Diamond Cougars Win Three

Piedmont Academy’s baseball team is beginning to make some noise in region play.

The Diamond Cougars recorded a 3-2 victory against Monsignor Donovan Monday afternoon to improve to 3-4 in Region 1-AA. Zach Beggs played a key role for Piedmont as the freshman recorded 12 strikeouts while scattering six hits.

Beggs also helped contribute at the plate going 1-for-3.

“The biggest key for us was Zach,” said coach Danny Camp. “To be a freshman, he had great command on the mound. He stepped up huge for us.”

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With the Cougars holding a one-run lead in the seventh, Beggs faced a bases loaded situation with one out and the third and fourth batters in the lineup for Monsignor Donovan stepping up.

“We hadn’t gotten their No. 3 batter out all year,” Camp said. “Zach struck him out and then got their clean-up batter to pop up to end the game. Zach really wanted this game. He’s had two very good starts in a row. We had to work him in slowly because he was coming off basketball. In his other start against Covenant, he only allowed one earned run.”

The Piedmont coach noted 12 of the team’s 21 outs were by strikeout Monday.

“This game may be a turning point for us in the region,” Camp said. “We certainly hope so.”

Daniel Leinweber was 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI while Hunter Knox was also 2-for-3. Logan Partenza finished 1-for-2.

“It’s a welcome sight to see our players with multiple hits,” Camp said. “Daniel is getting back to what he’s done the past three years.”

The Cougars stepped out of region play Tuesday for a contest against Covenant Christian of Loganville. Camp used the game as a chance to put his younger players in the starting lineup. While Covenant won 6-4, the coach said the non-region game benefited his team.

“Our younger guys did a good job,” Camp said. “It was a close game all the way through. We needed to do it so we could get them some experience and have them ready when we need them down the line.”

McKenzie Brittain, Partenza and Jakey Dunagan handled the pitching duties. Offensively, Andrew Wilzman had a two-run homer.

Prior to Tuesday, the Diamond Cougars earned wins against Central Fellowship and Trinity.

Piedmont defeated Central Fellowship 6-4 Friday at home as Cole Hamilton earned the win working 6.2 innings and recording 11 strikeouts. Glade Tuggle closed the door to preserve the victory.

“We played well,” Camp said. “We did leave too many runners on base. We needed this game to get to 2-4 in the region.”

The Diamond Cougars stepped out of region play Saturday to defeat Trinity 11-3.

“It was our best game of the year,” Camp said. “Offensively, we had a good day and jumped on them early. Hopefully, we are starting to turn the corner. If we continue to work hard, good things will happen.”

Luke Andrews, Brittain, Tuggle and Dunagan each contributed on the pitcher’s mound.

Piedmont will return to action today, March 29, against Briarwood at home at 4:30 p.m. The Cougars will then compete again April 6-7 when they venture to St. Simons for three games. Opponents will include Tiftarea, Terrell and Deerfield-Windsor.