4 Bobcats recognized
Four Gilmer High School Bobcats have received all-region baseball recognition.
Catcher Blake Zabala was voted to the Region 7-3A first team, and fellow senior pitcher Grant Cochran landed on the second team. Receiving an honorable mention were senior pitcher Seth Darling and sophomore infielder Austin Zabala.
GHS head coach Jeff Thurman discussed his all-region players and the selection process.
“It’s an honor to have those guys recognized because it’s voted on by other coaches in the region. In fact, region coaches aren’t even allowed to vote for their own players,” he said.
“We’re proud of our guys and glad they’re recognized within such a strong region. North Hall is still playing and probably has a shot to win state again. Cherokee Bluff is strong and there’s some good players on some really good teams in our region. To have four guys recognized, and for one to be first team, says a lot about what we’re doing with our kids and a lot about what they’re doing individually, too.”
Blake Zabala proved to be a tough out for opponents and led GHS in nearly all offensive categories. He had a .384 average with a .511 on-base percentage and racked up 28 hits, six doubles, 12 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He also added a pair of homers and scored 16 runs.
Cochran tossed 42 1/3 innings, struck out 50 and allowed 27 earned runs for a 4.46 earned-run average. He had one win and one save on the season.
Darling threw 42 1/3 innings as well. He earned three wins, saved two games, struck out 74 and gave up 33 earned runs and posted a 5.45 ERA.
Austin Zabala turned in a .292 batting average on the season to go with 26 hits, a double, two triples, a home run and 11 RBIs. He had a .370 OPS and stole 16 bases.