Some 214 miles away from their Gwinnett County home field fondly referred to as the Big Orange Jungle, Parkview advanced to the state finals by defeating Colquitt County 8-2 in the rubber game of a Class AAAAA semifinal series Tuesday afternoon.
After dropping Game 1, the Panthers rallied to win the final two games.
The Panthers will host Hillgrove for the title, beginning with a Saturday doubleheader. If necessary, the teams will play a third game Monday. Hillgrove swept Newnan in the semifinals.
It wasn’t the first time Parkview faced elimination this postseason.
“In the second round against North Gwinnett, we had to get in that Game 3 ‘win or go home’ mindset,” Parkview coach Chan Brown said. “That’s kind of been our rallying cry.”
And rally is what the Panthers did starting in the fifth inning of Game 2 on Monday night. From that point, Parkview outscored the Packers 15-5 over the final 10 innings of the series.
“The momentum turned in the fifth inning [of Game 2],” Brown said. “We put up a seven-spot, and that turned it around.”
Parkview wasted no time in taking control of the deciding game. After falling behind in each game Monday, Brown’s Panthers raced to a 6-0 lead in the top of the first Tuesday and in the process, knocked Colquitt County starter Austin Dykes out of the game. In that inning, Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, and Rob Youngblood connected on a two-run shot.
Jesse Foster came on in relief during the first inning Tuesday and pitched six innings of scoreless relief to earn the decision. Foster allowed one hit and struck out seven.
The finals appearance will be the first for Parkview since 2002 after making the semifinals for the first time since 2005.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” Brown said. “We’ve been in a bit of a drought.”
Provided by Score Atlanta
About the Author
