Thomasville coach Erik McDougald speaks to the Bulldogs during practice on March 31.

Region play looms for Thomasville again on Tuesday, as the Bulldogs prepare for a pivotal home game against Fitzgerald (10-4, 3-2)

The Pruple Hurricanes are amid a three-way tie for first place in 1-AA with Cook and Berrien – two teams Thomasville has fell to be a combined three runs this year.

The Bulldogs are two games back in the region and hope to trim that margin as the second half of 1-AA play begins on Tuesday.

“We still have to play everybody again, and everyone else has to play each other again,” Thomasville coach Erik McDougald said. “Our region [standings] are very tight, and there haven’t been too many blowouts. On any given day, [seventh and last place] can beat [first place].

“It’s wide open. Anything can happen between now and the end of April.”

Thomasville enjoyed a lengthy weekend after playing three games in just as many days last week. The Bulldogs dropped two of three against Cook and Taylor County while sandwiching a win over future region foe Seminole County.

McDougald said the atypical weekend off was much needed, and that the players returned to practice on Monday with as upbeat a demenaor he’d seen all season.

“Sometimes you roll in there and can’t escape the fact that it’s Monday,” the coach said. “But guys were bouncing around all day. It was just a solid day at work.”

In game-planning for Fitzgerald, Thomasville worked extensively on bunt defense, particularly against the oft unexepcted squeeze play.

McDougald said Fitzgerald has a knack for laying squeezes late in games with two outs and the bases loaded.

“It’s not a play that is generally anticipated, but if you’re caught sleeping on it, you can get busted for it. I just wanted to call an attention to it because the scenario could certainly play out.”

McDougald will send the seasoned Payton Dixon to the mound for Tuesday’s tilt, and noted that he could throw a complete game should his pitch count not be afflicted. Dixon, who also plays shortstop and hits leadoff, has been as reliable as any Bulldog this season. 

“I feel as good with him on the mound as I do with any of our guys,” McDougald said. “He knows what’s at take, has a good head on his shoulders, and always gives a quality effort – that’s a fact.” 

First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Thomasville baseball complex.