Top 10 games to watch in Georgia high school baseball: Out-of-state competition abounds

By Darren Nichols | Photo and video by Jamie Spaar

The LaGrange Invitational is the place to this week on the high school baseball scene, boasting some of the top teams and players in the nation.

But there are plenty of high-quality games this week throughout Georgia. Here are the top 10.

10. Ware County (4-2) @ Glynn Academy (6-0), 6 p.m. Wednesday

Glynn Academy has been rolling to start the season, putting up big numbers at the plate. The Terrors have already scored 59 runs in six games, including 21 runs scored vs. Benedictine. Ware County has won four of its last five games with its only loss being by one run.

9. Wesleyan (3-2) @ South Forsyth (4-0), 1 p.m. Saturday

Wesleyan and slugger Druw Jones will travel to South Forsyth to take on Ryan Becker and the War Eagles. South Forsyth is coming off a great tournament run, going 3-0 over the weekend. Jones leads a star-studded Wolves squad that recently went 1-1 against two tough Florida opponents. This game will be a great battle featuring stars across the board.

8. Blessed Trinity (3-3) vs. Chelsea (Alabama) (3-2), 7 p.m. Thursday

Blessed Trinity turned its season around over the weekend. The Titans went from losing their first three games and only scoring five runs to winning their last three games, all by one run. The Titans took down tough opposition in North Paulding, Cherokee and Parkview.

7. Pace Academy (5-0) @ Greater Atlanta Christian (4-1), 5:30 p.m. Tuesday

Pace Academy has been on a tear to start the season. With the help of the hot bat of RJ Austin, Pace has been breezing through its competition. Austin already has four home runs and 14 RBIs in five games. Greater Atlanta Christian will look to continue its own hot streak of three straight wins. The Spartans have scored 38 runs in their last three games, while allowing only four in that same span.

6. North Hall (3-3) @ North Oconee (5-1), 5:55 p.m. Friday

Red-hot North Oconee will take on the defending 3A Champions in North Hall. North Oconee has wins over Marist, Wayne County and North Hall, which will look to get things back on track and clear out some inconsistencies. The Trojans have yet to put together back-to-back wins, which is not a problem they faced last season en route to a state title.

5. Lassiter (5-2) vs. Pace (Florida) (2-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Lassiter is on a four-game win streak that includes wins over fellow SBLive Top 25 teams Parkview, North Oconee and Walton. The Trojans will look to extend their streak vs. Pace, which has the firepower to put a halt to Lassiter’s win streak, having scored 22 runs in two games.

4. Etowah (6-1) vs. Walton (6-2), 6 p.m. Thursday

Etowah is playing some great baseball during its six-game win streak. The Eagles have defeated Cartersville, Campbell and shut out St. Pius X on Saturday, while Walton has five wins in its last six games. Something will have to give between these two red-hot teams Thursday.

3. Parkview (2-3) vs. Etowah (Alabama) (3-1), 4:30 p.m. Thursday

Parkview has had a disappointing start, but last season the Panthers started 3-5 and finished as Class 7A state champs. The Panthers will try to get back on track vs. Etowah (Alabama) in the Perfect Game Spring showdown. Etowah is only two seasons removed from being a perennial 30-win team and has gotten off to a great start this season.

2. Houston County (5-0) vs. St. Johns Country Day (Florida) (2-0), 5:30 p.m. Friday

Houston County is coming off its first win against an out-of-state opponent in Hartselle (Alabama), and the Bears will take on St. Johns Country Day (Florida) at the LaGrange Invitational. St. Johns has been one of the best baseball programs in Florida for the past couple of seasons. This season the Spartans have outscored their opponents 21-0 through two games.

1. Buford (3-0) vs. Jesuit (Florida) (3-0), 3 p.m. Friday

Buford and Jesuit will match up in a battle between titans at the LaGrange Invitational. Both teams are nationally ranked and uber talented. Buford has yet to allow a run and will hope its pitching and defense stay on point. Jesuit has become a staple in the national ranks for baseball, as the Tigers had a record of 26-3 last season and are looking to be on the same track in 2022.