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Admin
 
GACS
1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, Georgia
30093
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 2004 Review |
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Sunday, February 15
2004 Schedule Posted
The 2004 Spartan season opener is Tuesday, March 2, at home against longtime rival Pace Academy. The complete 2004 schedule is now posted under the Schedule link at left. With 6 of 8 regular position starters returning, along with 4 of the top 5 pitchers from last seasons state runners-up, this coming season again looks to be full of promise for GAC. The Spartans look to defend their 2003 region title against state tournament teams Wesleyan, Buford, and Dawson County and the rest of region 8AA. The non-region schedule includes matchups with North Gwinnett, Blessed Trinity, and Ridgeland among others. The Spartans again expect to go deep into the state playoffs where state powers Adairsville, Calhoun, Cook, Vidalia, Pike County, and Brantley County, among many others, await. 2004 should be another exciting year for GAC baseball!
Tuesday, March 2
Spartans Drop Opener to Pace, 4-5
The Pace Academy Knights spoiled the season opener for GAC with a 5-4 victory at GAC. GAC exhibited early season jitters in the field, giving Pace 3 unearned runs on 4 errors. The Spartans were not yet sharp at the plate either, mustering only 6 hits and leaving 9 runners stranded on base. Pace starter Andrew Henderson kept GAC off balance with 6 strong innings of work, while striking out 7 Spartan batters.
Matt Hahn led the Spartan batters with 2 hits and an RBI. Micah Johnson, Kyle Smith, Joseph Thomas, and John Dobson also had hits for GAC. Jason Cunningham started on the mound for the Spartans, pitching 4 innings, allowing 4 hits, and striking out 4 batters. Daniel Kytle threw 2 innings in relief, striking out 3 Knights, and Taylor Wood pitched the 7th inning, allowing no hits and striking out the side.
The Spartans look to rebound Friday night when the Decatur Bulldogs come to GAC.
 | | 2004 GAC SPARTANS |
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Standing (L to R): Coach Nutt, Coach Shelton, Cory Allen, John Dobson, Micah Johnson, Joseph Thomas, William Bond, Jason Cunningham, Taylor Wood, Michael Handley, Coach Handley
Kneeling (L to R): Brock Bennett, Matt Hahn, Jeff Ordner, Daniel Kytle, Andrew Brush, Matt Knauss, David Shida, Kyle Smith
Friday, March 5
GAC WINS 12-6 OVER DECATUR
The GAC Spartans evened their early season record at 1-1 with a 12-6 win over the Decatur Bulldogs. The Spartans used 9 hits by 9 different batters and numerous walks by the Bulldog relief pitchers to post the victory. Kyle Smith and Joseph Thomas each doubled and each had 2 RBI's to lead the Spartan attack. Michael Handley's 2 out RBI single in the 5th inning lead to a 9 run inning for the Spartans that put the game out of reach.
Daniel Kytle was the starting pitcher for the Spartans, allowing 7 hits and striking out 6 Bulldog batters in 3 innings. Bulldog cleanup hitter Jamal Saleem hit a 2 run homer in the first inning to give Decatur the early lead. Taylor Wood picked up the win in relief for GAC, allowing only 1 hit over the final 4 innings, while striking out 6 batters.
The Spartans visit the Meadowcreek Mustangs tomorrow.
 | | Daniel Kytle Pitching |
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 | | Jason Cunningham Pitches at Meadowcreek |
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Saturday, March 6
SPARTANS BEAT MEADOWCREEK 8-2
GAC pounded out 12 hits and Jason Cunningham's pitching shut down Meadowcreek as the Spartans won on the road 8-2. Jason threw 5 strong innings to pick up the win, allowing no runs, 3 hits, and striking out 7 Mustang batters. Matt Hahn closed out the game for the Spartans, allowing 2 hits and striking out 1 batter in 2 innings of work.
Offensively, the Spartans got strong contributions up and down the lineup. Michael Handley went 3-5 with an RBI. Joseph Thomas had 2 hits and 2 RBI's and John Dobson had 2 hits and 1 RBI. Kyle Smith, William Bond, Matt Hahn, Cory Allen, and Jason Cunningham also had hits for GAC.
