I’ll be the first to admit my surprise that the Columbia Wildcats have played well enough on the diamond this season to warrant this article. I didn’t expect all that much from the Wildcats this season after their 9-17 campaign a year ago.
You see, last year was my first exposure to Columbia baseball, and I had never seen them play during their peak years — a 135-51 record from 2010-2015, which included a 2011 4A state title. Of the games I went to last year, Charlie James Jr. was the best player on the team to me, and he graduated. I knew they had some talented seniors in this year’s class with the likes of Trey Hobgood and Jonathan Turnage, but I didn’t think they would be this good, and the underclassmen would be as good as they are.
I have no issue with admitting when I’m wrong and with Columbia baseball, I was wrong. They are good and may even be great. Time will tell, of course, and that time comes next week.
The Wildcats square off with the West Marion Trojans next Tuesday and Wednesday in a home-and-home district series — Tuesday at West Marion, Wednesday at Columbia — which may end up deciding the district for the Marion County rivals. I’m as excited to see the series as anyone and wanted to break down the matchup in all three phases of the game.
Hitting
As much as the Trojans have improved at the plate, coming up with more timely hits and flashing more and more power, Columbia’s lineup is deeper and is more dangerous.
The duo of Hobgood and Landon Sanders in the middle of the lineup is as potent as any, Cole Pearson and Turnage set the table and Reagan Davis, Javen Moses and Harrison Miller have shown the knack to drive in runs in clutch situations.
Edge: Columbia
Pitching
This one, to me, is a no-brainer in favor of the Trojans. West Marion has four aces — 4! — that can and have consistently shut down opposing lineups. Shelby Terrell, Trace McNabb, Jayden Duncan and Randy Ramos all have wipeout stuff, and none of them have consistency issues with throwing strikes.
I really like what I’ve seen on the bump from Pearson, Sanders and Aiden Singley, but they just don’t have the track record or nasty stuff of the West Marion pitching staff. However, Pearson has shown the ability to mix up his spots and keep hitters off balance, which may bump him up to ace status if he keeps it up.
Edge: West Marion
Fielding
While there are stats to back up a good defense, even at the high school level, with errors and fielding percentage, this category is more about what I’ve seen with my own two eyes. However, those two stats do point to my pick in this phase of the game: West Marion.
This one would be more of a toss-up if it wasn’t for Ramos transferring in from Texas, but he has been able to shore up a hole for the Trojans. Terrell and Duncan split time at shortstop last season, depending on who pitched, but the arrival of Ramos has allowed Duncan to shift to the outfield and give West Marion more athleticism and flexibility on the field. Duncan is a plus outfielder, and Josh Boone has been great in center field.
Edge: West Marion
So that’s two-to-one in favor of the Trojans, but I honestly believe the rivals will split their two games next week. Whatever happens, I’m going to enjoy some good baseball.
Pictured Above: Columbia's Trey Hobgood launches a walk-off grand slam March 10 against Walker. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
