Diamond Cougars Lose In First Round

The Piedmont Academy baseball team used a strong second half of the 2012 season to qualify for the postseason.

Once the Diamond Cougars made it to the state playoffs, they were a fraction away from advancing. Piedmont battled Christian Heritage to three games before falling 6-5 in the deciding contest Saturday in Dalton.

The series began with a 1-0 win by host Christian Heritage before the Cougars took the second game 4-0 to extend the series to a third and deciding game.

“It was tough for it to end that way,” coach Danny Camp said. “We played a great game Friday (in the series opener). It is always tough to ride three hours and then play.”

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Piedmont actually outscored Christian Heritage 9-7 in the series.

Freshman Zach Beggs had a strong outing in game one, which lasted just 70 minutes.

“We threw a freshman against their left-handed ace and he matched him pitch for pitch,” Camp said.

Needing only 66 pitches for the game, Beggs turned in yet another strong outing, just as he has done several times this spring.

Piedmont was able to get some life in its bats in game two, taking a 4-0 victory.

Senior Cole Hamilton provided the win in the contest even though going into the series his status was questionable. Hamilton turned his ankle earlier in the week against Gatewood and wasn’t able to practice Thursday.

Hamilton played shortstop in the series opener Friday after all tests on his ankle were negative. While pitching Saturday, he took a line drive off his forearm but continued to work.

“It was one of the better performances I’ve seen from a high school player,” Camp said.

In the third game, Christian Heritage jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. While the Cougars would respond, the host team held on for a one-run victory to advance.

Mac Brittain and Luke Andrews both pitched in the third game.

“We regrouped after falling behind, but it’s tough,” Camp said. “We played six games last week. A doubleheader will always take a toll on you.”

The toughest part of the loss for Camp is seeing the high school careers of his six seniors come to a close. In addition to Hamilton, Piedmont was led by seniors Austin Corley, Seth Harvey, Daniel Leinweber, Jakey Dunagan and Josh Brennan.

“I just hate it for our seniors and all our players,” Camp said. “We went from not being in contention to finishing third in the region. We had a No. 2 seed on the ropes in the playoffs. This team could have packed it in a month ago. We faced three left handers in the series and that’s not something you see in our league or any league for that matter.”

Looking ahead, Camp said be believes the returning players will regroup and enjoy success next spring. All spring sport athletes will be recognized during a program May 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the school gym.

“We’ll play some summer ball and get better,” Camp said. “That’s what you have to do. You have to keep working and I know our players will do that.”

Piedmont earned the No. 3 seed from Region 1-AA by defeating Gatewood last Wednesday 7-6 in eight innings. The game was played at John Milledge Academy.