GAC returns to action next Saturday at Pace Academy.
Saturday, March 13
GAC BEATS PACE 5-3
GAC evened the season series with the Pace Academy Knights at 1 game apiece with a 5-3 victory in 8 innings at Pace. Freshman lefty Taylor Wood threw 6 1/3 strong innings for the Spartans, striking out 6 Pace batters. Taylor was relieved by Jason Cunningham with the score tied at 3 in the 7th inning. Jason picked up the win with 1 2/3 innings of no-hit, no-run ball.
The Spartans managed only 5 hits off the Pace pitchers, and left 12 runners stranded on base, but still the Spartans held on for the victory. Cory Allen's sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the 8th inning scored the winning run for GAC. William Bond was 2-5 at the plate in his first start of the year after recovering from off-season injuries. Kyle Smith, Michael Handley, and Andrew Brush had the other Spartan hits.
GAC is now 3-1 for the season.
Tuesday, March 16
NORTH GWINNETT 6, GAC 3
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs beat the GAC Spartans 6-3 at North Gwinnett. Zach Black and Brandon Reeves homered for the Bulldogs and the North Gwinnett pitchers held the Spartans to 4 hits for the game. Daniel Kytle pitched 5 innings for GAC, allowing 8 hits. Matt Hahn threw 1 scoreless inning for the Spartans. Kyle Smith, William Bond, Cory Allen, and Michael Handley had hits for GAC.
GAC opens Region 8AA play Thursday at Lumpkin County.
Thursday, March 18
SPARTANS WIN REGION OPENER
GAC opened Region 8AA play with a 6-1 win at Lumpkin County. Junior left-hander Jason Cunningham threw a complete game for the Spartans, striking out 10 Indian batters and allowing only 3 hits.
The Spartan offense came up with 10 hits for the game. Pitcher Jason Cunningham helped his own cause with a 2-3 day at the plate, including a solo home run. Michael Handley and William Bond each knocked in 2 runs with base hits, and John Dobson and Micah Johnson each had 2 hits. Kyle Smith and Joseph Thomas also had hits for the Spartans.
Friday, March 19
GAC WIN IS 400th FOR COACH SHELTON
The GAC Spartans defeated the Blessed Trinity Titans 10-5 at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell. The win marked the 400th career victory for Spartans Coach Cliff Shelton, now in his 22nd year as head coach at GAC.
Freshman Lee Chapple was the winner for GAC in his first varsity start. Lee struck out 2 Titan batters and allowed only 2 hits in 3 solid innings of work on the mound. Taylor Wood and Daniel Kytle threw 2 innings each to close out the win for GAC.
The Spartan offense pounded out 15 hits on the night, taking control of the game with a 5 run 2nd inning outburst. John Dobson went 4-4 with 2 doubles and Micah Johnson was 3-3 with 2 RBI's. Kyle Smith, Joseph Thomas, and Michael Handley each had 2 hits for the game.
The Spartans are 5-2, 1-0 after this non-region game, with the Region 8AA schedule now beginning in earnest on Monday when Providence visits GAC.
Monday, March 22
SPARTANS COME FROM BEHIND TO EDGE PROVIDENCE 6-5
GAC overcame a 5-1 deficit to win against region rival Providence. Providence was staked to the early lead by a rare fielder-assisted grand slam from shortstop Ryan Woods. With the bases loaded and no outs in the 2nd inning, Woods drove a ball to deep center field. GAC centerfielder Joseph Thomas chased the ball down near the outfield fence, but the ball glanced off his glove and dropped over the fence for a home run.
The Spartans fought back however. Matt Hahn singled in 2 runs in the GAC 5th inning to cut the score to 5-4, and Joseph Thomas tied the game in the 6th with his first home run of the year. Then Jason Cunningham singled and John Dobson followed with a double to score pinch runner Matt Knauss and give the Spartans the lead for good.
Taylor Wood picked up the win for GAC, scattering 8 hits and 7 strikeouts over 6 innings. Jason Cunningham earned the save with a 3-up, 3-down 7th inning.
