THOMASVILLE—The Thomasville Bulldogs took down the Bainbridge Bearcats, 8-4, in a scrimmage on Thursday night in preparation for their cross-town rivalry game against Thomas County Central on Monday. 

Bainbridge jumped on the board early, scoring two runs in the first inning after an error by the Bulldogs. 

But, the Bulldogs turned things around in the bottom of the sixth, scoring six runs on four hits to take the lead, 8-3. Joe Douglas helped the Dogs gain the lead when he tripled on an 0-2 count that drove in three. 

“We hung in there, and didn’t give up,” said Head Coach Eric McDougald. “We stayed the course, and when we saw an opportunity, we capitalized on it.” 

Jay Harrison led things off on the hill for the Bulldogs. The hurler surrendered zero hits and two runs (zero earned) over two innings, striking out five, and walking two. Thomas University commit Jasper Davis then took the mound, followed by Preston Deutsch, who pitched for one and one-third innings in relief. 

Deutsch allowed two hits, striking out one and walking one. 

McDougald was excited by the promise of all the pitchers, including Ben McDougald, who took the mound after Deutsch and Harris Mercer. 

“We put some guys out there under duress, but we were really impressed with the three sophomore arms,” McDougald said. “They pitched really well, so that was really encouraging.” 

McDougald explained Ben, Deutsch, and Mercer all had minimal exposure before the scrimmage, so having them in a more high-pressure situation was paramount. 

“We wanted to see how they would respond when their moment came,” McDougald said. “They may make an appearance in the game versus TCC. We know who we want to start, but we also know this early in the season, they probably won’t throw a full game.” 

McDougald said the three sophomores all showed their power, and he looks forward to utilizing them in the future. 

Beyond the pitching, McDougald was proud of the teams’ grit. 

Douglas provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Bulldogs with three runs batted in, going 2-for-4 on the day. 

“The scrimmage really justified everything we’ve been doing and about where we are,” he said. “Throughout the season, we will have things we want to add, but right now I’m proud of the direction we are going.” 

McDougald said he sees Monday night’s rivalry game over TCC as ground zero. The Dogs will be starting with their toughest competition, and McDougald said the team can only grow from there. 

Hurston Waldrep, who threw an honorary pitch to start Thursday’s game, is helping the team grow in the right direction. 

Waldrep made his MLB debut in 2024 for the Atlanta Braves but has continued to help grow players from his alma mater, THS. 

“Hurston is a quiet guy,” McDougald said. “But, we have quite a few guys who will text him during his spring practice and he’s very giving to those guys. He’s like a coach off the field.” 

McDougald said he helps the players with diet and exercise, and responds to videos of their swings or pitches, giving them pointers when he has the chance. 

To commemorate his time at THS and dedication to the team, Waldrep’s jersey was retired on Thursday night, and McDougald said signs will soon be placed in the outfield. 

“The number 21 is forever Hurston Waldrep’s,” he said. “It will be put upstairs. He has certainly earned that right.” 

Seeing the relationship Waldrep has built and continues to build with younger players makes McDougald excited for the season, as he works to also build those relationships with his younger players. 

“I’ve been around it a while, and it’s still fun,” he said. “I’m excited to be around another group of fantastic young men and help them grow as they step out into the world,” he concluded. “That’s what we look forward to is seeing what these guys are capable of and how they come together.”