Bearcats Bring the Heat: Parker Landrum throws a complete game shutout and Bearcats split non-region week
Published 2:18 pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo courtesy of Bearcat Dugout Club.
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During spring break, the Bainbridge Bearcat baseball team (7-12, 5-3) commanded the attention of the entire town—and they delivered. Thomas University commit Parker Landrum dazzled with an outstanding pitching display, racking up an impressive nine strikeouts and just four hits surrendered in their 1-0 win against Leon High from Tallahassee, Florida.
Senior first baseman No. 23 Bowen Smith delivered a clutch line drive single on a 1-1 count in the top of the first inning, scoring No. 13 center fielder Nate Cannon. That lone run proved to be all Landrum needed, as he showcased one of his finest pitching performances of the season, securing a potentially season-defining victory with his exceptional effort on the mound.
Landrum kept the baseball low executing a pivotal double play in the bottom of the first inning, escaping an early double jam. In the bottom of the second, third, and fifth innings, he recorded multiple punchouts, showcasing a mix of swinging strikeouts and ones where batters were caught looking. For his eighth and ninth strikeouts, he delivered electric three-pitch at-bats to secure the second out of the sixth and seventh innings.
With a standout shutout win against Leon High School, a notable victory against a 5A opponent. The performance, Bainbridge Bearcats assistant baseball coach Ryan Riles noted, was morale-boosting and highlighted the team’s ability to capitalize on momentum.
“We had a great game against Leon,” he shared. “The previous game against Westover saw us rack up 15 hits—the most we’ve had all season. To follow that up with a shutout win was amazing. Parker Landrum pitched his heart out, giving 100 percent as he always does. The team feeds off his energy and drive, making them want to play even harder behind him.”
Landrum’s presence on the mound brings a palpable sense of calm and determination to the team. Riles emphasized how his fire and dedication inspire confidence, not just in the infield but across the diamond. “His passion ignites the team—they want to rally behind him and give their all,” Riles explained.
Riles reflected on the team’s recent success, underscoring their resilience and growth. The Bearcats baseball program showed promise during a back-to-back.
The Bearcats celebrated Veterans Appreciation Day, the following day, April 4th with profound gratitude by hosting a special ceremony at Bearcat Diamond to honor the dedication, bravery, and invaluable contributions of veterans to the nation. The Junior Varsity Bearcats began their game at 4:30, followed by the Varsity game at 6:00 p.m.. Veterans arrived by 5:00 and were recognized on the field during the intermission between games, which featured the season’s second showdown between the Valdosta Wildcats and the Bainbridge Bearcats.
Trailing by just one run 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Bearcats tied the game at one apiece, thanks to a groundout by No. 8 Brooks Hines that brought No. 4 Jake Barber home after a fielding error. However, the Wildcats regained the lead in the following inning. In response, Cannon smashed a line drive to right field, scoring Landrum and advancing Hines to second base. The Bearcats showed promise in the bottom of the third inning but couldn’t capitalize further. Valdosta then widened their lead with key insurance runs in the top of the fourth, driven by a pair of singles to center field.
Despite their recent success, Riles acknowledged challenges faced earlier in the season, including self-inflicted mistakes that sometimes hinder performance. “There were moments when we overthought things a bit too much,” he admitted. “But once we simplify and let the game come to us, everything starts to click. That’s when we play our best baseball.”
Looking ahead to a pivotal matchup against Cairo for second place in region play, Riles outlined his expectations. “I want to see fire and intensity from the team,” he said. “Errors will happen, but learning to move on and focus on the next play is crucial. This year, we’ve let mistakes carry over, disrupting our rhythm. If we can fight through those moments and stay locked in, we’ll be okay.”
The Bearcats are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in Cairo on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5:30 p.m. A pivotal AAA Region 1 matchup that could very well secure them the coveted second-place spot. The intensity will only rise as the Bearcats bring the battle home to Bearcat Diamond, where they will face the Syrupmakers one final time under the Friday night lights at 5:30 p.m. on April 11, 2025. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this crucial series.
