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Admin
 
GACS
1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, Georgia
30093
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 2003 Review |
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Tuesday, February 4
2003 SCHEDULE POSTED!!
The 2003 baseball season is only a few short weeks away, with tryouts/conditioning beginning next week. The 2003 schedule is now posted under the Schedule link at left. This season looks to be full of promise as the Spartans defend their 2002 Region 8AA title against state tournament teams Lumpkin County and Dawson County while welcoming back some old familiar rivals to the region in Buford, Providence, and Wesleyan. An outstanding non-region schedule includes matchups with fellow Gwinnett County schools Collins Hill and North Gwinnett, among others. The Spartans again hope to go deep into the state playoffs where state powers Calhoun, Cook, Vidalia, and Brantley County, among many others, await. 2003 should be another exciting year for GAC baseball!
Wednesday, February 19
2003 SEASON PRACTICE UNDERWAY!!
The 2003 practice season is underway, with practice beginning today at Spartan Field under somewhat damp field conditions. Congratulations and good luck to the 2003 Varsity Spartans:
Seniors:
Jim Knauss, Ty Morris, Brian Walker, and David Webb
Underclassmen:
Cory Allen, William Bond, Jason Cunningham, John Dobson, Scott Fambrough, Michael Handley, Micah Johnson, Matt Knauss, Daniel Kytle, David Shida, Kyle Smith, and Joseph Thomas
Saturday, March 8
SPARTANS OPEN WITH WIN OVER MEADOWCREEK MUSTANGS!
The GAC Spartans opened the 2003 season with a 5-1 victory over Meadowcreek in a game that was scheduled to be played at the Mustang's home field, but was relocated to GAC due to wet fields at Meadowcreek. Meadowcreek played the game as the home team.
Senior Ty Morris opened on the mound for GAC and picked up the win. Ty pitched 3 innings, giving up 1 hit and 1 unearned run while striking out 5 Mustang batters. Michael Handley threw 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 runs, and striking out 5. William Bond closed out the game for GAC with 2 shutout innings, allowing 0 hits and striking out 4 Mustangs.
The offense for GAC was led by William Bond with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored and Ty Morris with 2 RBI's on a sacrifice fly and a double. Joseph Thomas added 2 hits and an RBI. Jim Knauss, Kyle Smith, and Brian Walker also had hits for GAC.
Up next for GAC is a doubleheader at home with Holy Innocents' and Pace next Saturday, 3/15. The originally scheduled 2003 season opener between GAC and Decatur has been cancelled due to wet fields and a make-up date has not yet been set.
Saturday, March 15
SPARTANS BEAT PACE 6-1!!
Wet fields forced today's games to be moved and rescheduled. The GAC/Pace game was moved from GAC to Pace and the GAC/Holy Innocents' game will be played Tuesday at GAC at 5PM.
At Pace, Ty Morris picked up the win on the mound for GAC (2-0) with a 6 inning, 4 hit, 6 strikeout, 0 run performance. Michael Handley closed out the game, striking out 2 Knights while allowing 2 hits and 1 run.
Offensively, GAC had 10 hits on the day, 3 by senior left fielder Jim Knauss. Jim also added an RBI and a run scored. Michael Handley hit a solo homer and Joseph Thomas added a 2 run shot. William Bond, Ty Morris, John Dobson, Kyle Smith, and Brian Walker also had hits for GAC.
Tuesday, March 18
CLASS AA BASEBALL POLL
The initial 2003 Georgia Dugout Club Class AA Baseball Poll:
March 18, 2003, 08:05 AM
Class AA
1. Brantley County
2. Cook County
3. Greater Atlanta Christian
4. Vidalia
5. Pike County
6. Calhoun
7. Lumpkin County
8. Telfair County
9. Union Grove
10. Adairsville
Saturday, March 22
GAC 4, Landmark Christian 0
William Bond threw a 1 hit shutout to lead GAC to a 4-0 win over the visiting Eagles of Landmark Christian. William struck out 9 Eagle batters to pick up the complete game victory.
Landmark pitcher Tim Perkins also pitched well, holding the Spartans to 5 hits and 2 earned runs. Ty Morris had an RBI double to lead the Spartan offense. Matt Knauss and Joseph Thomas each had RBI singles and Jim Knauss added an RBI on a fielder's choice. Kyle Smith and Micah Johnson also had hits for GAC.
