returned to Hester Field on Wednesday in dire need of a region win versus the visiting Dawson County Tigers. Dawson County got on the board in the top of the first inning, pushing 1 run across to take the early lead. The Spartans bounced back, and after a leadoff single by Landon Bennett and an RBI single from Jason Cunningham, the score was knotted at 1 after one inning of play. Neither team had any offensive success until the fifth inning, when the Tigers plated 2 runs to take a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 5th. With John Wood on first courtesy of a walk, Lee Chapple stepped to the plate and drove a pitch deep over the centerfield fence to tie the game again at 3. The game remained tied at the end of regulation, and the Tigers had no success in the top half of the 8th inning. In the bottom half, Scott Fambrough led off with an infield hit, followed by Jason Cunninghams second hit of the day. A wild pitch/passed ball allowed Scott and Jason to move to second and third base, and an intentional walk to relief pitcher Ryan Griffin loaded the bases with no outs. Senior David Shida came to the plate and delivered the game winning hit with a single to left field to score Fambrough as the Spartans get the win, 4-3.
Landon Bennet pitched six strong innings for the Spartans and left with the game knotted at 3. Ryan Griffin, pitching a scoreless 7th and 8th innings, got the first win of his GAC career. The Spartans (6-8, 3-4) are back on the diamond, weather provided, at Lumpkin County on Friday in another big region matchup.
Monday, April 11
Spartans 9 Lumpkin County 5
With only 4 weeks remaining in the regular season dash for playoff qualification, the Spartans took to the road Saturday for another crucial region matchup with Lumpkin County. The Indians came out strong, plating 2 runs in the first inning courtesy of back to back doubles and an RBI single. Not to be out done, the Spartans returned the favor in the top of the 2nd as Landon Bennett delivered the first of his 4 hit, 4 rbi day, driving in Lee Chapple and John Wood with a timely 2 out single. Starter Taylor Wood held the Indians scoreless in the bottom of the 2nd and the Spartans scored again in the top of the 3rd as Jason Cunninghams lead-off walk set the stage for Lee Chapple's 2 out, rbi double to allow the Spartans to take a 3-2 lead. In the bottom half of the third, the meat of the Indians lineup paid dividends yet again, as 4 hits turned into 3 runs and Lumpkin headed into the 4th holding a 5-3 lead. Neither team made any offensive headway in the 4th or 5th inning, and the Spartans came to the plate in the top of the 6th needing runs with only 6 outs to work with. But the Spartans got busy in a hurry as Lee Chapple lead off with a single, Brock Bennett was walked, and Jeff Ordner was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Senior Daniel Kytle came to the plate as a pinch hitter, and promptly delivered a single up the middle to move Chapple home. Landon Bennett followed, and continued his great day at the plate as he hit a single to score the tying and go-ahead runs and allow the Spartans to take a 6-5 lead. Scott Fambrough followed with a single, and coupled with some defensive miscues by the Indians, scored Daniel Kytle. After fly ball outs by Jason Cunningham and David Shida,junior John Wood stepped to the plate and delivered the knock out blow with a 2 out single to score Bennett and Fambrough. When the smoke finally cleared, the Spartans had tallied 6 runs on 6 hits to take a 9-5 lead which would last until the end of the game. Lots of offensive heros for the Spartans, as Landon Bennett (4-5, 4 rbis), Lee Chapple (3 hits, 1 rbi) and John Wood (2 hits, 2 rbis) lead the way. Defensively, the Spartans enjoyed an error free day and senior middle infielders Jeff Ordner and Andrew Brush turned two very nice, and very timely, ground ball double plays to kill potential rallies. Sophomore lefty Taylor Wood got his first win of the season, throwing 5 innings, surrendering 11 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 3. Jason Cunningham came on in relief in the 6th to preserve the win.
No rest for the weary as the Spartans(7-8, 4-4) travel across Norcross to meet the Providence Stars on Tuesday. 4:30 game time.