The Spartans are now 6-2, 2-0 for the season.
Wednesday, March 24
GAC ROUTS RABUN COUNTY 20-6
The GAC Spartans improved to 3-0 in Region 8AA with a road win over the Rabun County Wildcats. Freshman pitcher Lee Chapple picked up his second win of the season. Senior outfielder William Bond homered twice, going 3-5, and Michael Handley and Joseph Thomas also homered. Cory Allen added a 5-5 day at the plate for GAC as the Spartans pounded out 24 hits.
Friday, March 26
GAC 5, BUFORD 1
The GAC Spartans defeated the Buford Wolves in a matchup of previously undefeated Region 8AA teams at GAC. Jason Cunningham outdueled Buford ace Steven Henry to pick up his 4th win of the season. Jason scattered 9 hits and struck out 8 Buford hitters to post the win. William Bond closed the game for GAC, striking out the only batter he faced in the 7th inning.
Offensively, the Spartans were led by senior third baseman John Dobson. John was 2-3 at the plate with a home run, a double, and 5 RBI's. Joseph Thomas was 2-3 with a double and 2 runs scored, and William Bond, Michael Handley, and Cory Allen also had hits for the Spartans.
GAC is now 4-0 in Region 8AA.
 | | 400 Wins! |
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Friday, March 26
CONGRATULATIONS COACH SHELTON!!
Coach Shelton was honored following the Buford game for his 400th victory, achieved last week against Blessed Trinity. The 2004 seniors presented a commemorative plaque to Coach Shelton from the entire team. Shown in the photo are: (L-R) John Dobson, Michael Handley, Coach Shelton, Kyle Smith, William Bond, Joseph Thomas, and Micah Johnson
Monday, March 29
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-03-29
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Pike County
5. Callaway
6. Dade County
7. Jeff Davis
8. Cook
9. Toombs County
10. Irwin County
(from http://www.gabaseball.net)
Tuesday, April 6
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-04-05
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Callaway
5. Jeff Davis
6. Wesleyan
7. Bleckley County
8. Adairsville
9. Berrien
10. Cook
(from http://www.gabaseball.net)
Thursday, April 1
SPARTANS TOP REGION STANDINGS AFTER 2-0 WIN AT WESLEYAN!
In a matchup for first place in the Region 8AA standings, GAC defeated the Wesleyan Wolves 2-0. The game was a head-to-head showdown between 2 of Gwinnett County's best pitchers, GAC's William Bond and Wesleyan's Stephen Dodson. Both pitchers lived up to their advance billing.
Bond was dominant in his first real action of the season, having faced only 1 batter prior to this game. William struck out 14 Wolves in 5 innings, allowing only 3 hits and picking up the shutout win. Spartan senior right hander Michael Handley also saw his first action on the mound this season, coming on to relieve William in the 6th inning. Michael was impressive as well, holding the Wolves to 1 hit over the last 2 innings and striking out 4 to pick up the save. Dodson took the loss for Wesleyan, but he also pitched brilliantly, posting 12 strikeouts on the day and allowing only 4 hits in the 7 inning complete game.
GAC senior catcher Kyle Smith gave the Spartan pitchers the only run they would need with a lead off homerun to right on the first pitch of the game. Michael Handley drove in the insurance run in the 6th inning with a 2 out double to score Joseph Thomas. Joseph doubled and David Shida singled for the remaining Spartan hits.
GAC is now 9-2, 5-0 in Region 8AA.
 | | William Bond Strikes Out 14 Batters |
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Monday, April 5
GAC 7, APALACHEE 1
Taylor Wood ran his record to 3-0 on the season, throwing a complete game 5 hitter for the Spartans. Taylor struck out 10 Apalachee Wildcats in the 7 inning performance.
GAC had 9 hits for the game, scoring 5 runs in the first inning. Cory Allen had 2 hits and 2 RBI's and Michael Handley added a triple and 2 RBI's. Joseph Thomas also had 2 hits, including a triple. William Bond drove in a run with a double, and Kyle Smith, John Dobson and Andrew Brush also had hits for the Spartans.
