The Putnam County baseball team has shown noticeable improvement this season, even with a 3-6 record heading into this week.
The War Eagles are proving they can compete against strong opponents and keep games close.
“Overall, I think we’ve made some tremendous strides,” Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips said. “Last year, this time, we were in a lot of run-rule games. This year, three of our six losses have come in the last inning, either the bottom of the seventh or extra innings. It just shows that we’re competing for seven full innings and giving ourselves a chance to win.”
Pitching has been a cornerstone of Putnam County’s success. The War Eagles rely on Wade Johnston, Ethan Whatley, Edwin Collins, and Wyatt Sims to anchor the mound, keeping the team competitive in every contest. Still, Phillips said late-game scoring remains a concern.
“We just have to figure out how to score some runs late to give our pitching staff a chance to breathe,” he explained.
At the plate, Whatley, Jackson Dodd, Branan Griffin, and Gates Lanzarone have been key contributors. Offensively, the team has been “hot and cold,” Phillips said, and building consistency will be crucial as the season progresses.
“A lot of baseball is making adjustments,” he added. “Opponents learn your strengths and weaknesses, and lately they’ve been exploiting some of ours. It’s about getting better and growing each day.”
Recent games have tested the War Eagles. A 5-2 loss to Jones County — a program that run-ruled Putnam County in previous meetings — showed the team can compete even in defeat. A trip to Commerce highlighted offensive struggles and defensive mistakes, but the pitching staff again held strong.
Looking ahead, Putnam County prepares to start region play against Social Circle following a series with Alcovy.
“I really think we’re in a good spot, mentally and physically,” Phillips said. “These next games should give us confidence going into Social Circle. Every game is an opportunity to get better. We just have to continue to work on our strengths, address our weaknesses, and grow each day.”
With pitching holding firm, flashes of offensive firepower, and a competitive mindset, Putnam County is hoping to make a statement in the region schedule.
“We’re playing hard and learning from every game,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to see how far this team can go.”