Last week, the Putnam County baseball team responded to an opening-game loss with back-to-back road wins to claim a three-game region series over Lamar County.
It was a pivotal series for the War Eagles, who entered this week at 13-10 overall and 8-4 in region play.
Putnam dropped the series opener 8–6 to the Trojans on March 7, when defensive struggles proved costly.
However, instead of letting the setback linger, the War Eagles regrouped and swept a doubleheader on the road, winning 13–12 in a tight battle before closing the series with a more decisive 13–3 victory.
Head coach Stephen Phillips said the opener was a frustrating mix of strong pitching and defensive miscues.
“We pitched really well. I think we only gave up three or four hits the entire game,” Phillips said of the loss. “But our defense just wasn’t where it needed to be, and we let that one slip away.”
Rather than spiral, however, Putnam used the experience as a turning point. Phillips credited the team’s response during the two days of practice leading into the doubleheader, emphasizing improved execution on both sides of the ball.
“We swung the bats really well, pitched really well, and put ourselves in a position to win,” he said.
The offensive production followed suit, as Jackson Dodd, Trace Watkins, Ethan Whatley, Gates Lanzarone, Wyatt Sims, Channing Pittman, Parker Thomas, and Edwin Collins each delivered multi-hit performances during the series.
On the mound, Putnam also showed improvement. Whatley, who struggled in Game 1, bounced back with a stronger outing in Game 2, while Wade Johnston and Dodd combined for a steady performance to help close out the series in Game 3.
Phillips said the biggest difference was mental toughness and growth from a year ago, noting his team has learned how to respond to adversity rather than fold under it.
“The game of baseball is a lot like life,” Phillips said. “Things don’t always go your way, but it’s how you respond. Failure is part of it — you just have to learn from it and move forward.”
With the series win, Putnam continues to position itself well in region play, with Phillips pointing to the team’s consistency and maturity as key factors down the stretch. The War Eagles now look to the final week of the regular season with their confidence high after taking two of three from one of the region’s top contenders.
“We’re locked in,” Phillips said of his team. “They’re excited, and they’re ready to get back on the field every time we play.”