Gatewood starting pitcher and outfielder Lawson Moore has been a standout for the baseball program since joining the varsity team as an eighth-grader in 2024.
Moore has since been a key part of two of the Gators’ three consecutive state championship seasons, and his impact has continued to be felt in 2026. Moore had a record-setting night March 3, when the Gators suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Piedmont in Monticello.
That night, Moore set a single-game school record with 17 strikeouts over six innings, allowing just three hits, one run, and issuing only four walks. Moore said he never thought about the record during the game, but once his night was finished, he knew how many strikeouts he had recorded.
“In the fifth inning, when one of their hitters bunted a ball right back to me, I realized that was the only out recorded on a ball in play. Then, once I finished the sixth inning, I knew I had 17 (strikeouts) right away.”
Moore also said he felt he had a bit of an edge heading into the matchup against the rival Cougars.
“With it being a big rivalry matchup, the adrenaline was definitely flowing a little bit more than usual before the first pitch,” he said.
That adrenaline was on full display as Moore struck out 10 consecutive batters after walking the first batter of the night.
Even more surprising than Moore’s strikeout total was how many pitches head coach Brandon Moss allowed him to throw as the game progressed.
“Before the game, the original plan was for me to throw about 70-80 pitches. After the fourth inning, when I was nearing 80 pitches, coach Moss and I had a conversation about me throwing deeper into the game,” Moore said. “My arm was feeling absolutely electric, so I decided I wanted to keep going.”
Moss also expressed his sentiment for the young sophomore’s special night.
“Tuesday night was so special to watch. In all honesty, I’ve never let a player throw that many pitches this early in the season since I’ve been coaching,” Moss said. “However, I also believe that when a player has a chance to do something truly special and make a lasting memory, that’s really what the game is all about.
“Those moments are what you live for as a player, so we let him ride. It was incredible to watch. I wish we had been able to finish it off with a win, but nevertheless, it was the most dominant performance I’ve ever seen by a high school pitcher.”
As for Moore and the team moving forward this season, Moore said a performance like that has increased his confidence.
“Whenever I’m on the mound, I always pitch with a lot of confidence, and I really try to go after the hitters, and get ahead early in the count,” Moore said. “After that performance, I can only say that my confidence to go out and compete has shot up even more.”