Bearcats sweep Cairo and solidify second place in 1-Region AAA after three run comeback
Published 1:46 pm Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Photo submitted by Bearcat Dugout Club.
Photo submitted by Bearcat Dugout Club.
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Last Friday night to wrap up 3A Region 1 play, it was a game defined by adversity and a will to win—one where the scoreline told only part of a dramatic story of sacrifice and heart in this dramatic rivalry against the Cairo Syrupmakers that saw the Bearcats comeback and win in dramatic fashion 4-3.
When the Bearcats took the field in the bottom of the fifth inning trailing 3-0, the drama was far from over. With a steely glint in their eyes and memories of every training session etched into their muscles, they began to piece together a comeback that would later be remembered for its sheer determination.
Starting pitcher No. 8 Hines, who walked three times at the plate, drilled a hard ground ball single to left field that scored Landrum and Griffin to make it 3-2. First baseman No. 23 Smith stepped up to the plate and drove a hard ground ball down the line to left field. The impact was immediate: No. 12 freshman Cole Henderson, the courtesy runner, sprinted from third, touching home amidst the chaos, while Cannon advanced to third on the hit. The rally’s momentum was building, tying the game at three apiece.
As if fate had scripted a symphony of resilience, the bottom of the sixth offered one of the most critical chapters of the evening. A crucial walk set the stage. The tension was palpable; in a moment that would electrify the crowd, second baseman No. 6 Dollar advanced to third—courtesy of an error. The pressure mounted with every pitch, and when a passed ball finally rolled away, Dollar seized the opportunity to score, igniting the comeback with a surge of adrenaline and hope.
Facing perseverance in the face of adversity, the Bearcats managed to come back from being down 3‑0—and then tie and eventually win the game—Coach Riles focused on the relentless fighting spirit of his players. “They continue to fight, no matter what… the game is not over until it’s over.”
Coach Riles recalled a pivotal moment late in the game during the bottom of the seventh inning. A crucial defensive play made by senior captain third baseman Landrum helped shift momentum by stopping the opposing runner and turning the game in their favor.
“We’ve been working on our outfielders hitting the cut-out, not overthrowing,” Riles said. “And getting the ball down—and he executed right there. It was all about grabbing the ball, making a big throw, and getting everything in our favor.”
Each play in that grueling comeback was a testament to the grit of these young warriors. Every stolen base, every misdirected throw by the opposition, and every perfectly timed hit resonated with the echo of hours spent perfecting their craft.
Hines delivered a complete game over seven solid innings, throwing 90 pitches—62 of them strikes—and facing 32 batters.
“When the team needs him the most, he dogs up,” Riles said regarding Hines on the mound. “He had a little extra juice today. It’s about his mindset—pushing through and fighting even in a highly competitive, tough rivalry game.”
At the end of the game, Riles was seen praying before the handshakes began. When questioned about his emotional state—especially after such a tumultuous, roller-coaster season—He spoke frankly about both the toll it took on him and the immense pride he felt.
“I got emotional seeing everything we’ve worked for come together,” He said. “They believe in me, and that’s all I love about my team—they come out to play and get the job done.”
Riles’ own emotional response to the victory highlights that true success is built on mutual belief and the collective spirit of this Bearcats baseball program.
The Bearcats, with their regional schedule squared away and firmly in second place, traveled to Colquitt County Monday and played the Packers at 6:00 p.m. Then host the Miller County Pirates this afternoon, where seniors will be recognized at 5:00 p.m., before hosting the Grace Christian Cougars on Bearcat Diamond with first pitch expected at 5:30 p.m. on April 18th.
