As far as signature wins go, Dade County’s 6-0 win over Calhoun last week was just what first-year coach Brent Cooper needed.
The Wolverines have had a revolving door in the manager’s position in the last few years — Cooper is the fourth coach in three years — so earning an identity and respect in tough Region 7-AA has been difficult. The win over Calhoun evened Dade’s region record at 4-4 and put the team squarely into the playoff picture.
“They are definitely the cream of the crop in our region,” Cooper said of the Yellow Jackets. “That win allows this team to see what they can do when we put it all together, pitch, play defense and execute offensively. It also helps us reach our goal of making the playoffs, and we’re playing with a lot of confidence right now.”
The Wolverines have the pitching depth to have postseason success, led by junior Josh Core, who shut out Calhoun on four hits to improve to 4-0. Core, who also is the team’s leading hitter at .442, is joined by Garrett Moore (2.50 ERA) and Nic Gaddis (2.71) in the team’s rotation.
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