GAC is now 6-0 in the region.
Tuesday, April 6
GAC BEATS RIDGELAND 8-1
The Spartans wrapped up the non-region portion of the 2004 schedule with a spring break win over the visiting Ridgeland Panthers. Junior lefty Daniel Kytle picked up the victory on the hill for GAC with a 5-hit complete game. Daniel struck out 6 Panther batters in the game.
Joseph Thomas had 3 hits and 3 RBI's to lead the Spartan offensive attack. William Bond and Jason Cunningham each had RBI base hits, and Andrew Brush added a double for the Spartans.
GAC is now 11-2 for the season, with Region 8AA play resuming tomorrow at Dawson County.
Wednesday, April 7
SPARTANS TOP DAWSON COUNTY 4-0
GAC won a Region 8AA matchup at Dawson County, shutting out the Tigers 4-0. Senior righty Michael Handley made his first start of the season and picked up the win. Michael allowed 4 hits, no walks, and struck out 2 batters in 5 innings work. Jason Cunningham threw the final 2 innings to preserve the shutout for the Spartans.
Jason Cunningham and Cory Allen were both 2-2 at the plate, and each of them also drove in a run. William Bond drove in the first 2 runs of the game with a bases loaded single in the 3rd inning. John Dobson also had a hit for the Spartans.
GAC is now 12-2, 7-0 for the season.
Friday, April 9
GAC 10, UNION COUNTY 0
The Spartans picked up a region victory with a 5 inning run rule game over the Union County Panthers. Spartan senior William Bond pitched 4 shutout innings, striking out 8 batters and allowing only 1 hit. Junior Jason Cunningham relieved for the 5th inning and struck out 2 Panthers while also allowing 1 hit.
The Spartans had 12 hits, scattered up and down the lineup. Cory Allen drove in the first Spartan runs with a hit in the 2nd inning and pitcher William Bond followed later in the same inning with a 2 run homer to highlight an 8 run inning for the Spartans. John Dobson was 2-2 with 2 RBI's, Andrew Brush was 1-1 with an RBI, and Micah Johnson drove in a run with a single. David Shida was 2-2, Matt Hahn had 2 doubles, and Kyle Smith and Michael Handley also had hits for the Spartans.
GAC is now 13-2, 8-0 in Region 8AA.
Thursday, April 15
GAC 19, PROVIDENCE 1
|  | | Michael Handley Hits 2-Run Homer |
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GAC routed the home standing Providence Stars by the score of 19-1. Michael Handley was the starting pitcher for GAC and he picked up the victory, allowing 4 hits and striking out 2 batters in 5 innings. Taylor Wood closed for GAC, throwing a scoreless and hitless 6th inning.
Several GAC hitters had big days at the plate. Pitcher Michael Handley homered and drove in 3 runs, Jason Cunningham was 4-4 with 4 RBI's, and William Bond went 3-5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. Kyle Smith, Joseph Thomas, and Cory Allen each had 2 hits, while Matt Hahn and Andrew Brush also hit safely for the Spartans.
The Spartans continue region play tomorrow, 4/16, with a 5PM home game make-up of a previously rained out game with Banks County.
Tuesday, April 13
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-04-12
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Jeff Davis
5. Callaway
6. Adairsville
7. Cook
8. Dade County
8. (Tie) Buford
10. Calhoun
(from http://www.gabaseball.net)
Friday, April 16
SPARTANS DEFEAT BANKS COUNTY 11-0
Senior shortstop Micah Johnson's 2 home runs led the GAC offense in the region victory over the Banks County Leopards. Micah hit a 3 run homer to cap an 8 run 1st inning for the Spartans, and he followed that with a solo shot off the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. Matt Hahn was 2-3 for GAC, and Kyle Smith, Michael Handley, and John Dobson also had hits for the Spartans.
Jason Cunningham picked up his 5th pitching victory of the season, getting the complete game in the 5 inning contest. Jason allowed only 1 hit while striking out 5 Leopard batters.
GAC is now 15-2, 10-0 in Region 8AA.
