Wet weather washes out Wednesday games for area teams

Steady rain washed out Wednesday's baseball games.

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The Evans Knights, scheduled to play at Grovetown, did not yet have the ability to practice during such weather. The program's new batting facility, framed and built parallel to the first-base line, is not quite ready.

The structure being built to allow players to practice during wet weather has faced delays because of -- what else? -- rain. If the building had been completed by Wednesday, Evans coach Ricky Beale would not have given his players the day off.

"We'd be swinging like crazy," he said, laughing.

When it's finished, the Knights will follow Greenbrier, Lakeside and Harlem with the ability to hit under a roof. The Wolfpack's indoor hitting facility is a large building. Lakeside completed a three-sided facility last year. Harlem hits in a building primarily used for weightlifting, but has enough room for nets and cages.

Evans' facility looks similar to one at Lakeside. Beale said he hoped to have some of the batting cages moved into the structure this week.

Harlem tops Westside

"Any time you get a win against Gerald Barnes at Westside -- however you do it -- is good," said Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis.

The nod from one area stalwart to another came after the Bulldogs' 12-8 victory Monday at Westside.

Harlem, which improved to 2-0 in Region 3-AAAA, survived a late push from the Patriots that sent the game to an extra inning. In the top of the eighth, a two-run shot from Derek Beasley gave the Bulldogs the cushion they would need. Harlem scored two more runs during the inning.

"He hit a bomb ... which gave us a little breathing room," Lewis said. "That was big to get up by four instead of just one."

Josh Wirsu held the Patriots scoreless during the bottom of the inning to secure the Bulldogs' win. Tyler James, Zach Morris and Hunter Hamilton each doubled for Harlem.

Grovetown baseball earns first victory

Grovetown High survived a high-scoring affair to beat Richmond Academy 11-9 for the school's first baseball victory.

Grovetown pitcher Michael Coronett earned the win and Blake Lane picked up the save.

Lane also doubled for the Warriors, as did teammate Jamal Cummings. Grovetown withstood two Richmond Academy home runs.

Grovetown, coached by Mike Jones, improved to 1-3 and 1-1 in Region 3-AAAA.