Up next for GAC (3-0) is the Region 8AA opener against 7th ranked Lumpkin County.
Wednesday, March 26
GAC EDGES LUMPKIN 2-0 IN REGION OPENER!
| |  | | Ty Morris Shuts Out Lumpkin County |
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GAC senior Ty Morris out-dueled Lumpkin County ace Ryan Turner in a pitcher's battle at GAC. The game was the Region 8AA opener for both teams. Ty struck out 15 Indian batters and allowed only 1 hit while Turner struck out 13 Spartans, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs.
Joseph Thomas led the Spartan offense, going 2-3 with a home run. Ty Morris had an RBI single and Michael Handley contributed the other GAC hit. Lumpkin County shortstop David Richardson singled in the 5th inning for the Indians only hit of the game.
GAC improves to 4-0, 1-0 in Region 8AA, while Lumpkin County is now 5-1, 0-1.
 | | Joseph Thomas - Base Hit |
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Friday, March 28
GAC 9, PROVIDENCE 1
|  | | William Bond Handcuffs Providence |
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GAC improved it's early season record to 5-0 with a 9-1 Region 8AA victory at Providence.
William Bond picked up the complete game win for GAC. William struck out 9 Stars and allowed only 3 hits. Offensively, the Spartans generated 11 hits. Joseph Thomas led the Spartan attack with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Kyle Smith and Jim Knauss each had 2 hits, and Ty Morris, Michael Handley, John Dobson, and Micah Johnson also had base hits for GAC.
The Spartans are now 2-0 in Region 8AA, while Providence drops to 1-1.
Monday, March 31
GAC 10, RABUN COUNTY 0
Michael Handley threw a 6 inning run-rule shutout against the Rabun County Wildcats today at GAC. Michael struck out 6 Wildcats and allowed only 3 hits to pick up the win.
Kyle Smith doubled home the first Spartan run in the 1st inning and freshman Cory Allen hit a game ending solo home run to lead off the 6th inning. William Bond, Ty Morris, John Dobson, and Micah Johnson also had hits for GAC.
GAC is now 6-0, 3-0 in Region 8AA.
Thursday, April 3
SPARTANS WIN 9-0 AT BUFORD!
| |  | | Micah Johnson Slides into Second Base |
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GAC jumped out to an early 8-0 first inning lead in this region showdown with the Buford Wolves, and senior righty Ty Morris picked up another pitching victory for the Spartans. Ty struck out 8 Buford hitters and also had 2 hits for GAC, as did catcher Kyle Smith and left fielder Jim Knauss.
GAC is now 7-0, 4-0 in Region 8AA.
 | | Michael Handley Throws 1-Hitter at Banks County |
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Friday, April 4
GAC SHUTS OUT BANKS COUNTY 14-0!
Junior right hander Michael Handley threw a 5 inning complete game shutout at Banks County on Friday, allowing only 1 hit by the homestanding Leopards. Offensively, Spartan batters combined for 16 hits and 14 runs. Joseph Thomas hit 2 home runs and collected 4 RBI's for GAC. William Bond and John Dobson both homered and each also had 3 hits for the game. Kyle Smith, Ty Morris, Michael Handley, and Jason Cunningham also had hits for the Spartans.
GAC (8-0, 5-0) hosts Wesleyan on Monday.
Tuesday, April 8
GAC 9, COLLINS HILL 6
|  | | Jason Cunningham Pitches at Collins Hill |
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GAC won on the road at Collins Hill in a game played during a cold, steady rain. Sophomore Jason Cunningham picked up the win for the Spartans, pitching 5 innings and scattering 7 hits while striking out 2 Eagle batters. David Webb and William Bond each pitched 1 inning of relief to complete the game.
The Spartans had 11 hits in the game. Senior left fielder Jim Knauss contributed 2 clutch 2-out hits and collected 3 RBI's. Joseph Thomas, Kyle Smith, and Ty Morris each had 2 hits, and John Dobson, Micah Johnson, and Cory Allen also had base hits.