Monday, April 19
GAC 15, RABUN COUNTY 0
GAC shutout the Rabun County Wildcats 15-0 in three innings. Taylor Wood picked up the pitching win, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3 batters. Offensively, GAC was led by Michael Handley, 2-2 with 3 RBI's, Micah Johnson, 2-3 with 2 RBI's, and Kyle Smith, 2-4.
GAC (16-2, 11-0) continues Region 8AA play Wednesday at Buford.
Tuesday, April 20
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-04-19
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Callaway
5. Cook
5. (Tie) Adairsville
7. Dade County
8. Jeff Davis
9. Buford
10. Calhoun
(source: http://www.gabaseball.net)
Wednesday, April 21
BUFORD HANDS SPARTANS FIRST REGION LOSS
GAC took a 5-0 lead into the 6th inning against Buford, but the homestanding Wolves made a late inning comeback to win 6-5. The Wolves scored 4 runs in the 6th and added 2 more in the 7th to hand the Spartans their first region loss of 2004.
GAC starting pitcher William Bond struck out 12 Buford hitters in the game. Offensively, GAC had 11 hits; William Bond was 3-4, Joseph Thomas 2-4, Michael Handley 2-4 with 2 RBI, and John Dobson was 2-4. Kyle Smith and Matt Hahn also had GAC hits.
Friday, April 23
GAC 10, BANKS COUNTY 0
GAC completed the season sweep of the Banks County Leopards with a 6 inning 10-0 win at Banks County. Jason Cunningham picked up his 6th win of the season for the Spartans, striking out 8 batters and allowing only 1 hit.
Michael Handley led the Spartan offense with a 2-3 day, including a home run and 3 RBI's. Cory Allen also homered for the Spartans while driving in 2 runs. Jason Cunningham and Matt Hahn each added 2 hits for the Spartans.
The Spartans (17-3, 12-1) continue Region 8AA play Tuesday when they host Wesleyan.
Tuesday, April 27
GAC 2, WESLEYAN 0
For the second time this season, GAC shutout the Wesleyan Wolves by a 2-0 score. William Bond was again the winning pitcher for GAC, this time throwing a complete game 1-hitter while striking out 10 Wesleyan batters. Wesleyan lefty Michael Hutts was outstanding on the mound as well, holding the Spartans to 5 hits and 2 runs.
The game was scoreless into the 5th inning, when Jason Cunningham led off with a double for GAC. Matt Knauss pinch ran for Jason, and he moved over to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt by David Shida. Kyle Smith then brought home the run with a sacrifice fly. The Spartans added an insurance run in the 6th inning off Joseph Thomas' triple and Michael Handley's sacrifice fly.
GAC, (18-3, 13-1), hosts the Lumpkin County Indians tomorrow in a make-up of an earlier rainout.
Tuesday, April 27
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-04-26
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Adairsville
4. Brantley County
5. Buford
5. (Tie) Callaway
7. Cook
8. Pike County
9. Jeff Davis
10. Dade County
(from http://www.gabaseball.net)
Wednesday, April 28
GAC CLINCHES PLAYOFF BERTH WITH 5-3 WIN OVER LUMPKIN CO.
The GAC Spartans clinched a bid to the 2004 AA State Tournament with today's 5-3 win over the Lumpkin County Indians. With a 14-1 record and only 3 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the Spartans can finish no worse than 2nd place in Region 8AA. This means the Spartans will host a first round series against a team from Region 7AA when the state tournament begins on May 14th.
Michael Handley, working his way back from early season injury, threw his first complete game of the year while picking up the win for the Spartans. Michael struck out 8 Indian hitters in 7 innings while allowing 6 hits and 1 walk. The 3 Lumpkin County runs were unearned, all coming after 2 GAC errors in the 5th inning.
Jason Cunningham provided the offensive spark for the Spartans with 2 hits and 2 RBI's in 3 at bats. Pitcher Michael Handley also helped his own cause, going 2-3 with an RBI. Joseph Thomas and Cory Allen also had 2-3 days at the plate for GAC.
The Spartans continue region play at Apalachee tomorrow.
