The Houston County Bears delivered a commanding performance Friday, sweeping a region doubleheader against the Coffee Trojans with back-to-back shutouts at home.
In Game 1, Houston County broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning, plating three runs to take control. The decisive moment came when Ethan Kenney launched a three-run home run to left-center field, extending the lead to 6–0. The Bears continued to build momentum and secured a 10–0 victory in five innings.
Kenney was dominant on the mound as well, throwing a complete game while allowing just two hits, walking one, and striking out four. He also contributed offensively with three RBIs. Kaden Harvey added to the offensive output with three RBIs of his own.
With a win by Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets over the Lee County Trojans in a separate matchup, Houston County clinched both a playoff berth and a top-two seed in the region meaning they will host a first round playoff series.
Game 2 saw more dominance from the Bears. Coffee starting pitcher Carter McMillan struggled with control, allowing five runs without surrendering a hit, issuing multiple walks and hit batters before being pulled without recording an out.
Houston County capitalized quickly, and the highlight came when Tyson Ganas crushed a grand slam to left field, pushing the lead to 9–0 in the first inning.
The Bears continued their strong play, adding insurance runs and completing the sweep with a 12–0 win in five innings.
On the mound, Ryan Maxwell, a sophomore, was sharp in his start, allowing just one hit, walking one, and striking out four over four innings. Freshman left-hander Ja’Khi Wilson closed out the game with a scoreless fifth inning.
With the sweep, Houston County not only secured the region series over Coffee but also solidified its position as one of the top teams heading into the postseason.
