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Pictures and mementos of Habersham Central’s baseball seniors were everywhere Wednesday night as they said goodbye to a strong class of 2023. LANG STOREY/Staff
Senior night for Habersham Central Baseball featured an offensive shootout as the Raiders (14-16, 7-11 Region 8-6A) dropped their final game of the season to the visiting Lanier Longhorns, 15-9.
It was an emotional evening at Raider Park as the program bid farewell to 10 seniors. The festivities got underway a little before 6 p.m. with on field presentations and a brief ceremony that featured each senior highlighting their favorite moments representing Habersham as well as their post-graduation plans.
Raiders coach Chris Akridge mentioned several things he’ll remember most about this year’s outgoing class. “Their tremendous work ethic, resilience, their sense of brotherhood, their leadership, unselfishness … just to name a few,” Akridge said. “They’ve raised the bar for our program and have left a legacy they can be proud of.”
Hunter Tatum got the nod on the mound for the Raiders. “It was an honor to be out there with these guys one final time,” Tatum said following Wednesday’s tilt. Lanier snagged an early 1-0 lead before Habersham quickly countered in the home half of the first when freshman Maverick Chitwood drove in a sac fly RBI.
Through 2 1/2 frames, Lanier had built up a 5-1 lead, but the Raiders battled back in the bottom of the third. Chitwood knocked in his second RBI with a base hit to left field. Habersham picked up another two runs via a wild pitch and passed ball to cut the Longhorn lead to 5-4.
Lanier exploded for five runs in the fourth to extend its lead to 10-4. This would’ve been a convenient time to lay down arms, but just as they’ve done all year, the Raiders fought. Habersham answered with four runs in the bottom of the fourth – highlighted by back-to-back hits by seniors Cooper Shirley and Mason Dawe.
Lanier ultimately pulled away, riding another five-run inning to pad the lead.
Senior Logan Kay joined Chitwood with a multi-hit game.
As Raider baseball signs off for now, Akridge says his club will be ready to roll in preparation for the 2024 campaign.
“We have a lot of work to do losing a group with so much experience, but we’ve got some talented, hard-working guys coming back who are committed to building off the positives from this season. I can’t wait to get back to work,” Akridge said.