After coming within inches of forcing a different outcome in both games, the Lake Oconee Academy baseball team saw its season come to an end May 6, as Charlton County completed a two-game sweep in the GHSA Class A Division II Elite Eight.
The Indians defeated the Titans 7-4 in Game 1 before following it up with a 9-6 victory in Game 2 to punch their ticket to the Final Four.
Despite the losses, LOA head coach Mark Miller said he was proud of the way his team battled throughout the series against one of the state’s top programs.
“I was really just happy with the guys and the way they played the whole year,” Miller said. “The series itself, they just battled. They never quit. They just kept persevering, no matter whether we were up or down. I just enjoyed coaching them.”
The opening game ended in dramatic fashion.
Trailing 7-4 in the final inning, the Titans appeared to have a chance to tie the game when junior Jon Harris Funderburke launched a deep fly ball toward the outfield wall. However, a Charlton County outfielder robbed Funderburke of what would have been a game-tying home run for the final out of the contest.
Miller said the play perfectly summarized how close the series truly was.
“Unfortunately, we came up about six inches short in both games,” Miller said. “One with the potential game-tying home run, and then the triple play that happened in game two. If the ball is six inches higher, it gets to the gap, and we’re talking about something different.”
As the coach alluded, game two featured another crushing ending for the Titans.
With LOA threatening in the sixth inning, Jake McDonald ripped a line drive toward second base that appeared destined for the outfield. Instead, the Charlton County second baseman made a leaping grab before flipping the ball to the shortstop at second base. The Indians then completed a 6-4-3 triple play by retiring the runner at first to halt the Titans’ rally.
While the dramatic defensive plays proved decisive, Miller credited Charlton County’s approach at the plate and aggressive style of play throughout the series.
“They just battle at the plate and put the ball in play, a lot like what we try to teach,” Miller said. “They did a really good job of hitting our top two guys. They’re also very aggressive on the bases. We tried to slow the game down and not have to play in any kind of chaos, which they like to create.”
Even with the postseason disappointment, the Titans (20-9) once again mounted a successful campaign, capturing another region championship and reaching the Elite Eight for the third consecutive year.
Miller said the group’s chemistry and selfless mentality made this season especially memorable.
“All of our goals have come true except winning the state championship,” Miller said. “The guys we had on our team this year were very selfless, team-oriented, and coachable. As a coach, that just makes the season so pleasant, and it really becomes a player-led team.”
The future also appears bright for Lake Oconee Academy, which returns most of its roster next season.
“We’re really a junior-led team,” Miller said. “We lose two starters, and everybody else is coming back. We’re fortunate in that regard, and I look forward to maybe making another run at it.”