Emanuel County Institute softball is one step closer in their quest for a state title. The girls breezed through the first round of the Class A playoffs last Wednesday, needing only two games to eliminate Pataula Charter and advance.
The Lady Bulldogs played well enough to earn themselves a home field advantage for the opening round, a benefit that could not be undervalued as the Lady Panthers had a nearly four-hour drive to even get to Twin City.
That would be an even longer ride back; the Lady Dawgs not only came out on top, but they didn’t allow a single run to cross the plate in the two games.
ECI came out and set the tone in Game 1, winning 21-0. They went on to win Game 2 in blow-out fashion as well, 8-0.
Now, head coach Frank Wimberly’s team has a season record of 24-3. This is a standing they hope to improve even more this week as the second round of the playoffs brings the Schley County Wildcats to Twin City. Game 1 will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday with Game 2 to follow. Should a third game be necessary, it will be played Thursday with first pitch set for 3 p.m. ECI hopes to see all of Bulldog faithful turn out and support the team.
This series will mark the Lady Dawgs’ eighth straight appearance in the Sweet 16.
Schley County is ranked second in their Class A region and has an overall record of 10-13.
Other match-ups of note from across Class A this week include Johnson County and Gordon Lee, Commerce and Lanier County, Portal and Crawford County, Bryan County and ACE Charter, Telfair County and Trion, Charlton County and Social Circle, and Georgia Military and Screven County.