For Grizzlies, a sense of deja vu

Georgia Gwinnett coach Jeremy Sheetinger is generally hesitant to compare his current squad to its 2021 predecessor. But with the way the Grizzlies have been playing, it is hard not to notice the similarities.

Three years ago, the Grizzlies obliterated the tournament field, averaging 10.2 runs per game in Lewiston en route to the program’s first, and only, national title. Their championship run was sparked in part by a frantic fight to escape the Santa Barbara Bracket after a second-round loss nearly dashed their postseason hopes.

In an echo of the past, this year’s squad also suffered a second-round loss in the Lawrenceville Bracket and needed consecutive victories against Faulker to punch its ticket to Harris Field. Down to their final out and trailing 6-2 against the Eagles, it appeared the Grizzlies had run out of luck. But a furious rally and a thrilling walk-off from Paul Winland Jr. kept title hopes alive for another week.

“I’ve likened this group to that 2021 team, especially in the way that they’ve had to fight,” Sheetinger said. “This is the grittiest, toughest group that we’ve ever had. They play hard and they play the game the right way. As long as we have an out, we have a shot to win.”

Despite dangling near the brink of elimination, the Grizzlies (51-7) enter this year’s Avista NAIA World Series with perhaps the most prolific offense in the country. Senior Blaze O’Saben boasts a .454 batting average, while fellow outfielder Ajay Sczepkowski has slugged his way to a .848 mark and 19 home runs. Meanwhile, infielders Jackson Cobb and Henry Daniels have propelled the squad with a combined 129 RBI.

“We have nine guys top to bottom who are going to show up and do what they need to put us in a position to win,” O’Saben said. “Every time Ajay goes to the plate, you know something is about to happen. He has the ability to stay even keeled and that consistency shows up in the stat sheet.”

Although there are routinely fireworks at the dish, Georgia Gwinnett has also seen flames on the basepaths. The team has swiped 309 bags on the year at a rate that is six times higher than opponents.

“We’re all about barrels, bases and bunts,” Sheetinger said. “We create opportunities to score runs in bunches. I hate the fact that sometimes our offense overshadows our pitching staff, because I do feel like we have one of the best group of guys.”

As alluded to by the skipper, the Grizzlies employ a four-man rotation headlined by 123 strikeouts from Gage Williams and a 2.01 ERA by Kaleb Hill. Left-hander Tyler Clayton is also holding opposing squads to a .231 batting average.

“It’s really all about our breathing,” Hill said about his team’s success on the mound. “Sometimes, you will see us take a moment to catch our breath. It’s a powerful mindset, having the ability to clear your thoughts and focus on the next pitch.”

Georgia Gwinnett opens tournament play at 6:35 p.m. Saturday against the winner of No. 7 William Carey (Miss.) and No. 10 Indiana Southeast.

“We have a picture of Harris Field in our locker room that our guys see as they walk out every day,” Sheetinger said. “Our goal is to always play our last game of the year at Harris Field. We’re not worrying about other teams, the umpires, or the weather — we’re only focused on what’s going on in between the lines of our dugout.”

> Georgia Gwinnett

Location: Lawrenceville, Ga.

Nickname: Grizzlies

Coach: Jeremy Sheetinger (fifth season)

Season record: 51-7

Rank in final NAIA poll: No. 2

How qualified: Won Lawrenceville Bracket

Number of appearances; best finish: Seventh; won championship in 2021

> Juice (out of five stars)

STARTERS: ««««½

Often overshadowed by the program’s bats, Georgia Gwinnett quietly employs what many consider the most formidable four-man rotation in the country, led by Kaleb Hill (2.01 ERA) and Ben Harris (2.25 ERA). Gage Williams has tallied 123 strikeouts while opposing teams are hitting a mere .231 against lefty Tyler Clayton.

RELIEVERS: ««««

There are plenty of arms to choose from in the bullpen, with Wyatt Dodgens and Jeremiah Locklear combining for 30 appearances on the year.

FIELDING: «««½

There is very little to critique about this squad, but fielding could be considered an Achilles’ heel as the Grizzlies average an error per game and have posted a .969 fielding percentage.

HITTING: «««««

Georgia Gwinnett boasts its own version of Murderers’ Row, led by Ajay Sczepowski and his .848 slugging mark. Blaze O’Saben (.454 average) and Jackson Cobb (.403 average) have combined for 143 RBI, while Henry Daniels will be looking to add to his 20 home runs.

SPEED: «««««

This team averages more than five stolen bags per game, led by a combined 144-for-153 effort from O’Saben, Sczepkowski and junior Joe Quelch.

INTANGIBLES: ««««

While the Grizzlies are riding high on the momentum of their thrilling regional rally against Faulkner, will the pressure to live up to the program’s 2021 title run prove too much to handle?