Thursday, April 29
GAC OVER APALACHEE 9-2
GAC won their 20th game of the season at Apalachee. The 9-2 win over the Wildcats reduced the Spartan's magic number for clinching the region title to 1 game. GAC is now 15-1 in Region 8AA with 2 games left in the regular season. A win by the Spartans in either of their final 2 games, or a loss by Buford, will clinch the region title for GAC and will give them a number 1 seed in the state tournament.
Jason Cunningham picked up his 7th victory of the season, striking out 6 Wildcats and allowing only 2 hits. Joseph Thomas led the Spartan offense with a 3-4 day at the plate, driving in 4 runs. William Bond went 3-4 and Kyle Smith was 2-3 for GAC.
GAC hosts Dawson County Monday in the final regular season home game for the 6 GAC seniors.
Sunday, May 2
STATE TOURNAMENT CONTENDERS - 1 WEEK TO GO!
| PROJECTED 2004 AA STATE TOURNAMENT |
| REGION 1 |
VS. |
REGION 4 |
| 1. Mitchell-Baker, 11-1
| vs. | 4. Jackson/Lamar, 10-6
| |
| 2. Turner Co., 8-3 | vs. | 3. Tri-Co., 13-3 | |
| 3. Albany, 7-4 | at | 2. Pike Co., 14-2 | |
| 4. Americus, 6-5 | at | 1. Callaway, 15-1 | |
| REGION 2 |
VS. |
REGION 3 |
| 1. Brantley Co., 9-3
| vs. | 4. Toombs Co., ?
| |
| 2. Bacon Co., 8-3 | vs. | 3. Jeff Davis, 9-4 | |
| 3. Cook, 8-3 | at | 2. Bleckley Co., 9-4 | |
| 4. Berrien/Irwin Co., 8-4 | at | 1. Vidalia, 13-1 | |
| REGION 5 |
VS. |
REGION 6 |
| 1. Blessed Trinity, 12-1
| vs. | 4. Rockmart/Armuchee, ? | |
| 2. Union Grove, 10-3 | vs. | 3. Calhoun, 12-5 | |
| 3. Decatur, 9-3 | at | 2. Dade Co., 13-4 | |
| 4. Pace/Holy Innocents', 8-6 | at | 1. Adairsville, 14-2 | |
| REGION 7 |
VS. |
REGION 8 |
| 1. Morgan Co., 11-2
| vs. | 4. Lumpkin Co., 10-6 | |
| 2. Oglethorpe Co., 10-3 | vs. | 3. Wesleyan, 12-4 | |
| 3. Washington-Wilkes, 10-3 | at | 2. Buford, 14-2 | |
| 4. Wilkinson Co., 7-6 | at | 1. GAC, 15-1 | |
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**These are the matchups if the tournament were to start today. For official tournament brackets, see 2004 Class AA Tournament.
Monday, May 3
SPARTANS CLINCH REGION WITH NO-HITTER ON SENIOR DAY!
The Spartans clinched the 2004 Region 8AA title with a 7-0 win over the Dawson County Tigers. The victory came on Senior Day, as the 6 GAC seniors celebrated their 4th straight region title in their final regular season home game. Each senior had a hit in the game, and senior lefty William Bond threw a no-hitter to make the day complete. William struck out 10 Tiger hitters in the complete game performance.
Michael Handley went 2-4 with a homer and 2 RBI's to pace the GAC offense. John Dobson was 2-3 with an RBI and Landon Bennett, Kyle Smith, William Bond, Joseph Thomas, Matt Hahn, and Micah Johnson all had base hits for the Spartans.
GAC is now 21-3, 16-1 for the season. The Spartans have 1 remaining region game before hosting a first round series in the state tournament.
Tuesday, May 4
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-05-03
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Adairsville
5. Buford
6. Callaway
7. Jeff Davis
8. Cook
9. Pike County
9. (Tie) Bacon County
(source www.gabaseball.net)
Wednesday, May 5
GAC 12, Union County 0
GAC completed the Region 8AA schedule with a 5 inning win at Union County. The Spartans are the 2004 Region Champions and are now 22-3 overall and 17-1 in the region.