The Spartans are now 9-0, while Collins Hill drops to 7-4. The two teams are scheduled to meet again this Friday at GAC.
Saturday, April 12
GAC 10, APALACHEE 6
| |  | | Sophomore Daniel Kytle at Apalachee |
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The spring break rains finally let up and the Spartans returned to Region 8AA play at Apalachee. GAC batted around in the first inning and every Spartan got in the game as GAC won 10-6. Michael Handley started on the hill and threw 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 2 batters. Daniel Kytle relieved and threw 3 innings, allowing 3 hits while striking out 2 Wildcats. Ty Morris pitched the final inning and also struck out 2 batters.
Offensively, the Spartans generated 13 hits and every GAC player got an at-bat. William Bond, Matt Knauss, Kyle Smith, Ty Morris, Brian Walker, Joseph Thomas, John Dobson, Michael Handley, and Jim Knauss all had hits for GAC.
Next up for GAC is a Monday road game at Union County; the game will be played at Young Harris College.
Monday, April 14
GAC SHUTS OUT UNION COUNTY 10-0
Kyle Smith, Ty Morris, and John Dobson all had three hits for the Spartans in a Region 8AA game played at Young Harris College. Kyle was 3-4 with 3 runs scored and an RBI, Ty was 3-3 with 4 runs scored and an RBI, and John was 3-4 with 1 run scored and 4 RBI's. Joseph Thomas drove in 2 runs with a triple and Jim Knauss added an RBI single to round out the Spartan offense.
Jason Cunningham picked up the complete game shut out, striking out 9 Union County Panthers while giving up 5 hits over 6 innings.
GAC is now 11-0, 7-0 with another important region game at Lumpkin County on Wednesday.
 | | John Dobson Had 3 Hits |
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Wednesday, April 16
NO-HITTER BY WILLIAM BOND!!!
|  | | William Bond No Hits the Indians! |
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William Bond pitched a no-hit game at Lumpkin County today, as GAC won 6-1. William struck out 12 Indian hitters and allowed only 3 base runners. The lone Lumpkin County run was unearned and scored after a walk, an error, and a wild pitch.
The Spartans fared better against Lumpkin County ace Ryan Turner, scoring 6 runs on 9 hits. Ty Morris and Joseph Thomas each had 2 hits for GAC and William Bond, Kyle Smith, Michael Handley, Jim Knauss, and Micah Johnson also had base hits.
The Spartans are now 8-0 in Region 8AA, 12-0 overall. For complete region standings, click on the Region 8AA Standings link at left.
Thursday, April 17
SPARTANS BEAT WESLEYAN 11-1!
GAC continued to play well in Region 8AA games, as the Spartans defeated the Wesleyan Wolves 11-1 in 5 innings at GAC. Ty Morris was the winning pitcher for GAC, striking out 5 Wolves and allowing only 2 hits in the run rule shortened game.
Kyle Smith continued his torrid hitting with a 3-3, 2 RBI day and Joseph Thomas was 2-2 with a home run and 3 RBI's. William Bond, Ty Morris, and John Dobson had 2 hits each, and Michael Handley singled and scored for the Spartans.
Next up for GAC is Dawson County, tomorrow at GAC.
 | | Michael Handley Shuts Out Dawson County |
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Saturday, April 19
GAC OUTLASTS DAWSON CO. 2-0!
The top spot in Region 8AA was up for grabs as Dawson County battled GAC to the wire in a game dominated by pitching and defense. GAC's Michael Handley was the winning pitcher, striking out 6 Tigers and allowing 5 hits in the 7 inning shutout. Dawson County pitcher Brad May was nearly as effective, holding the Spartans scoreless until finally allowing 2 runs in the 6th inning.
Senior Ty Morris drove in the first Spartan run with an RBI single in the bottom of the 6th inning. Joseph Thomas followed with another RBI single to account for all the scoring on the day. William Bond had 2 hits and a run scored for GAC, and Kyle Smith and Jason Cunningham also had hits for the Spartans.
Both teams played errorless defense, with several outstanding plays made in the field. GAC 2nd baseman Ty Morris' fantastic diving catch of a hard hit liner up the middle prevented Dawson County from getting their leadoff man on in the 7th inning and helped ensure the Spartan victory.
