The Ware County Gators faced a tough test this past week in a Region 1-AAAA baseball series against the Benedictine Cadets, competing in a three-game set that featured dramatic moments, offensive surges, and strong pitching performances on both sides. The Cadets ultimately claimed the series two games to one.
Game 1: Walk-Off Heartbreaker
Ware County came up just short in a thrilling opener, falling 6-5 on a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Benedictine built an early lead with a pair of runs in the first inning, but the Gators steadily chipped away and delivered a strong push late. In the top of the seventh, Ware County surged ahead 5-4 behind a clutch two-run double from Slade Sweat and an RBI single by Landon Smallwood.
However, the Cadets answered in their final at-bat, stringing together key hits to plate two runs and secure the win.
Offensively, Ware County totaled 10 hits, with Sweat, Seth Suess, and Smallwood each collecting two hits. Sweat also drove in two runs to lead the Gators. On the mound, Suess turned in a solid six-inning start, allowing five runs while keeping Ware in position throughout.
Game 2: Gators Respond in Big Way
Ware County bounced back in game two of the doubleheader with an impressive 11-5 victory.
After falling behind early, the Gators seized control in the middle innings. Slade Sweat and Walker Hudson each launched two-run home runs in the fourth inning to spark the offense and give Ware the lead.
The Cadets briefly tied the game, but Ware responded once again in the fifth and sixth innings. A go-ahead double by Landon Smallwood put the Gators back in front, and a five-run sixth inning broke the game open. Highlights in the inning included RBI contributions from Garrison Joyner, Collin Crawford, Seth Suess, and Smallwood.
Smallwood led the offensive effort with a 3-for-4 performance and three RBIs, while Suess added two hits. The Gators also played a clean game defensively, committing no errors.
On the mound, Tanner Larisey delivered a complete-game effort, allowing five runs (four earned) over seven innings while striking out four.
Game 3: Cadets Secure Series
In the series finale on Friday, Ware County fell 6-1 as Benedictine secured the series victory.
The Cadets jumped out early with runs in each of the first three innings and maintained control throughout. Despite continued effort at the plate, the Gators were unable to generate enough offense to close the gap.
Seth Suess led Ware County with three hits, while Walker Hudson drove in the lone run. The Gators showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks in the contest.
On the mound, Ryder Kinnon got the start, with Slade Sweat providing relief and striking out four batters over four innings.
Up Next
Ware County will continue Region 1-AAAA play this week with a three-game series against Wayne County.
Tickets for home games are $7.00 and can be purchased online at GoFan or at the gate.
Reminder: All Ware County Athletic home events enforce a Clear Bag Policy and Parental Supervision Policy.