Games Notes: Winder-Barrow at Heritage (Conyers)

Playing without three of its regular starters, including the normal leadoff and 2-hole hitters, to close out the regular-season in out-of-region action, Winder-Barrow overcame an early five-run deficit and snagged a 7-6 win with a five-run outburst of its own in the top of the sixth inning.

Aided by a succession of outfield miscues from the Bulldogs, the Patriots first seven hitters reached base in the bottom of the first, highlighted by a two-run triple from Butler-bound senior outfielder Caleb Ramsey. The left-handed hitter showed a short swing path with some bat speed, reaching base in three of four plate appearances, as well as solid arm strength from center field.

2019 RHP Griffin Holcombe, a Coastal Carolina commit, cruised through the first two innings with the big cushion before the Bulldogs touched him for a run in his third and final inning. Pitching primarily with his fastball, the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder worked his fastball at 84-87 to both sides of the plate and down in the zone, while showing the ability to competitively elevate the ball with two strikes. He struck out six of the first nine hitters he faced before laboring a bit as the line-up turned over. A low-70s curveball didn't show a ton of bite on this day, although he didn't utilize it more than a handful of times. Very good pitchability guy who could see a velo bump as he adds strength to his build.

Winder-Barrow closed the gap to 5-2 in the fourth inning before sending ten batters to the plate in the penultimate inning to cap the comeback. 2020 infielder Jayden Sullivan poked a two-RBI single to start the scoring in the sixth, while 2020 IF/RHP Blake Friend (the hard-luck starter on the mound for the Bulldogs) provided the go-ahead tally with his third hit of the day.

The Patriots had one more shot in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with no outs, but a failed squeeze bunt and two strikeouts brought the potential rally to a halt.

Both squads enter the GHSA playoffs later this week as region champs in 6A. Heritage will host Drew, while Winder-Barrow will be at home against Dunwoody.

More player notes
+ Coming off a two-week layoff from an illness that reportedly caused him to lose 8-10 pounds, Heritage 2019 RHP Nicholas Watson-Garcia was not as his best, but there clearly is more in him than he showed on this look. After taking pre-game and playing two innings at shortstop, his fastball sat 80-82, touching 83 mph with occasional sink when down in the zone. Flipped in a curveball for strikes at 68-69 and had good throw to his change-up at 74-76. He showed arm speed and a willingness to attack hitters (38 of 55 pitchers were strikes), despite not having a put-away pitch on this day. The layoff and strength loss, coupled with his arm speed, lead to the conclusion that the fastball velocity seen today will be left far behind by this summer, if not the end of the high school post-season.
+ Heritage 2020 infielder Cole Smith showed intriguing ability out of the leadoff spot, despite not having much in the way of positive results to show for it. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide open, athletic set-up. He keeps his head still and his swing has some whip to it. Barrel got a little vertical in the zone, causing him to lift fairly routine fly balls to the outfield, but he may have a chance to hit if he can keep the barrel in the contact zone longer.
+ Listed at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Heritage 2019 first baseman Calabria Atkins looked like he may have gotten physically stronger since the roster was printed. Swing can be a bit shouldery, creating some length, but he has a chance to impact the baseball with some pop. Is also a solid runner, posting a 4.44 home-to-1B time from the right side.
+ Heritage 2019 designated hitter Henry Clay showed a quiet set-up and featured perhaps the most consistent approach of the day at the plate. The 6-foot, 230-pound right-handed hitter flashed some oppo pop on a double to right in his first at-bat, while also smoking a single to center field and drawing a walk and hit-by-pitch.
+ Yet another youngster for Heritage, wiry 2020 utilityman Darryl Buggs played both right field and third base on this day. In a situation when most everyone in the yard expected a bunt to advance the potential tying run in the bottom of the seventh, he instead laced a single to center field. Right-handed hitter keeps his hands loose pre-swing, while he will definitely benefit from strength gains as he matures.
+ Winder-Barrow 2020 infielder Hunter Marsh has physical strength with some power potential. Ball will certainly jump when he squares it up, although he struggled to be on time with some big movements and a big hack today. Played shortstop in this one, but actions and body type appear better suited to a corner at the next level.
+ Sullivan from Winder-Barrow got the barrel to the baseball twice. He also showed a loose arm with carry across the diamond from third base.

CURRENT NEWS