Despite a slow start last Friday, the Gatewood Gators wound up dominating in consecutive wins over the Trinity Christian Crusaders to seal a spot in their fifth-straight GIAA Class 2A state championship series.
In game one, Gatewood trailed early after starting pitcher Wilson Moore gave up two runs, but the offense rallied to regain the lead on a three-run home run from designated hitter Lawson Moore.
Moore finished game one going 1-for-2 at the plate, including his three-run bomb. The Gators also received impressive performances from first baseman Jayden Moss went 2-for-3 with two home runs. An infield hit in the sixth inning by Ames Jones proved to be enough for the Gatewood to win the game by a score of 6-5.
In the second game, Walker Roberts got the call to take the mound and gave one of the most dominating performances of his career, striking out 13 Crusaders while giving up just one run in a complete game victory.
Lawson Moore again gave the Crusaders more than they could handle at the plate, going a career-best 4-for-4, as he hit his second home run of the series. Jayden Moss also had a career-best day, hitting his third home run of the day in a dominant 5-1 win for Gatewood to secure its spot in the state championship series.
Following game two, head coach Brandon Moss talked about how he felt knowing his team is going back to the state championship.
“Pride in our guys; joy for the guys,” he said. “A little bit of relief that a tense, emotional series was over and that we had won. Excitement for the opportunity to play for another championship. Honestly, in those moments, it’s a little overwhelming with emotions.”
Moss also talked about the pride he has in this year’s senior class and what they have meant to the Gators' sustained success.
“To be honest, this year’s group of seniors has been the backbone of the success of this program.” Moss said “This group of seniors has never known and will never know a season in which they didn’t compete for a championship.
“Obviously, in years prior, there were groups around them that complemented them, and there were some special players in those groups for sure, just as this year, there is another group behind them that will hopefully keep our program strong for years to come. I think this group of seniors has established the Gatewood baseball brand and made this program what it is.”
Gatewood will face a familiar foe next Thursday when it plays Southwest Georgia Academy (24-3). The two teams faced off in the 2023 state championship series. The Gators won two out of three games against the Warriors to secure their first of two consecutive state titles.
Southwest Georgia Academy went 21-2 during the regular season and is 4-1 in the postseason. The Warriors’ only playoff loss came to Edmund Burke in the semifinals.
Gatewood and Southwest Georgia will play game one of the state championship series at 1 p.m. this Thursday at Synovus Park in Columbus. Game two will be played at 1 p.m. on Friday at the same location, and if necessary, game three will be scheduled for Saturday at a time to be announced.