A controversial call on April 9 cost Putnam County baseball a possible region win over Jasper County.
The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom half of the eighth inning with one out when Hurricane sophomore Gavin Bennett attempted to steal second. However, War Eagles’ catcher Tanner Lukens fired the ball to the bag, where shortstop Gates Lanzarone collided with second baseman Trace Watkins, yet still managed to apply the tag.
The umpire initially ruled in favor of Putnam County, but the decision was reversed after Jasper County’s head coach complained, resulting in Bennett being ruled safe. The sophomore then scored during the next at-bat due to an error by the War Eagles’ infield, leading the Hurricanes to a 7-6 walk-off win and clinching the series.
Every game in the series between the two teams this season was decided by one run.
Despite the setback, Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips remained positive and was proud of his players for fighting until the end.
“To be honest, and it’s like I told the kids afterwards, I’m actually super, super proud of them,” Phillips said.
Putnam County fell behind 2-0 in the first inning on another disputed ruling by the umpires before tying the game in the third. Regardless, Jasper County scored four runs in the bottom half of the third to take a 6-2 lead.
The War Eagles entered the top of the fifth inning still trailing 6-2 after a scoreless fourth. Their bats heated up, however, as they scored four runs to tie the game. Lukens, Wade Johnston, and Wyatt Sims all had hits to drive in runs. They scored half of their runs in the top half of the inning with two outs and carried the momentum into the sixth.
On the mound, Johnston replaced Wyatt Sims and was nearly flawless before catching the bad end of the call in extra innings.
“The first inning foul call really could have set the tone for the game, and we could’ve just folded and gone home. I mean, it was spring break, and the kids were looking forward to some days off,” Phillips said. “That call in the first inning cost us two runs, but I was just proud of them for continuing to compete. When we got down 6-2, they never quit. I felt like we had some pretty good plate appearances. We went up there with a plan. We executed some different things, and the next thing we know, we tied it up with a chance to win.”
Phillips said the loss was heartbreaking, but he still wants his guys to finish the season on a strong note.
“Yes, it hurt. The game was basically decided on one call, but again, I’m super proud of them because seeing where we started this season to where we are now, the kids are buying in and they’re competing,” the coach said. “One of the things I've preached to them all year long is to compete from the first pitch to the last.”
With the loss, Putnam County fell to 7-16 overall and 5-7 in region play.
The War Eagles will wrap up the regular season this week with their final region series against McNair and will also face Locust Grove, where Phillips used to coach. They currently sit fourth in the standings behind Jasper County, Lamar County, and Social Circle.
The Class A Division I state playoffs begin late next week.