CRESTVIEW 4, NICEVILLE 2

Niceville     000 011 0 – 2 3 1

Crestview   100 111 x – 4  6 2

Pitching

Niceville: L-Will West 5 IP, 3 runs, 4 hits, 8 strikeouts, 5 walks, 1 HB; Chance Huff 1 IP, 1 run, 2 hits, 1 strikeout. 1 walk, 1 HB.

Crestview: W-Colter Hancock 7 IP, 2 runs, 4 hits, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks.

Hitters

Niceville: Grant Hooten 1 hit; Brady Smith 1 walk; Nic Nolen 1 run, 1 hit, 1 double; Christian Huff 1 hit, 1 RBI; Christian Manthey 1 run, 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 walk 1 RBI.

Crestview: Zach Degraaf 1 run, 1 walk; Bryant Berry 1 run, 1 hit, 2 walks; Corey Armstrong 2 walks; Colter Hancock 2 hits, 1 HBP; Matt French 1 HBP; Devin Wimmer 1 walk; Austin Polk 1 run, 1 sacrifice, 1 RBI; Dayne Justice 1 hit; B.A. Larkins 1 hit, 1 RBI, Alik Whited 1 run, 1 hit.

Crestview Niceville baseball box

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview baseball doubles up on Niceville

LAUREL HILL — Laurel Hill School’s baseball team hasn't made the playoffs for six years, and it’s been eight years since it's won a playoff game.

But Andrew Wirth, a 2009 Crestview High School graduate and former Bulldog baseball player, wants to revive the program. He replaces Ronnie Smith, now LHS's girls basketball coach, in the dugout.

Wirth takes much of his baseball philosophy from his high school and middle school coaches. “I played under great coaches: Coach (Tim) Gillis, Coach (Chris) Sweatt and Coach (Dexter) Day,” he said. “My biggest thing was integrity, coming in.

“I told them from the beginning, ‘Success without integrity is failure.’ Everything we are doing we will do with character and class. We will rebuild, and we are starting with a  fresh slate, basically.”

CHALLENGES AHEAD

The Hobo baseball team has been down so long the  team no longer knows how to win, Wirth said. "It seems like an atmosphere of failure,” he said. “What we are trying to do is have some pride and take some character … It’s just the pride thing — pride in our school, pride in having all of our fans here, and not to get embarrassed at home.”

One challenge is the team's absence of upper classmen. The Hoboes have one senior, Jared Simmons, and two juniors, Cody Boutwell and Lane Alford. Alford is out with an injury.

“I’m dealing with sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, one or two ninth-graders and two or three 10th-graders,” Wirth said. “I’ve got one sixth-grader, Dalton Raef, in my starting nine, so we are very, very young.”

'DISCIPLINE IS HUGE'

Wirth wants to win, but win the right way, he said.

“I came in and I told Mrs. (Lee) Martello and Mr. (Greg) Brock, our principals, that my philosophy coming in is I would rather lose every game with a bunch of character kids than win a bunch of games with a  bunch of punks,” he said. “Discipline is huge. Grades — if you can’t be a student first, you can’t be an athlete. I check the grades every Friday. I’m holding them to a standard they might not be ready to be held to. I told the parents that, too.”

Wirth said he has talked to Gillis and Day about ways to instill discipline and build the program the right way.

STARTING YOUNG

LHS's baseball program has struggled, but its biggest rival, Paxton, has thrived. The Bobcats have been to the playoffs 10 straight years, and a large part of Paxton's success is the youth baseball program in that community.

“I think starting young is very critical,” Wirth said. “Paxton has a great program over there. “I’d love to see one here.

“If I had a five-year plan, that would be in it. What I hope to do, since we get them so young, is start a Little League of sorts. What we have right now is sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders and, in two or three years, hopefully we will be good."

CHOOSING A ROUTE

Wirth, who's played baseball most of his life, said he knows what it takes to be successful.

“I had some absolutely top-shelf coaches: Coach Gillis and Coach Sweatt," he said. "Just my experience from that, I know what it is to be successful. I know what it looks like.”

Having experienced his own success in baseball makes Wirth that much more determined to give the Hobo players the same opportunity.