GAC is now 10-0 in Region 8AA, 14-0 overall.
Tuesday, April 22
GAC 3, PROVIDENCE 2
Senior Jim Knauss knocked in the winning run past a drawn in infield with the bases loaded in the 7th inning to give GAC a 3-2 victory over Providence Christian in Region 8AA play. Jim, who was 2-4 on the day, drove in Ty Morris with a single up the middle off Providence reliever Collin McHugh. Ty also had 2 hits for the Spartans. William Bond singled for the remaining GAC hit, as Providence starter Taylor Anderson held the Spartan offense to just 3 hits in his 6 innings of work.
Ty Morris picked up the win for GAC, going 7 full innings, striking out 9 Stars, and allowing 6 hits.
GAC is now 11-0 in Region 8AA.
Tuesday, April 22
NEW CLASS AA BASEBALL POLL
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Cook County
4. Brantley County
5. Tri-County
6. Pike County
7. Blessed Trinity
8. Adairsville
9. Walker
10. Union Grove
Wednesday, April 23
RABUN COUNTY UPSETS GAC 2-1!
The Rabun County Wildcats handed the Spartans their first loss of 2003 with a 2-1 victory at Rabun County. Wildcat pitcher Matt Hyar handcuffed the Spartans, holding GAC to 5 hits, all singles. Hyar struck out 8 Spartans to pick up the complete game win.
Jason Cunningham took the hard luck loss for GAC, allowing 1 earned run on 7 hits. Jason struck out 4 batters in 4 1/3 innings, and reliever Michael Handley struck out 2 more Wildcats.
GAC's offense was kept in check by Hyar for most of the day, with just individual singles by William Bond, Joseph Thomas, and Jim Knauss scattered over the first 6 innings. The Spartans did mount a challenge in the 7th inning, however. With Rabun County leading 2-0, Michael Handley singled to right, Micah Johnson was hit by a pitch, and Jason Cunningham hit a 2 out single up the middle to score the GAC run and bring the tying run to third. Hyar retired the Spartans after that however, and the Wildcats won 2-1.
GAC is now 15-1, 11-1 Region 8AA.
Wednesday, April 30
GAC DEFEATS WESLEYAN 14-5!!
|  | | William Bond Pitches Against Wesleyan |
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GAC clinched a state tournament berth with today's 14-5 win at Wesleyan. Joseph Thomas and Michael Handley each homered, and the Spartans totaled 12 hits on the day. Joseph was 3-5 with 5 RBI's, including a 3 run blast to left field in the 4th inning. Kyle Smith and John Dobson each had 2 hits, and William Bond, Ty Morris, Jim Knauss, and Matt Knauss also had base hits for the Spartans.
William Bond picked up the win for GAC, pitching 6 innings and striking out 7 Wolves. Wesleyan got 7 hits in the game, three of them homers, including a 3 run shot by Jackson and solo homers by Gholston and Hall. GAC's Ty Morris came on in the 7th inning to pick up some work between starts, striking out 3 batters in a scoreless inning.
The Spartans return to action tomorrow at home against Apalachee.
Monday, April 28
GAC 8, BANKS CO. 2
| |  | | Joseph Thomas Homers Against Banks Co. |
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GAC maintained its hold on first place in Region 8AA with an 8-2 win over the Banks County Leopards. Joseph Thomas homered, singled, and added a sacrifice fly to knock in 4 runs for GAC while William Bond went 2-2 with 3 runs scored and Ty Morris tripled and drove in 3 more Spartan runs. Kyle Smith, Michael Handley, Jim Knauss, and Jason Cunningham also had hits for GAC.
Michael Handley went 6 innings to pick up the win for GAC. Michael struck out 6 Leopard batters while allowing only 3 hits, one of those a solo homer by Banks County designated hitter Chris Denton. Senior David Webb threw a scoreless 7th inning to close out the game for the Spartans.
Next up for GAC is a Wednesday game at Wesleyan.
Tuesday, April 29
SPARTANS RANKED SECOND IN LATEST STATE POLL!!!
