ECI sweeps their way to undefeated Region season
By Justin Gray
The Bulldogs took on a busy week as they prepared for the playoffs. First up they had to play Montgomery in a doubleheader make-up from last week, they handled Montgomery easily winning game one, 15-0, and game two, 16-1, to finish off an undefeated region season.
Next up the Bulldogs traveled to Savannah Christian. This was a tough one for the Bulldogs as they lost in walk-off fashion, 7-6. Bryce Kearson started this one for the Dawgs as he went six innings and struck out six. Lawson Mercer relieved him. Mercer homered on the day for the Dawgs in his three-hit effort. Fellow Senior PJ Farnum also had three hits. The Bulldogs outhit Savannah Chrisitan 11 to five in the game.
The Bulldogs wanted to get back on track in their last regular season games against Jefferson County in a double header. Jacob Durden got the ball in game one shutting down the Warriors going all six innings allowing only five hits and striking out SIXTEEN, yes you read that right. The offense rolled in this one as well as they won 10-0. The Bulldogs had homers from Lawson Mercer and Tuff Boddiford in this one and just a solid game all around for the Bulldogs.
In game two, Mercer got the ball and he went five innings allowing only two runs, but overshadowing his success on the mound is his success at the plate as he hit FOUR home runs in the last three games of the season, including a four hit effort in this one. Boddiford and Gabe Lee also homered in what felt like a home run derby. The Bulldogs had 12 hits in the 9-2 win.
The Bulldogs finished their season with a 22-8 record, 12-0 in region with arguably one of the toughest schedules in the state as they played the most games ever in a regular season at ECI. Every non-region opponent made it to the elite eight last year and every team but one has made the playoffs this year.
This week they will be hosting Hawkinsville in the first round of the GHSA State playoffs. Game one will be Thursday, April 27, at 3:00 P.M. and game two will follow 30 mins after that. Game three if necessary will be Friday at 5:30 P.M. Go out and support these boys as they start their title chase.
Tuff Boddiford Gets a lead at second
James Parker tosses some good innings for the Dawgs