The Columbia Wildcats (9-2, 2-0) kept the ball rolling last week with two decisive wins and are playing well in every phase of the game.
Last season the Wildcats had a team batting average of .263, on-base percentage of .377, ERA of 5.12 and a .875 fielding percentage. Their numbers this season are up across the board with a .296 average, .421 on-base percentage, 2.14 ERA and .897 fielding percentage. The improved play has led to the Wildcats already matching its nine-win total that took them 26 games to accomplish in 2017.
One of the biggest reasons the Wildcats have improved so dramatically is the depth of their lineup. Last season they didn’t have a single regular batting above .342, and this season they have five, including two (Landon Sanders and Trey Hobgood) hitting better than .550.
Head coach Greg Owen agreed the Wildcats lineup is much deeper this season than last but is still looking for a complete lineup 1-through-9.
“We’re still looking for nine strong. Any time you can bring some hitters together that gives you a chance for big innings,” he said. “We want multiple big innings, which is three runs or more in an inning. We feel like if we can put two or three of those up in a game, then we have a great chance to win. That’s definitely the goal.”
The Wildcats picked up their second district win in as many games March 13 at Wesson, besting the Cobras 8-1. Sanders powered the offense with a double, a single and 4 RBI, while Javen Moses and Harrison Miller each drove in a run. Sanders was also dominant on the mound, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out eight. Cole Pearson allowed a run in relief in the final frame but struck out two to close the door.
The Wildcats tagged Bogue Chitto for five runs in the first inning March 15 and hung up three more crooked-number innings in a 13-3 victory. Reagan Davis connected for a double and collected 5 RBI, and Sanders, Pearson and Aiden Singley each drove in a pair of runs.
Jace Smith went the distance in a five-inning run-rule shortened game, allowing three unearned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three. Owen liked Smith’s and Sanders’s progression on the mound as the duo combined for 11 innings without allowing an earned run.
“They’re learning to compete. Each time they go out they’re learning to get better and learning to trust their stuff enough to challenge hitters early in the count,” he said.
Owen added the Wildcats are making more of the routine plays they booted last season, which is helping the pitching staff.
“Our defensive fielding percentage is definitely higher than last year, and that plays into the pitcher’s confidence as well,” he said. “We need our pitchers to feel confident to compete, not be scared of contact and know the players behind them have their back. So far that idea has panned out well for us.”
The Wildcats hosted Jefferson Davis County in their third district game Tuesday night (winning 19-4) and will take on the Jaguars on the road Friday night at 6.
While it’s still early in district play, Class 3A Region 8 is shaping up to be a three-team race between Columbia, West Marion and Seminary. Owen likes Columbia’s odds.
“We can compete with anybody and so can they. Baseball is a game where you don’t need to be the best; you just need to be the best that day,” he said. “Each day we’re trying to get better, so when that day comes we’re ready.”
Pictured Above: Columbia shortstop Jonathan Turnage throws out a runner on the move at first base. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