“I played at the 6A level and I know what it takes to get there (to the top),” he said. “I know which route we are headed.

“It’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of commitment with these young guys, keeping  them committed, keeping them upbeat, keeping them optimistic.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Coach aims to rebuild Laurel Hill baseball team

BAKER — A gutsy effort by the Baker School baseball team came up short against Paxton on Monday.

Trailing 6-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning the Gators rallied for four runs, but it wasn’t enough as the Bobcats held on for a 6-5 win.

“Paxton is a good team,” Baker Coach Adam Henry said. “They hit the ball well and they pitch well. We can build off this game.

“We were down 6-1 and we came back and got to within a run and had a man on third (that would have tied the game). You have to be proud of that.”

The Bobcats wasted little time in putting a run on the board.

Paxton’s Zach Varnum led off the game with single. He stole second base, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Grant Stewart.

Baker tied the game in the bottom of the second.

The Gators loaded the bases on a Dakota Blackburn single, a walk to Gabe Nelson and a base hit by Will Davis.

With Conner Bartlett at the plate and nobody out, Henry decided to try the squeeze play. Bartlett was unable to get the bunt down and Blackburn was out trying to score.

Nelson did score on the play when Bobcat catcher Caleb Newborn threw ball into left field in an attempt to throw Nelson out a third base.

The score didn’t remain tied for long as Paxton scored four times in the top of the third inning to seemingly take control of the game. The big hit of the inning was a triple by Zach Varnum that scored Connor Varnum.

The Bobcats scored their last run in the top of the fifth when Connor Varnum struck out, but reached first on a wild pitch. He later scored on a sacrifice fly by Stewart.

Baker chipped away at the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and two runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Bartlett reached first on an error to lead off the fifth and scored as Dillon Nixon was safe on a fielder’s choice. Austin Davis scored the other Gator run in the fifth walking and coming in on a Bubba Ellis sacrifice fly.

Will Davis and Bartlett scored in the sixth inning on two-run single by Logan Rickmon. Unfortunately for the Gators they were unable to score the tying run from third base as the inning ended.

“We hit the ball a lot better than we have in the past,” Henry said. “If we had hit with runners in scoring position I think we would have come out on top in this game.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker come back falls short

LAUREL HILL — A young and outmanned Laurel Hill School baseball team was no match for Baker on Friday.

The Gators made quick work of things taking a 19-3 win. The game was called after  five innings on the mercy rule.

Given time first-year Hobo Coach Andrew Wirth could build a winner. But  for now Laurel Hill has a roster full  of players that should be playing middle school baseball rather than taking the field against the juniors and seniors in high school.

Baker sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning and scored eight runs. That’s as close as the Hoboes got the entire game.

Austin Davis had two hits in the inning, scored a  run and drove in a run.  Logan Rickmon also had two  hits, scored a run and drove in run.

The first seven Gator batters reached base. And when Baker finally made an out it was on a sacrifice fly to center  field off the bat of Will Davis that scored courtesy runner Lane Boone.

Baker Coach Adam Henry pulled most of the Gator starters after the first inning, but even the Baker backups were too strong for the Hoboes.

“We hit the ball well tonight, which is something we haven’t been able to do all year,” Henry said. “Hopefully it will lead us to some more good stuff and we can just get the bats going.

“Our pitchers were throwing a lot of strikes tonight too, which is always a positive.”

The Gators sent 12 more batters to the plate in the second inning and scored seven runs. A four spot by the Gators in the top of the third  made the score 19-0.

Laurel Hill got something going in the bottom of the third inning sending nine batters to the plate and scoring three times.

Walks to Moon Williams and Gary Jacobs by Gator pitcher Tom Crowson set the tone for the inning. Williams later scored on a Crowson wild pitch. Jacobs scored on a base hit by Bryan Pursley.

Pursley’s hit was the only one of the game for the Hoboes. Mack Posey, who had walked, went to the third on the Pursley single and scored on a wild pitch to end the scoring.

Laurel Hill batters struck out 14 times. Baker batters had 15 hits. Lane Boone joined Davis and Rickmon with two hits for the Gators.

