Calvary advanced to the quarterfinals of the GHSA baseball playoffs with a second-round sweep of the Whitefield Wolfpack. The Cavaliers won the first game 12-5 and the second 15-6 in extra innings.
Although the two scores were similar, the games were anything but.
Game 1 started very closely contested. The Cavaliers and Wolfpack were tied at three heading into the fourth inning before Calvary broke the game open with five runs. The first five batters to come up in the fourth inning all reached base and scored. Calvary would score two runs in the next two innings to put Game 1 on ice.
In Game 1, the Cavaliers' bottom lineup—seniors Ryan Wallace and Russell Christian and junior Waylan Heidik—accounted for seven of their twelve runs scored.
Heidik delivered at the plate, driving in three runs to lead the Cavaliers' offense. Senior outfielder Max Arnold and Wallace each collected two hits, helping Calvary take control early and build momentum throughout the game.
On the mound, junior pitcher Quinn Johnson turned in a strong performance. He threw six innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out six, earning the win and keeping Whitefield's bats in check in key situations.
"It was a good, all-around team win," said Cavaliers' Head Coach Phillip Lee. "We competed pretty well offensively and ran the bases well. It was a complete win from top to bottom."
In Game 2, one win away from advancing, Calvary found itself in an early 5-1 hole. The fourth inning proved once again to be a turning point for the Cavaliers. This time, Calvary outscored Whitfield 3-1 in the middle inning. But after scoreless fifth and sixth innings, Calvary was still down a pair heading into the last.
The Cavaliers tied the game in the top of the seventh, and Game 2 went to extra innings. However, the suspense would not last, as Calvary scored seven runs in the top of the eighth inning before Whitefield could record an out. By the time it was all said and done, Calvary led 15-6.
Junior Dalton Kelley led the Cavaliers at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, three runs scored, and six total bases. Quinn Johnson continued with three hits and three RBIs, while senior Cutter Powell added three hits and drove in two runs.
On the mound, Powell was just as impressive, striking out 10 batters over six innings while allowing only one earned run to earn the win. Wallace came in for the final two innings and struck out three to close out the game and earn the et win.
Calvary used only four pitchers across the two games, and the two relievers combined for just three innings pitched.
"I'm proud of our guys for fighting back," Lee said. "Being down like that, and then battling back is a really cool thing to see from us."
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy luubie_shots Photography
FOLLOW the Prep Sports Report on Twitter @PrepSav and Instagram savannahsportsreport. If you have any scores, information, or story ideas to share, please email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com.
Optim Orthopedics: Championing Savannah's Prep Sports Scene!
From the gridiron, hardwood, and baseball diamond, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's basketball and football coverage. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