Wednesday, April 13
Spartans 1 Providence 6
Providence pitcher Collin McHugh fanned 10 Spartan hitters and only allowed 1 hit in six innings to lead the Stars to a 6-1 win over GAC on Tuesday. The Spartans took an early 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning, as catcher Brock Bennett delivered a one out single and was eventually driven in by virtue of an infield error. GAC starter Landon Bennett (9 strikeouts and 6 hits) was able to keep the strong Stars lineup in check for 4 innings and the Spartans carried the lead into the fifth inning. But as is usually the case, a lead off walk in the fifth, coupled with a sac bunt and rbi single, allowed the Stars to tie the game at 1 after 5 innings. GAC flirted with a big inning in the top of the 6th as Landon Bennett reached on an error, and Jason Cunningham and Daniel Kytle drew walks. With the bases juiced and 2 outs, McHugh showed why he is one of the premier pitchers in 8AA by striking out John Wood to kill the potential rally. In the bottom of the 6th, Stars catcher Chris Waites reached first base on a third strike that got away from catcher Brock Bennett, and would eventually move to third base on a wild pitch and a passed ball. An rbi single by the next batter scored Waites to allow the Stars to take a 2-1 lead. After a foul ball out by the next hitter, Stars junior Joe Hammond stepped to the plate and delivered a 2 run homer over the left center fence to extend the lead to 4-1. Providence would add two more runs off of relief pitcher Ryan Griffin to close out the scoring.
The Spartans (7-9, 4-5) return to Hester field at the GAC campus for a matchup with Union County on Wednesday, 4:30 start time.
Thursday, April 14
Spartans 2 Union County 1
Senior Daniel Kytle threw a complete game yesterday afternoon at Hester Field to help the Spartans pick up region win #5. Daniel allowed only 3 hits in route to the 2-1 victory. The hits were few and far between for both squads, as the Spartans capitalized on a 3rd inning, one out double by Landon Bennett and a walk to Lee Chapple to score 2 runs. Bennett scored on a fielder's choice, and Chapple scored on a passed ball.
The Spartans (8-9, 5-5) travel to East Hall this afternoon for a big region matchup.
Friday, April 15
Spartans 6 East Hall 1
Spartan junior Scott Fambrough picked a fantastic time to have a break out game yesterday afternoon at East Hall. Scott led the way for the Spartans as they picked up a huge region win to take sole posession of 4th place in region 8AA courtesy of a 6-1 win over the Vikings. In his 4 trips to the plate, Scott singled in 2 runs in the 3rd inning, belted a fence rattling double to right center in the 5th, and capped off a great day at the plate with a towering solo homerun shot to left center. Congratulations to Scott for hanging tough in the face of adversity and coming thru in a big way yesterday. Senior Daniel Kytle and junior John Wood also contributed RBI singles.
Not to be overlooked also was senior lefty Jason Cunningham. Jason held the Vikings hitless for the first 3 innings, surrendering only a total of 3 hits for the day, and struck out nine in getting the complete game win.
The Spartans (9-9, 6-5) return home on Monday, to take on Rabun County at Hester Field.
Tuesday, April 19
Spartans 11 Rabun County 1
The Spartans picked up their 3rd straight region win on Monday with an 11-1 victory over the visiting Rabun County Wildcats. Senior David Shida had an outstanding day for the home team as he punished the Wildcats with his bat and his glove. David came to the plate in the first inning with 2 runners aboard and sent a fastball high and deep over the left field fence. On the defensive side, David was responsible for 6 put outs, including numerous hot shots to his 3rd base position. Scott Fambrough and Landon Bennett continued their hot streaks at the plate as each bagged 2 hits on the day and John Wood continued his clutch hitting as he doubled in 2 runs in the 4th. Lee Chapple had an rbi single for the Spartans to close out the 5 inning, run ruled game.
Sophomore Ryan Griffin got his first start of the season, and made the most of it by throwing a 5 inning complete game, surrendering only 2 hits, and striking out 3 to get his second win of the season.
The top of region 8AA has gotten interesting in the last couple of days as the Wesleyan Wolves knocked off previously undefeated Buford last Friday, and once beaten Providence on Monday. The Spartans (10-9, 7-5) continue to hold the #4 slot in the region standings with hopes to move up.
Next up: Buford comes to Hester Field for a Wednesday afternoon game. Come out and support the Spartans as they hope to continue their quest for a playoff berth.
Thursday, April 21
Spartans 2 Buford 1
Sophomore Landon Bennett and Senior Jason Cunningham combined to keep the strong Buford bats quiet for 7 innings yesterday as the Spartans pulled off a 2-1 win over the Wolves. Bennett was strong for 5 innings, scattering six hits, striking out six, and surrendering only 1 earned run. Cunningham came on in the sixth inning to get the save. Both Spartan runs were unearned as the Buford defense struggled at critical times. R.M. Cozza took the loss for Buford. The Spartans appear to be peaking at the right time, as they have taken 6 wins in their last 7 region contests.