Ryan Weidenhammer was  the Gator starting pitcher. He worked one inning and struck out the side. Crowson worked the second and third innings and allowed the three runs. He also struck out six Hobo batters.

Bubba Ellis worked the last two innings on the mound for Baker and struck out five Laurel Hill batters.

Pursley was the Laurel Hill starting pitcher and he took the loss working three innings and giving up all of the Gator runs.   

“Last night we lost pretty bad, 17 or 18 to nothing,” Wirth said. “And then we were down 19-0 and Bryan (Pursley) called a little team huddle and they responded scoring three runs.

“I told them any response is good other than tucking your tails and running.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker too strong for Laurel Hill's baseball team

BAKER — Crestview High School’s Jeremy Willis and Colter Hancock teamed up to throw a three-hit shutout Tuesday as the Bulldog baseball team beat Baker 6-0.

Crestview (2-1) got off to a quick start scoring three runs in the first inning against Gator starting pitcher Tom Crowson.

Crowson struggled to find the strike zone as he walked Crestview’s first two batters, Zach Degraaf and Austin Polk. He then hit Corey Armstrong with a pitch to load the bases for cleanup hitter Devin Wimmer.

Wimmer delivered a base hit scoring Degraaf and Polk and moving Armstrong to third base. Armstrong scored as Hancock grounded out.

A walk to Matt French marked the end of Crowson’s night. Baker Coach Adam Henry called on Gabe Nelson to shut down the Bulldogs and Nelson did just that.

Nelson struck out Dayne Justice and B.A. Larkins to end the inning.

“I thought we had some opportunities we let get away from us,” Crestview Coach Tim Gillis said. “We didn’t swing the bats real good top to bottom. We hit too many balls in the air, but it’s good to get a win.

“I thought Baker made some nice plays that kept us from adding on some runs. I think they are pretty athletic and they have a chance to be pretty good. I’m proud that we won the game, but there’s room for improvement in all kinds of areas.”

The score remained 3-0 until the fifth inning when Crestview scored two runs. Hancock and French singled. Larkins doubled to score the two runs.

Crestview’s final run came in the sixth inning.

Degraaf led off the inning with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Polk. He stole third base and scored on an infield out by Armstrong.

Willis and Hancock didn’t give the Baker (1-2) offense many opportunities.

Willis started the game and had a no-hitter through four innings. Baker’s only base runner, Austin Davis, drew a walk to lead off the inning. Davis advanced to third base before being thrown out on a pickoff play.

The Gators finally touched Willis for a couple of hits in the fifth inning when Dakota Blackburn and Bubba Ellis singled.

Willis worked five innings on the mound for Crestview striking out eight while allowing one walk and two hits.

Hancock worked the final two innings allowing a hit to Logan Rickmon, a walk and striking out one.

Nelson worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed three hits and struck out five Bulldog batters.

French had two hits for Crestview. Degraaf walked three times and scored two runs.

“Gabe came in and did well for us,” Gator Coach Adam Henry said. “This is the first game he has played since coming from basketball. Our defense looked pretty good.

“We just have to put the ball in play. After the first inning we looked a lot better. We have to hit the ball better, that’s our main thing.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview shuts out Baker

CRESTVIEW — Dayne Justice, a senior first baseman on Crestview High School's baseball team, works in ways that quickly draw Bulldog Coach Tim Gillis' praise.

“He has a tireless work ethic,” Gillis said. “He has really worked himself into being a good player.

"He helps on the mound as well, but he’s been great at first base. He’s a really good defensive first baseman, and he’s been swinging the bat well. I’m proud of him and proud for him, because he puts in the time and works for it and everybody respects him.”

Particularly impressive, Gillis said, is that Justice had never played first base in high school until last season.

“We kind of stuck him into a tough situation, and all he did was work his tail off and get better at it,” Gillis said. “I’m just proud of him. He’s a great Crestview Bulldog.”

We now catch up with Dayne Justice.

How old were you when you started playing baseball?

I was probably about 5 or 6 years old.

What's the best part of baseball?

Winning.

What's the worst part of baseball?

Losing.

What are your expectations this season?

I expect to win about 20 games and go back to the playoffs.

If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?

Football … I just play around after school …

What is your favorite baseball experience?

