Buchholz Shines Among Gainesville Area Schools As Baseball Season Hits Midpoint

With the high school baseball season hitting its midway point, many of the area programs are looking forward to a competitive finish. Most schools have also enjoyed a competitive start to the season.

Buchholz

The Buchholz Bobcats have been dominant out the gate as they are undefeated through 16 games. They will hope to continue their dominance Wednesday against North Marion. Junior second baseman Blake Brewer leads the Bobcats hitters with a .464 batting average, and he joins Cedaris Smith and JJ Gardner as Bobcats with multiple home runs. Seniors Wyatt Clarke and JJ Gardner have been shoving so far with a 0.34 ERA and 1.00 ERA, respectively. The Bobcats certainly have their eyes set on the state championship as they enter the latter half of the season.

Gainesville

The Gainesville Hurricanes come into this point of the season 6-5. Coming off of a two-game losing streak, the Hurricanes will look to get back in the win column against P.K. Yonge on Tuesday night. Junior outfielder Kaiden Griffith leads the Hurricanes in batting average with .429. Freshman Juan Roman has yet to give up an earned run in 7.2 innings pitched and starting pitcher Cade Dixon carries a solid 2.77 ERA.

Eastside

The Eastside Rams have struggled so far this season. Winless through 11 games, the Rams hope to pick up their first win tonight versus Interlachen. Sophomore outfielder Rodney Mclellon Jr. leads the bats of the Rams with a .367 batting average.

P.K. Yonge

The P.K. Yonge Blue Wave remain competitive this season with a 7-6 record. Much like the previously mentioned Hurricanes, the Blue Wave will look to end a losing streak in their home game Tuesday at 7 p.m. Freshman Colt Kramer has been the most efficient pitcher for the Blue Wave so far with a 1.17 ERA and sophomore shortstop Tyler Belleville has been their best hitter with a .469 batting average.

Saint Francis Catholic School

The Saint Francis Wolves have been on a roll so far this season as they hold a 9-5 record. The Wolves are on a four-game winning streak and look to extend it against Countryside Christian on Tuesday. Senior infielder Liam Green sets the tone for the Wolves hitters with a .400 batting average. Sophomore Jake Long has been formidable so far boasting a 1.75 ERA.

Hawthorne

The Hawthorne Hornets season has played out like many of their neighbors as they hold a record of 7-6. The Hornets will travel to Crescent City on Tuesday night for their next tilt. Senior utility player Ethan Thomas has raked thus far with a .500 batting average. The Hornets batting has been supplemented by great pitching from sophomore’s Connor Flinchum and Tison Thomas, who hold 1.11 and 1.50 ERAs, respectively.

Newberry

The Newberry Panthers hold a strong 7-4 record that includes a 5-1 record in road games. The Panthers defend their home field tonight against Crystal River for the next leg of their schedule. Sophomore catcher Aiden Michaux has led the offense for the Panthers with a .417 batting average and sophomore shortstop Tavis Honeycutt has knocked it out the park three times. Sophomore Luke Hartenstein has held it down on the mound with a 3.15 ERA.

Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Raiders have some work to do but remain competitive with a 7-8 record. They travel to West Port on Wednesday night to try and bring their record to .500. Senior catcher Tyler Whitworth holds a staggering .526 batting average this season and Nate Robertson has led the Raiders pitching in efficiency with a 3.15 ERA.