In other region 8 news, frontrunners Providence and Wesleyan both took losses yesterday as the Stars were beaten by Dawson County 9-7, and the Wolves fell to Lumpkin County 4-3. Providence and Buford match up Friday, as do Dawson County and Wesleyan, in what could have serious region implications.
The Spartans (11-9, 8-5) hit the road tomorrow for another region matchup with Banks County.
Tuesday, April 26
Spartans 15 Banks County 0
The Spartans travelled to Banks County yesterday to play the rain delayed game originally scheduled for last Friday. Being that time of the season when all games are important, the Spartans wasted no time in dispatching the Leopards by a 15-0 margin. Scott Fambrough continued his good work at the plate by going 3-4 on the day, with a double and a grand slam home run. Landon Bennett also homered for the Spartans. Senior lefty Daniel Kytle had another quality outing, allowing 0 hits and striking out 10 batters in the run-rule shortened contest.
In other 8-AA games yesterday, the Dawson County Tigers were knocked off by the Wesleyan Wolves 6-4.
The Spartans (12-9, 9-5), owners of a very nice 5 game win streak, have cancelled today's game with Union County. Next up, the Wesleyan Wolves come to Hester Field on Thursday. Come out and support the team as they battle for a state playoff berth.
Friday, April 29
Spartans 0 Wesleyan 4
Wesleyan lefty Tony Plagman shut the Spartan bats down yesterday as the Wolves came to Hester Field and took a 4-0 win over the Spartans. Plagman was sharp the entire day, carrying a no-hitter into the 6th inning. The Spartans flirted with a 2 out rally in the 6th with back to back singles by Landon Bennett and Lee Chapple. Jason Cunningham followed but flied out to centerfield to end the inning. Plagman finished the day with 6 strikeouts on the hill and a 2 run homer at the plate. Spartan sophomore lefty Taylor Wood took the hill for his first outing in 3 weeks and other than the 4 run 3rd inning, had a quality outing. Wood's line for the day, 5 hits, 1 walk and 5 strikeouts in 7 innings of work.
In other region news, Buford knocked off Dawson County 5-1 to keep the Tigers and Spartans deadlocked in the 4th and final playoff spot. It goes without saying, the Dawson County/GACS matchup on Monday is BIG for both teams in their quests to qualify for the state playoffs. Elsewhere, Providence defeated Union, and Lumpkin kept their slim playoff hopes alive by beating Banks County.
Spartans hit the road Monday for the biggest game of the year as they face off with Dawson County for sole possession of 4th place in region 8-AA.
Friday, April 29
Region 8AA News
Dawson County knocked off Lumpkin County yesterday 3-2.
Updated Region Standings & remaining games:
Buford: 12-2
vs. East Hall on 5/2
vs. Banks County 5/4
Wesleyan: 12-3
vs. Rabun County 5/2
vs. Banks County 5/3
vs. Union County 5/4
Providence: 12-4
vs. Lumpkin County 5/2
vs. Rabun County 5/4
GACS: 9-6
vs. Dawson County 5/2
vs. Lumpkin County 5/4
vs. Union County 5/5
Dawson: 9-6
vs. GAC 5/2
vs. East Hall 5/5
vs. East Hall 5/7
Lumpkin Co. 8-7
vs. Rabun County 4/29
vs. Providence 5/2
vs. GAC 5/4
Tuesday, May 3
Spartans 10 Dawson County 2
With the #4 seed playoff position up for grabs, the Spartans traveled to Dawson County yesterday and came up with the huge win, 10-2 over the Tigers. GAC wasted little time in getting the upper hand in the contest, as a leadoff error led to Landon Bennett reaching base safely & Lee Chapple promptly parked one over the left field fence (just barely) to enable to Spartans to take a quick 2-0 lead. Jason Cunningham followed with a single, and eventually scored on error #2 of the inning to put the Spartans ahead 3-0 after 1/2 inning. The second inning began just as the first, as leadoff man Brock Bennett reached on an error. Jeff Ordner followed with a single to right field. With 2 runners aboard, Lee Chapple stepped to the plate and delivered yet again with an RBI single. Not to be outdone, Scott Fambrough collected 2 RBI's with another single and the rout was on as the Spartans led 6-0 after 1 1/2 innings. In the 4th, the Spartans drove the nail a little deeper as Jeff Ordner led off with a single, Landon Bennett reached on an error, and Lee Chapple singled to load the bases. Scott Fambrough delivered another timely hit and plated Ordner and Bennett, Daniel Kytle followed with an RBI single to score Chapple, and John Wood closed out the 4th inning with a sac fly RBI to score Fambrough. The Tigers put together 3 hits in their half of the fourth to score one run and extend the contest beyond five innings.