Last year, we played Navarre and I had a chance to get a walk-off (game-ending) hit.

What are your hobbies outside baseball?

I fish. I hang out with friends and I play football after school.

What's your dream career?

I want to be an electrical engineer.

Do you want to play college baseball?

I do want to play college baseball at (Northwest Florida State College), because they had a great season last year and it’s around here.

What is your favorite movie?

“Step Brothers.”

Who is your favorite singer?

Lil Wayne

If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?

Probably Bugs Bunny, because he’s always having a good time.

If you could live in any other period in history, which one would you choose?

Probably the 1990s, because I feel like everybody back then just chilled and liked to feel good.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 things you didn't know about Crestview's Dayne Justice

CRESTVIEW — Expectations are high for Crestview High School's baseball team.

The Bulldogs have made the playoffs three straight years under Coach Tim Gillis, and this year’s team should once again be in the playoff hunt in the new District 2-7A, where Niceville, Navarre and Milton join them.

“Three of the four teams were in the playoffs last year and they didn’t lose anybody (to graduation)," Gillis said. "We are going to have our work cut out for us."

Players to watch:

●Shortstop Corey Armstrong — who leads Crestview’s offense and recently signed with Northwest Florida State College — is the reigning Hitter of the Year.

●Zach Degraaf hit .420 last season and is expected to have another big year.

●Devin Wimmer and Matt French, who return after missing the 2015 season with injuries, will bolster CHS's offense. “Those guys swing the bat really well and are a threat in the lineup,” Gillis said.  

●“We have Austin Polk, who is back," Gillis said. "We have Colter Hancock … he’s been solid for us his whole career. Dayne Justice, Alik Whited, BA Larkins also are back.”

●Blake Vann, a transfer from Nebraska, could have an impact on the team.

●Hancock, Jeremy Willis and Ryan Weekley lead the Bulldog pitching staff. Matthew Bottom, Seth Forrest, French, Trey Herring and Armstrong are pitchers who could help on the mound.   

“These guys have been in the program three, now four years and they’ve been to the playoffs every year,” Gillis said. “They know what it’s about and what it takes.

"They also know it’s a long season and they have to keep progressing and get better as the year goes on.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Batter up: Crestview Bulldogs ready for 2016 season

CRESTVIEW — Chilly weather greeted Crestview High School’s baseball team Tuesday as the Bulldogs opened the season against Pine Forest.

The temperatures might have been cool, but Crestview’s bats were red hot as the Bulldogs pounded out 12 hits en route to a 13-3 win to help celebrate the birthday of Crestview Coach Tim Gillis.

The game was called after five innings on the mercy rule.

“I really liked our bats,” Gillis said. “Even our outs were hard outs. You have to have some threats up and down the lineup and we really do.

“There’s nothing like winning. We got a lead and didn’t get satisfied and that’s always good to see.”

Every batter in the Bulldog starting lineup reached base at least one time.

Five players: Zach Degraaf, Devin Wimmer, Dayne Justice, BA Larkins and Alik Whited each had two hits.

Wimmer didn’t score, but he drove in four runs from his cleanup spot in the batting order.

Crestview (1-0) didn’t waste any time getiing on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning.

With one out, Austin Polk reached on an error, Corey Armstrong walked and both scored on a double by Wimmer.

Crestview added four runs in each of the second and third innings pushing innings pushing the score to 10-1

Armstrong had the big hit of the second inning, a two-run single. Crestview sent 10 batters to the plate in the big third inning.

All of Pine Forest’s runs were unearned. The Eagles scored a run in the third and two in the fourth.

The Bulldogs put the finishing touches on the win in the bottom of the fifth using a two-out rally to seal the win.

Matt French reached on a walk. Justice singled. Larkins drove in French with a base hit.

A Whited double scored Justice and Degraaf ended the game with a base hit to score Larkins.

Jeremy Willis and Ryan Weekley teamed up on the mound to hold Pine Forest to three hits.

Willis picked up the win working three innings and striking out six Eagle batters.  

“I was planning on throwing four or five guys, but when we went five that changed that,” Gillis said. “But I’ll take that any day of the week.

“For us to finish the game off, I was proud of that.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview opens baseball season with win (PHOTOS)