POSTSEASON STATEMENT; GHS baseball sweeps series with South Pittsburg, clinches return to ‘Boro, 1A “Elite Eight”

By Shea Haile Courier Sports

SOUTH CARTHAGE  — The celebrations erupted last Wednesday night at Crump Paris Park as the Gordonsville High Tigers baseball team secured their spot in the 2026 Class 1A State Tournament with a 12-0 sectional series clinching win over the South Pittsburg Pirates last Wednesday night.

The Tigers improved to 24-6 overall and secured their third trip in five seasons to the Class 1A state tournament. 

“It took a team effort and staying connected like we have been all year,” said Gordonsville baseball head coach Travis Humes. “It is a special group. We talked about relationships, connections and staying connected all season.”

“Credit to South Pittsburg on a great season, Coach (Steve) Garland is a great coach and they have a really great group of guys. I am just thankful that we were able to compete.”

Gordonsville begins tournament play Tuesday, May 19 against the winners of four consecutive 1A titles Eagleville. The Tigers and Eagles will battle at Lebanon’s Wilson Central High School.

The 2026 GHS baseball squad has been anchored by seniors Colton Bennett, Bobby Cripps, Mason Cross, J Foster, Chris Matthews, Rook Rackley and Dallas Shores. 

“These guys are veterans and they understand what it takes to manage the emotions in the big moments — part of that is managing your energy throughout the entire the game,” said Humes. “We have been talking a lot this week about not focusing on the ‘what ifs’ but the ‘what is’. The ‘what ifs’ are looking into the future and what could happen but we are living in the ‘what is’.”

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