State Baseball Poll
April 29, 2003, 08:01 AM
Class AA
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Tri-County
5. Pike County
6. Cook County
7. Blessed Trinity
8. Union Grove
9. Adairsville
10. Buford
Thursday, May 1
GAC 8, APALACHEE 2
| |  | | Michael Handley Pitches Against Apalachee |
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Michael Handley threw 3 shutout innings and Jason Cunningham pitched the final 4 innings in an 8-2 Spartan win at GAC. Michael struck out 2 hitters and Jason struck out 4 more Wildcat batters, with both Apalachee runs coming on solo home runs by Jeff Davis and Jared Barnett in the 4th inning.
Joseph Thomas homered and William Bond had 2 hits for GAC. Kyle Smith, Ty Morris, John Dobson, Michael Handley, Jim Knauss, and Jason Cunningham also had hits for the Spartans.
GAC, now 14-1 in Region 8AA with 3 region games remaining, plays at Dawson County on Monday. Dawson County is currently right behind the Spartans in the Region 8AA standings with only 2 region losses.
Friday, May 9
SPARTANS WIN ON SENIOR NIGHT!!
GAC defeated Buford 4-0 on Senior Night at GAC. Seniors Jim Knauss, Ty Morris, Brian Walker, and David Webb were honored, along with their parents, on the field before the game. Congratulations and best wishes to these four young men!
The game itself was a pitcher's battle between GAC's William Bond and Buford's Eric Tatum. William struck out 10 Wolves in the complete game shutout win and he added 2 hits at the plate as well. Joseph Thomas had 2 doubles and 2 RBI's for the Spartans, and Ty Morris, John Dobson, and Jim Knauss also had hits for GAC.
GAC, now 15-1 in Region 8AA, plays at Dawson County tomorrow in a battle for the region title.
Wednesday, May 7
CLASS AA BASEBALL POLL
State Baseball Polls
May 06, 2003, 08:12 AM
Class AA
1. Vidalia
2. Greater Atlanta Christian
3. Brantley County
4. Tri-County
5. Adairsville
6. Blessed Trinity
7. Pike County
8. Dawson County
9. Union Grove
10. Americus
Saturday, May 10
NEW PHOTOS IN ALBUMS
Select the Albums link to the left to see several new 2003 season photos from Barney Atwater (thanks Barney!).
Saturday, May 10
DAWSON COUNTY HANDS GAC 2nd REGION LOSS
Dawson County beat GAC 10-5 today at Dawson County to bring the Region 8AA title race down to the last day of the season. The Tigers got home runs from Steven Sosebee and Nick Dye to hand Spartan starter Ty Morris his first loss of the season. Michael Handley and Jim Knauss homered for GAC. Ty Morris, Joseph Thomas, and Andrew Brush also had hits for GAC.
The Region 8AA title will be determined Monday when GAC (15-2) hosts Union County. A GAC win will secure the title for GAC; a GAC loss coupled with a Dawson County (14-3) win over Wesleyan would make Dawson County region champions.
Monday, May 12
UNION COUNTY BEATS GAC 7-5
The Union County Panthers overcame a Kyle Smith grand slam and 3 errors to beat the Spartans in the final regular season game of 2003. The loss drops GAC to 15-3 in Region 8AA; the Spartans await the Dawson County/Wesleyan outcome to learn their seeding in the state tournament.
Kyle Smith's 2nd inning grand slam put GAC up 4-0, but Union County reliever Todd McDonald came on to hold the Spartans to just 3 hits for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, the Panthers put together 6 hits and 5 runs in the 6th inning to come from behind and hand GAC pitcher Michael Handley his first loss of the season.
Monday, May 12
FINAL REGION 8AA STANDINGS FOR 2003
Wesleyan beat Dawson County 4-2 today at Wesleyan to clinch the final Region 8AA playoff spot and to finalize the top four region teams and their state tournament seeds. The final 8AA standings are:
1. GAC
2. Dawson County
3. Buford
4. Wesleyan
Region 8AA will play Region 5AA in the first round of the state tournament. Region 5AA representatives will also be determined tonight.
Wednesday, May 14
GAC TO PLAY DECATUR IN STATE FIRST ROUND
GAC will host the Decatur Bulldogs on Friday, May 16 in the first round of the state tournament. The first game of the doubleheader will begin at 5 PM. The third game, if necessary, would be played at GAC at 4:30 PM on Saturday, May 17.
