Varsity Drop 4, Development Circuit Update
Within the area of Auburn, Columbus, Phenix City, and Lagrange, there has always been a plethora of baseball talent. A hot bed so to speak of baseball development. The Blue Devils have always been a team that seeks the best competition they can find, especially in the early part of the season to get ready for regional play. Varsity lost a tight one up in Newnan to Colquitt County, before traveling to Auburn High School and then having a home and home series with the Lagrange Grangers.
As expected and predicted, the pitching for Columbus has kept the ballgames tight and competitive. And the offense is steadily improving, making adjustments and getting things sorted. While the bad news is that the Blue Devils Varsity lost 4 straight after winning their first two games. The good news is that all of the games were competitive, and highlighted areas to try something new, make an adjustment, or just plain put some more work in.
In a much closer game than the final score indicated, Columbus High Varsity lost to the Auburn Tigers 8-4 on Tuesday Feb 20th at their place. The incredibly stout lineup of the Tigers, who had D1 prospects not even making the team last year, proved to be too much. The game was closer than the final score. Offensive stars were Jon Miller with a big double to right, David Scott Livingston with a missile to the left field fence, and Collin Cates going 2-4 with 2 RBI.
On Thursday, the Blue Devils traveled to Lagrange for the first of two in a home and home series with the #3 Team in 4A. This game that featured an exciting offensive production in the early part of the game, with Columbus going up 4-0. Lagrange would eventually claw their way back into the game and win it 4-5. Sophomore Jamari “Smoke” Blackmon had a blast to deep left that scored two in the second.
Friday night, the two teams squared off again in Columbus. After playing perfect the night before, a few defensive miscues and missed opportunities led the storyline, with Lagrange taking the game 4-1. The Grangers held the Columbus hitters to just two hits (Nottleman, Holland) Friday with no walks and came right after the batters all night.
Ultimately, the Blues Devils fell outside of the top 10 in the Coaches Box Coaches Poll in class 3A. They will look to rebound Monday on the road to East Coweta High School.
On the development circuit, there have been a few standouts amongst the always surprising growth in the ranks. Catcher William Randall probably leads all other stories going 6-6 with 3 doubles in JV games this year, earning himself a couple of looks on the big club. He’s a player to keep an eye on. Michael Fox might be the biggest surprise in this young season so far, pitching beautifully after making only a few appearances as a Freshman last year. Axel Serra, who splits time between Varsity and JV has had several nice moments on both teams. Cody Mills is back on the field after shoulder surgery in the summer and making plays. Will Seals, Walker Bridges, Nick Hatchell and David Vega have all had good opening games offensively. Curtis McElhaney and Thomas Williams are continuing to develop in their pitching. Freshman Maddox Anderson, Carter Dixon, Nick Hatchell, Lazarious Feggins, and Caden Collins have all made significant contributions so far.