Putnam County begins its playoff quest on April 25 as the No. 3 seed from Region 4-AA after going 2-1 last week.
The War Eagles (13-12, 12-2 Region 4-AA) split games with No. 3-ranked Washington County before blasting Westside-Augusta by a score of 16-0. Unfortunately, they slid into third place behind Thomson after splitting games in early April. The Bulldogs captured the No. 2 seed in the region due to run differential.
Putnam County head coach Mike Phiel said last week that he’s proud of his team for finishing the year strong.
“We started slow but put things together during the back half of our schedule,” Phiel said. “I’m proud of them.”
On the road, Putnam County is now set to face Worth County (20-7, 14-4), the No. 2 seed from Region 1. The Rams were ranked No. 7 overall in Class AA state rankings when the regular season concluded last week.
Worth County finished behind Jeff Davis (19-7, 8-0) and ahead of Cook (22-6, 13-5) in Region 1. The Rams played a tough schedule, so the War Eagles have their work cut out for them in their first-round series.
However, Putnam County is hot, winning seven of the last nine games to end the season. The War Eagles also played a tough second this year, and the return of sophomore Gates Lanzarone from injury also helped their cause.
Lanzarone has played a key role in his team’s success since suiting up and taking the field.
“(Lanzarone) completes us. When you can slot in a guy at shortstop, he’s a natural … He helps everybody else play the best at their positions,” Phiel said last week. “He completes our defense and extends our lineup. He’s a great player.”
Putnam County senior pitcher Hunter Holder has also been on a tear lately. He performed well in last week’s upset of Washington County, pitching a complete seven-inning contest with nine strikeouts and one walk.
“What Hunter Holder has been able to do this year with a shutout against Washington County, giving up one run against Thomson, and limiting Westside to one run is nothing short of incredible,” Phiel said. “To go 3-0 against the three best teams in the region is special. He’s the ace in rotation this year.”
Putnam County will also rely on Holder's leadership, along with fellow seniors BJ Ruff and Mark Winslette, throughout the postseason. Those three were freshmen when the War Eagles defeated Worth County on the road in the postseason three years ago. They hope to help their team knock off the Rams again.
Phiel said earlier this season that these three will play a role if this year’s team wants to succeed in the playoffs.
“When some kids leave, and others come in, it’s a new dynamic every year. There are a lot of carryovers from last year,” Phiel said in February. I’ve got three seniors that I have coached since they were freshmen. Those are great kids and really good leaders, but they are also pretty good baseball players.”