With their series win over Whitewater High School in the second round of the 5A State Playoffs, the Apalachee High School Baseball team makes it to the Elite 8 and makes history! The team had already made history this season when they hosted the first round of the playoffs and then again by advancing to the Sweet 16.
Apalachee Principal Jennifer Martin, “I could not be prouder of this team and this program. Six years ago, we had a baseball program that needed new leadership, facilities that needed polish, and pride built back for our students. Coach Bailey and his staff have done everything possible to make this program shine. I am so happy for our student athletes and fired up to host the Elite 8.”
In the series against Whitewater in Fayetteville, sophomore Jacob Harrison started game 1 and pitched 4 great innings. Seniors Ashton Sapp and Jordan Wilson pitched the final 3 innings to earn the 8-5 win. Leading hitters in game one were sophomore Traver Park who went 3-5 with a huge homerun, senior Colby Sikes added an RBI single, and sophomore Judah Powell also added an RBI single.
Game 2 did not go Apalachee’s way but Head Baseball Coach Allan Bailey says he was extremely proud of how the boys rallied together and came out swinging in game 3. “Sophomore Judah Powell pitched 6 1/3 innings and was lights out! Senior Ashton Sapp earned the save to give us the 6-5 in a TOUGH Sweet 16 battle on the road.” Leading hitters in game 3 were sophomore Colin Hedges who had 2 hits and 3 big RBIs and Judah Powell also added 2 hits.
Coach Bailey says, “I could not be prouder of our team and our program. Our fans and supporters traveled 2 hours to cheer us on. Our kids battled their hearts out in a tough environment in front of Whitewater’s home crowd. We stuck together and played FOR EACH OTHER. This group is special and we can’t wait to play back HOME at THE CHEE!”
They will bring the third round to AHS for a doubleheader against Wayne County High School on Monday, May 9. The first pitch is at 5 p.m. The “if” game will be Tuesday, May 10 at 5:55 p.m.