Michael Handley was the winning pitcher for the Spartans, allowing only 1 hit in 4 innings. Senior outfielder Joseph Thomas finally got that long awaited call from the bullpen, and pitched a scoreless 5th inning for the Spartans.
At the plate, Matt Hahn tripled and drove in 2 runs, Joseph Thomas had a hit and 2 RBI's, and Michael Handley also drove in a run with a hit for GAC.
Monday, May 10
STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKETS
GAC will host the Hancock Central Bulldogs this Friday at 4PM in the first round of the 2004 AA State Tournament. Hancock Central is the 4th place team from Region 7AA. The Spartans and Bulldogs will play a doubleheader on Friday; if necessary, a deciding game 3 will be played on Saturday.
For a good look at the complete tournament brackets, see the excellent page put together by the Dade County webmaster at 2004 Class AA Tournament Preview.
The GHSA has also completed the official brackets - see them at 2004 Class AA Tournament.
Monday, May 10
2A State Coaches Poll
For the week of 2004-05-10
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Callaway
4. Buford
5. Adairsville
5. Jeff Davis
7. Bacon County
8. Mitchell-Baker
9. Brantley County
9. Pike County
Friday, May 14
GAC SWEEPS HANCOCK CENTRAL, MOVES ON TO 2nd ROUND
GAC advanced to the 2nd round of the 2004 AA State Tournament with a quick opening round sweep of the Hancock Central Bulldogs.
The Spartans won Game 1 15-0 in 3 innings behind the pitching of William Bond and the hitting of Joseph Thomas and Michael Handley. William allowed no hits and struck out 8 batters in 3 innings of work. Joseph scored twice and hit a grand slam in the 2nd inning, an inning in which the Spartans sent 18 batters to the plate and scored 13 runs. Michael was 3-3 with a home run in the game.
Handley took the mound for Game 2 and the results were similar, as GAC won this one 16-0 in 4 innings. Michael allowed only 1 hit while striking out 6 Bulldog batters in 3 innings. Taylor Wood threw a hitless 4th inning to close the game and the series for GAC. Kyle Smith went 3-3 with a homer and 6 RBI's to lead the Spartan offense, and John Dobson was 2-4 with 3 RBI's for GAC.
The Spartans now move on to the 2nd round to face the Dade County Wolverines from Region 6AA. Dade County advanced by edging Decatur 6-5 and 1-0. The 2nd round series will begin with a doubleheader on Wednesday; game start times have not yet been determined.
Monday, May 17
SECOND ROUND GAME TIMES SET
GAC will host the Dade County Wolverines this Wednesday at 4:30PM in the second round of the 2004 AA State Tournament. Dade County is the 2nd place team from Region 6AA. The Spartans and Wolverines will play a doubleheader on Wednesday; if necessary, a deciding game 3 will be played on Thursday.
The updated GHSA official brackets are located here: 2004 Class AA Tournament.
Wednesday, May 19
SPARTANS AND WOLVERINES SPLIT - GAME 3 TOMORROW
GAC and Dade County each won one game apiece to open the second round series. GAC won Game 1 7-0 behind William Bond's 1-hitter. William struck out 15 Wolverine batters and allowed only 2 baserunners in the dominating pitching performance. Joseph Thomas was 3-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's to lead the offense. Michael Handley was 2-4 with 2 doubles and Micah Johnson went 2-2 with 2 runs scored in the game. Dade County shortstop Chad Reeves singled in the 4th inning for the only Wolverine hit.
Dade County won Game 2 1-0 in a pitchers duel between Wolverine right hander Chad Reeves and Spartan righty Michael Handley. Reeves held GAC to 3 hits on 10 strikeouts, while Michael allowed only 4 hits and struck out 9. Dade County scored the game's only run after coming back from a 50 minute lightning delay in the 4th inning. Chad Reeves singled with one out and advanced to 2nd when the ball was mishandled in the outfield. Jon Nichols followed with another single to drive in the Dade County run. Joseph Thomas, Jason Cunningham, and Micah Johnson had the Spartan hits.