Here are the state tournament pairings for Region 8AA teams:
Region 8AA # 1 GAC hosts Region 5AA #4 Decatur
Region 8AA # 2 Dawson County hosts Region 5AA # 3 Pace Academy
Region 8AA # 3 Buford visits Region 5AA # 2 Union Grove
Region 8AA # 4 Wesleyan visits Region 5AA # 1 Blessed Trinity
The complete brackets are at 2003 Class AA State Tournament.
 | | William Bond Shut Out Decatur in Game 1 |
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Friday, May 16
GAC SWEEPS DECATUR, ADVANCES TO STATE 2nd ROUND
GAC swept the Decatur Bulldogs 8-0 and 18-3 today at GAC in the opening round of the 2003 Class AA state playoffs.
William Bond picked up the victory for GAC in Game 1, pitching 6 shutout innings, allowing only 1 hit, and striking out 10 Bulldog batters. David Webb pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the Spartans. GAC had 10 hits in the game, led by William Bond, who was 4-4 with a homerun. Joseph Thomas also homered for GAC.
In Game 2, Ty Morris picked up the win for GAC. Ty struck out 6 Decatur batters and allowed only 3 hits in his 5 innings of work. Two of those hits were homeruns by Decatur clean up hitter Jamal Saleem. Daniel Kytle pitched a scoreless 6th inning for the Spartans. Offensively, the Spartans pounded out 14 hits, including grand slams by Kyle Smith and Cory Allen. Joseph Thomas, William Bond, and Michael Handley also homered for GAC in the 18-3 victory.
GAC is now 21-3 on the season and awaits the winner of the Dade County/Morgan County series. Those teams split their opening day doubleheader and will play the decisive third game on Saturday.
| |  | | Kyle Smith has 2 Grand Slams in Last 3 Games |
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 | | GAC Wins A Soggy Game 1 |
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Wednesday, May 21
GAC 9, DADE COUNTY 1 IN GAME 1; GAME 2 RAINED OUT
GAC defeated the Dade County Wolverines in a rainy Game 1 of the best of 3 series at GAC. Game 2 was rained out and rescheduled for tomorrow at 6PM, to be followed by Game 3 if necessary.
GAC's William Bond no hit the Wolverines in this game, striking out 13 Dade County batters and allowing only an unearned run. Travis McDaniel picked up the loss for Dade County.
The Spartans generated 12 hits in support of Bond's pitching. Ty Morris was 3-4, Jason Cunningham had 2 hits and 3 RBI's, John Dobson had 2 doubles and 2 RBI's, Kyle Smith was 2-3, and Joseph Thomas homered. Michael Handley and Jim Knauss also had base hits for the Spartans.
Game 2 was started, but had to be called due to rain with no score in the 2nd inning. It will be replayed from the beginning tomorrow.
 | | Michael Handley - Complete Game Win Over Dade Co. |
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Saturday, May 24
SPARTANS SWEEP DADE CO. - NEXT TRAVEL TO BRANTLEY CO.!
Game 2 of the 2nd round series between GAC and Dade County was completed today after several days of rain. Michael Handley picked up the victory for GAC with a complete game 2-1 win. Michael struck out 7 Wolverines and allowed only 4 hits and 1 unearned run to send the Spartans into the state quarterfinals. Jason Cunningham drove in both Spartan runs with an opposite field single with 2 outs in the 4th inning. Kyle Smith, Ty Morris, Joseph Thomas, Michael Handley, Jim Knauss, and Cory Allen also had hits for GAC.
GAC now moves on to a rematch of the 2002 state semifinals with Brantley County. The Herons eliminated the Spartans in 3 games last year.
Wednesday, May 28
SPARTANS SWEEP BRANTLEY CO. - RETURN TO STATE SEMIFINALS!!
GAC swept Brantley County yesterday in a doubleheader played at Brantley County.
GAC won Game 1 7-0 behind another outstanding pitching performance from William Bond. William struck out 4 Heron batters and allowed only 5 hits to pick up the complete game shutout win. Ty Morris was 3-4 at the plate, Joseph Thomas had an RBI double, John Dobson and Cory Allen both had RBI singles, and Kyle Smith added a base hit for the Spartans.