Lots of kudos to go around in this big win. Scott Fambrough ended the day 2-4 with 4 rbis. Lee Chapple just missed hitting for the cycle as he homered, doubled, and had a bunt single to go 3-5 with 3 rbi's. Senior Jason Cunningham has another fantastic outing on the hill, throwing 6 innings, scattering 7 hits, and striking out 6 Tigers. Ryan Griffin came on in the 7th to close out the win.
In other region 8AA news yesterday, Lumpkin County (region 8-8) was hammered by Providence 11-0 to put a serious damper on the Indians playoff hopes. The Spartans can lay claim to the final region 8 playoff spot by winning one of their final two games.
The Spartans (13-10, 10-6)return home on Wednesday to face Lumpkin County with the opprotunity to cement their status as the #4 qualifier.
Thursday, May 5
SPARTANS EARN PLAYOFF BERTH
The Spartans made the most of the senior day festivities yesterday as they captured the #4 playoff seed in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 win over Lumpkin County at Hester Field. Sophomore Landon Bennett threw a complete game shutout, limiting the Indians to 5 hits, walking 3, and striking out 6 in a very impressive performance. Defensively, the Spartans were sharp the entire day, with the highlight being a very nice short to second to first double play in the third inning to kill an Indian rally in the making. Offensively, the Spartans made the most of their 2 hits. With the score knotted at zero, the Spartans came to the plate in the bottom of the sixth and Senior Jason Cunningham delivered a lead off single to right field. Senior Chase Curth was inserted as a pinch runner for Cunningham. Curth stole second base, and advanced to third on a sacrifice by Scott Fambrough. Daniel Kytle was struck out next and David Shida came to the plate with 2 outs and a very important run only ninety feet away. With the count at 0-2, Shida turned on an inside fastball and delivered an RBI single to left field to plate the winning run for the home team.
The Spartans (14-10, 11-6) will try again today to make the trip to Union County to finish up the 2005 region schedule. According to the GHSA website, the Spartans, as the # 4 seed from region 8, will travel to Calhoun (#1 seed, region 6) on Friday, May 13 to begin the 2005 playoffs.
Last, and certainly, not least, the Spartans celebrated Senior Day after the game yesterday. Jason Cunningham, David Shida, Jeff Ordner, Chase Curth, Andrew Brush and Daniel Kytle were honored for their contributions to Spartan baseball. Thanks to all of these boys for their hard work and committment that have resulted in yet another post season appearance for the GACS program.
Tuesday, May 10
Playoff Game Times
The Spartans will travel to Calhoun friday to take on the Yellow Jackets in the first round of the state playoffs. Friday will be a double header, with the first game scheduled to start at 4:00 and game 2 to follow immediately after. If necessary, game 3 will be played on Saturday @ 2:00.
Click on the directions tab to get driving directions.
Monday, May 16
Spartans fall to top ranked Yellow Jackets
The GACS 2005 baseball campaign came to an end Friday night at Calhoun as the top ranked Jackets knocked off the Spartans 3-2 in game one, and 5-4 in game 2. Coming into the games as the obvious underdog, the #4 seed Spartans gave the Yellow Jackets all that they could handle as both games were undecided until the final out. Sophomore Calhoun pitcher Josh Smoker and GAC senior Jason Cunningham engaged in a great pitchers duel in game one. Smoker threw a no-hitter as the Spartans scored 2 unearned runs courtesy of 2 walks and some sloppy defensive play by the Yellow Jackets. Game two saw two more sophomores duel, as Landon Bennett took the hill for the Spartans and Brodie Pullen pitched for the Jackets. The Spartans carried a 4-1 lead into the 6th, courtesy of a Scott Fambrough 2 run homer, before the Yellow Jackets fired back with a 3 run homer to tie the contest. In the top half of the seventh, the Jackets took the lead on a Brodie Pullen homer off of relief pitcher Daniel Kytle to secure the lead and the win for Calhoun.
The Spartans end up at 14-13 for the 2005 season.
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