Perry beats West Laurens in region finale

PERRY — In the sequel to Monday’s 11 innings of action, the Perry Panthers (20-5, 10-2 Region 2-4A) took down the West Laurens Raiders (17-9, 11-1 Region) 11-4 on Wednesday.

Perry led the whole way, but the Raiders threatened a comeback as they scored all four of their runs in the fifth inning.

PHOTOS: See more scenes from Wednesday’s military and first responders appreciation night.

Second base was a free bag for West Laurens in the period as they stole it five times.

That, ‘lackadaisical’ play and leaving freshman pitcher Casey Von Waldner in is what allowed the Raiders a chance according to Panthers coach Denny Bryant.

“We probably should have took Casey out a little bit sooner. We were trying to let him get out of that inning, and he was a little tired, and we made that error at [shortstop],” he said. “We just started playing lackadaisical and didn’t keep our foot on the gas. I’ll take the blame, because I probably should have taken him out about three batters before that.”

Sophomore slinger Zack Herman came in for relief and retired the next two batters to get Perry out of the inning.

The Panthers bolstered their lead with four runs in the fifth and one in the sixth.

Wednesday was the final of a four-game gauntlet before the playoffs. It was also Perry’s only victory between a two-game series against Coffee and their region rival.

Two games were close, two weren’t, but the main thing Bryant is concerned with is rest for his starters and experience for his younger players before entering the state playoffs next week.

“Tonight and tomorrow…we got basically two scrimmages as far as more opportunities to compete against somebody else and get better for the playoffs,” Bryant said. “We already know what seed we’re in…so that just gives us some time to really fix some things we need to fix. Then Saturday and Sunday turn our attention to who we play in the first round.”

Kam Vandersee recently returned from injury, and Mississippi State commit Connor Langdon, who hasn’t pitched since a game against Peach County in February, is ramping up to return as well.

Not to mention designated hitter Colter Ginn, who hasn’t pitched this season, threw six innings against West Laurens on Monday.

All that being said, Bryant isn’t worried about his squad heading into the new season.

“I feel good going into the playoffs,” he said. “We knew we had to battle, but we’ve gotten a lot of experience with our younger arms. We’re gonna score runs, and we got a rotation going into the playoffs that I’ll put up against anybody.”

UP NEXT

The Panthers await their first round matchup in the GHSA 4A state playoffs.