GAC again got excellent pitching in Game 2, as Ty Morris went the distance and picked up the 3-1 win. Ty struck out 5 Herons and allowed only 4 hits. The lone Brantley County run came on an Aaron Thomas homerun in the 7th inning. GAC only had 5 hits against Brantley's Justin Coffey, but the Spartans made them count. William Bond doubled and scored on a wild pitch, Ty Morris and John Dobson each had RBI singles, Joseph Thomas doubled and scored, and Kyle Smith added a base hit for the Spartans.
GAC now awaits the winner of the Pike County/Walker series. The winner will host GAC in the state semifinals beginning on June 2.
Monday, June 2
SPARTANS SPLIT WITH WALKER - SERIES TIED 1- 1!!
The Walker Wolverines scratched out an unearned run in the 8th inning to beat GAC in Game 1 by a 2-1 score. The Wolverines survived committing 3 errors and 11 Spartan baserunners left-on-base to take the opener. William Bond allowed 7 hits and struck out 7 Wolverines in taking the hard luck loss. Ty Morris had 3 hits and John Dobson had 2 hits for GAC. William Bond, Michael Handley, and Jason Cunningham also had hits for the Spartans.
Game 2 went to GAC by the score of 4-0. Ty Morris threw a complete game shutout for GAC, striking out 6 Walker batters and allowing only 3 hits. Joseph Thomas homered and John Dobson went 2-3 for GAC. William Bond and Ty Morris also had hits for the Spartans.
The decisive Game 3 will be played tomorrow at Walker at 5PM.
Tuesday, June 3
SPARTANS BEAT WALKER - ADVANCE TO STATE FINALS!!!
The GAC Spartans advanced to the State Championship Series with a 5-2 victory at Walker today. The Spartans will travel Friday to play the Vidalia Indians for the Class AA State Championship.
Junior righty Michael Handley took the mound for GAC in the decisive Game 3 of the GAC/Walker series. Michael struck out 6 Wolverines and allowed only 5 hits in 7 complete innings of work to pick up the win. Offensively, GAC was led by senior left-fielder Jim Knauss, who went 3-4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. William Bond added 2 hits and an RBI, Ty Morris doubled, Joseph Thomas singled, John Dobson singled and drove in a run, Jason Cunningham doubled in a run, and Cory Allen singled in a run for GAC.
The Spartans are now 27-4 and return to the state finals for the first time since 1999.
 | | Michael Handley Homers in Game 1 |
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Sunday, June 8
VIDALIA WINS STATE FINALS SERIES 2 GAMES TO 1
The Vidalia Indians won the 2003 Class AA State Championship with a hard fought and rain soaked 3 game series win over the GAC Spartans.
The Spartans won Game 1 9-8. William Bond struck out 10 Indians to pick up the win for GAC. Lee Helms took the loss in relief of Indians starter Blake Zorn. Joseph Thomas homered for GAC and Will Lowe and Travis Baddie homered for Vidalia.
Game 2 went to the Indians 3-1. Game 1 loser Helms picked up the complete game and the win in Game 2, striking out 14 Spartan batters and allowing only 4 hits. GAC starter Ty Morris was even more effective, striking out 10 batters and holding the powerful Indians to 0 hits over the first 6 innings. The Indian bats finally came alive in the 7th inning however, as Brandon Lowe and Lee Helms connected for back-to-back homeruns to lead off the inning and even the series at 1 game apiece.
Game 3 went to the Indians 6-2. Vidalia went back to Game 1 starter Zorn, and closed with Game 1 loser and Game 2 winner Helms. Zorn picked up the win in this one, as both Indian pitchers threw an excessive number of pitches over the 2 day series. Michael Handley pitched for GAC, striking out 6 Indian batters and giving up 7 hits. Brandon Lowe homered and Lee Helms added a grand slam and a solo homer to power the Indians attack. Joseph Thomas homered for the Spartans.
GAC concludes the 2003 season with a 28-6 record, a Region 8AA championship, and finishes as Class AA State Runners-Up.
Sunday, June 15
2003 GAC SPARTANS
The Spartans are the 2003 Region 8AA Champions and Class AA State Runners-Up. GAC finishes the season with a 28-6 record.
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