Cairo to open Class AAA playoffs on road against South Effingham

Published 11:00 am Friday, December 9, 2005

THOMASVILLE — The Cairo Syrupmakers open the Class AAA playoffs on the road today against South Effingham.

Cairo ended the regular season two straight disappointing losses to Region 1 rivals Crisp County and Worth County.

The loss to the Rams last Friday really stung the Syrupmakers as it ruined a terrific pitching performance from Zack Hester. Cairo had four costly errors in the 4-0 loss. This has been an important week for the Syrupmakers as it prepares for South Effingham.

“We’re going back to the fundamentals,” said Cairo head coach Tommy York.

What’s compounded the Syrupmakers recent struggles is the fatigue factor. York said his team played four games last week which has put a significant strain on his ballclub.

“We’re physically and mentally tired,” said York.

York said he also used this week to try to get his team’s swing back, something it’ll certainly need against South Effingham’s hard-throwing pitchers.

“We’ve kinda got cold at the plate and that’s been the problem of late,” York added. “We’ve been trying to get the kids acclimated to what they’re going to see.”

The Syrupmakers have been using pitching machines to try to simulate what they’ll see today.

What the Syrupmakers haven’t been able to simulate, however, is the barrage of left-handed batters the Mustangs will throw at them. Cairo will be able to counter with left-handed pitcher Jeremy Jones in one of the games.

“They’re loaded, but that’s why you play the game, you never know what’s going to happen,” added York. “We’re excited. There ain’t but 32 teams in the state left.”