Bulldoggs dominate with 9-0 win over Wildcats

Winder-Barrow infielder Bryson Polk (6) catches the ball during a high school baseball game between Winder-Barrow and Apalachee at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Winder-Barrow won 9-0. (Photo/Landen Todd)

On Wednesday, March 19, Winder-Barrow shut out Apalachee 9-0 to complete the two-game Region 8-5A series sweep at Apalachee High School.

The Bulldoggs set the tone by scoring five runs on four hits in the third inning, after two quiet first innings by both teams.

Winder-Barrow’s Frankie Boyle, Brett Bennett and Dom Lordo were the key contributors to drive in the runs to open up the game up. Will Waits and Bennett led the night with both having two RBIs.

“We've been working really hard on trying to get on top of the baseball and make them field it, and our line drives and below mentality kind of made that all happen,” head coach Brian Smith said. “Good at bats and we're working through the middle of the field as our philosophy and our guys executed.”

Left-handed pitcher Walker Watwood had five shutout innings with eight strikeouts. In the fifth inning, he was able to get out of a bases-loaded jam to finish his night.

“Walker has been so steady for us this year, so much confidence on the mound,” Smith said. “He has matured into an ace of the staff.”

Walker’s leg cramped in the top of the fifth. Smith says it was probably the rise in the temperature and he was able to fight through it.

“They're hungry to prepare every day, and our goal is to win each day at practice or here,” Smith said. “These guys have the big picture in mind.”