Houston County rolls over Warner Robins
WARNER ROBINS -- Houston County's baseball team overwhelmed Warner Robins on Tuesday night in GHSA Region 2-AAAAA action as the Bears ran away for a 17-0 victory in just three innings.
Houston County (6-2, 2-0 Region 2-AAAAA) scored 10 runs in the bottom half of the first inning, highlighted by consecutive home runs from D.L. Hall, Jake Fromm and Tanner Hall. The Bears batted around in both of their opportunities at the plate.
D.L. Hall earned the win on the mound by working just a single inning. The Florida State commitment struck out the side and surrendered just one hit. He also showcased a promising change-up to pair with an already elite level curve and fastball.
Warner Robins (3-5, 0-1) committed three errors and four Demons pitchers combined to walk eight Bears.
THREE WHO MATTERED
D.L. Hall: The junior All-American picked up the win on the mound, working one scoreless inning and striking out the side. He threw 16 pitches, including 11 for strikes. Hall also had a big night at the plate with a grand slam, five RBI, three runs scored and a pair of walks.
Jake Fromm: The Georgia quarterback commitment reached base safely in all three plate appearances and scored three times. His home run in the first inning easily cleared the trees in left-center field.
Austin Langford: The table-setter for Houston County led off the game with a single and then stole base, before coming around to score. He was hit by a pitch during his second at-bat of the opening inning and also scored.
OBSERVATIONS
Strong start: Houston County's highly touted pitching staff has performed as advertised to start the season. The trio of Georgia bound Tony Locey, Florida State bound D.L. Hall and Armstrong Atlantic signee Tanner Hall can match up with any combination in Georgia, but the Bears will need to continue to develop offensively if they want another run at the state title. Tuesday was an excellent step in that direction.
THEY SAID IT
Houston County head coach Jason Brett on his team's offensive breakout: "We had a little talk (Tuesday) afternoon, and we kind of cut down on our (batting practice). We normally swing it a good bit, and we just had a little mental session inside. We challenged the kids, and they responded. With our pitching, if we score some runs, then we're going to be in good shape."
D.L. Hall on the development of a changeup this offseason: "That's one of my biggest pitches that I've been trying to learn to throw whenever I want. That's what helps you out in the long run is having that third pitch, so that's a big deal to me."
Brett on playing in the Perfect Game High School Showdown: "It's kind of a reward for these kids for how hard they've worked. You get to play some nationally ranked teams and get to test yourselves against some of the better teams in different states. We're excited to go up there, and we open up with Magnolia Heights (Mississippi), who was 30-7 last year."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Houston County will travel to the Perfect Game High School Showdown tournament Thursday at the Lakepoint Sports Complex in Emerson to participate in the Perfect Game High School Showdown. The Bears open with Magnolia Heights. Warner Robins hosts Westside on Wednesday.