Royals cruise into round two of playoffs. ***Corrected, updated***

From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Royals cruise into round two of playoffs. ***Corrected, updated***
By Dave Whitaker
Apr 25, 2025, 23:43

BCHS student Zach Plyler, who helped rescue a man from a burning shop, threw out the first pitch. Next to him is Austin Yourn.

Though BCHS baseball is a regular participant in the GHSA playoffs, Friday was their first time under the new power ranking system. Under that system, teams are ranked, regardless of region. As a result, region opponents can meet in the playoffs.

Clayton Beck

That was the case Friday as #6 BC faced #27 East Laurens. Tied at 1 in the third inning of game one, Bleckley took control with an eight run outburst. Leading 9-1 in the fifth, Walker Boatright hit a game-clinching two-run homer, his first of the season, as the Royals won 11-1.

Brady Brannon

Jacob Johnson was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI. Brady Brannon went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI. Gavin Cole was 1 for 2. Game two saw Bleckley use a six-run top of the second to take an 8-0 lead.

Jay Johnson

Four runs in the fourth and two in the fifth were enough to send BC to the sweet 16 with a 14-1 win. Clayton Beck struck out 11 and was also 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI. Boatright was 3 for 3 with 3 RBI. Austin Yourn went 3 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI. Brannon and Josh Dillard both were 1 for 2 with 1 RBI.

Walker Boatright reacts as he comes around after homering.

BCHS will host Fitzgerald May 1 in round two of state. Game one starts at 5 pm. Game two 30 minutes later. The *if* game will be May 2 at 6 pm.

Jacoby Mullis