The decisive game 3 will be played tomorrow, 5/20, at 2PM at GAC.
Thursday, May 20
GAC OUTLASTS DADE - SPARTANS ADVANCE TO ROUND 3!
The Spartans (26-4) defeated a valiant Dade County (21-9) squad 2-1 in an 11 inning pitching marathon. GAC started junior lefty Jason Cunningham and Dade County countered with right hander Michael Worley. Both pitchers were magnificent - Jason allowed 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 11 Wolverines in 6 1/3 innings. Worley allowed 5 hits and 1 run with 10 strikeouts and he threw the maximum 10 innings allowed. Cunningham was replaced in the 7th inning by freshman lefty Taylor Wood, who continued the pitching excellence. Taylor pitched 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief while striking out 6 more Wolverines. Taylor also provided the game winning hit with a 2 out 11th inning solo homerun off Dade County reliever (and game 2 winner) Chad Reeves. Taylor closed out the series by striking out the Dade County side in the bottom of the 11th.
The win sends GAC into the next round of the State Tournament - the Spartans will now travel to Vidalia for a rematch of last season's state finals.
Tuesday, May 25
SPARTANS SWEEP VIDALIA - ON TO SEMIS!
GAC swept the defending champion Vidalia Indians to move into the state semifinals next week at GAC.
In Game 1, Spartan senior lefty William Bond shutout the Indians 7-0, allowing only 2 hits while striking out 15 batters. The Spartans handed Vidalia ace Blake Zorn his first loss of the season. GAC pounded out 14 hits in the game; Kyle Smith went 3-4 with a homerun, John Dobson was 3-4, Jason Cunningham was 2-3 with 2 RBI's, Joseph Thomas was 2-3, Michael Handley was 2-3, and William Bond and Matt Hahn also had hits for GAC.
Junior left hander Jason Cunningham started Game 2 for GAC, and quickly fell behind the Indians 3-0 after Patrick Jordan's 2nd inning 3 run homer. After allowing 1 more run in the 3rd, Jason settled down and held the Indians scoreless the rest of the way while the Spartans mounted a comeback. GAC scored once in the 3rd on Joseph Thomas' infield hit and a Vidalia throwing error. Then in the Spartan 4th, John Dobson and Jason Cunningham singled and junior DH Cory Allen followed with a 3 run blast to left to tie the score. In the 5th inning, Michael Handley led off with another Spartan homer to give GAC the lead for good. The momentum had turned, and the Spartans scored 5 more runs in the inning on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 Vidalia wild pitches. That was more than enough for Cunningham to close out the game and the series. Jason pitched the complete 7 innings, striking out 9 Indians and allowing 7 hits to pick up the 10-4 win. The Spartan offense was led by Cory Allen, who went 2-3 with 4 RBI's and a homer. Freshman leadoff batter Landon Bennett went 3-5 and pitcher Jason Cunningham was 2-4. Kyle Smith and Micah Johnson also had Spartan hits.
GAC is now 28-4 and will host the state semifinals on Memorial Day, 5/31. Game times and opponent are still TBD.
Thursday, May 27
SPARTANS TO HOST BACON COUNTY IN STATE SEMIFINALS
GAC will host the Red Raiders of Bacon County, the 2004 Champions of Region 2AA, this Monday, 5/31, in the 2004 AA State Tournament Semifinals. The double header will begin at 4PM, with Game 3 to be held at 2PM on Tuesday if necessary.
Tuesday, June 1
BACON COUNTY ADVANCES TO FINALS
Bacon County ended GAC's season with an 8-7 extra-inning come-from-behind win in Game 3 of the State Semifinals. Pitcher Brody Starling picked up 2 wins in the 3 game series for the Red Raiders, while DH Sidney Spell contributed 2 huge homeruns. The series was tightly contested from start to finish as Bacon County won Game 1 2-1 and GAC won Game 2 6-2.
Bacon County will now host Jeff Davis for the 2004 State AA Championship later this week.
GAC completes another outstanding season with a Region 8AA title and a 29-6 record.
2004 GAC SPARTANS
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