AMERICUS — Americus-Sumter’s baseball team had not beaten Thomas County Central in 13 tries since moving to Class 4A in 2004.

But that changed this year as the Panthers have won two one-run games — 3-2 and 17-16 — and they will play their most important games of the season today in a doubleheader on the road against the Yellow Jackets.

Two wins and two losses from Bainbridge against Lee County will help the Panthers (6-17, 3-7 in 1-AAAA) jump from fourth place to second and into hosting a first-round playoff series. Any other scenario will leave the Panthers in fourth place.

“The kids are excited and confident,” said coach Kagan McClain. “We’re happy to have an opportunity to do something late in the year. They’ve worked hard and deserve this chance.”

The Panthers held a 2-0 lead in the first meeting before Tyler Daniel’s RBI-single in the sixth broke a 2-2 tie. Then on April 11, Americus-Sumter set a school-record with 23 hits in scoring 11 runs in the second inning to hold on for a 17-16 win.

“It’s one of those things where the kids did exactly what they needed to win,” said McClain. “The first game, their pitcher threw a phenomenal game, and Caleb had one better. The next time the swung the bats, and we got one more. I’m kind of glad they’ve been close. It shows them if the game’s tight or we’re down that we can come back because we’ve done it before. They’re a very good team and are hot right now. They’ve gotten in a groove, and it’s going to be hard to beat them twice at their place.”

Caleb Cochran hasn’t had the best season on the mound, much in large part because of a lack of offense. But he and David Parks will take the mound in the doubleheader today trying to make history.

“I know they’re going to throw strikes,” said McClain. “The key for tomorrow is we need to make routine plays and be solid on defense and put the ball in play.”

HIGH FLYING BYRD: Schley County’s David Byrd is 6-1 this season with three saves on the mound, all of which were expected from the senior.

But maybe more impressive has been Byrd’s hitting. He has a team-high six home runs and is batting around .350 on the year. His three-run homer on Tuesday against Taylor County started the rally that kept the Wildcats alive for a home series in the playoffs, which begin next week.

“His pitching we knew we’d get; his hitting has been a bonus,” said Wildcats coach Chuck Cheek. “He’s such a better hitter than he was last year. Some of it, he had success early and that’s helped with his confidence. We’ve worked on him shortening down his swing. He’s strong enough that he doesn’t have to take big swings. There’s been a couple of games where he hasn’t looked real good in his first or second at-bat, but then he gets a huge home run to put us ahead or tie the game. That’s why he’s hitting fourth.”

Byrd’s unchanging confidence has also played a big factor. Cheek says he’s not intimidated by anyone.

“There’s a certain cockiness or arrogance you have to have in baseball, not as much where it interferes with anything, but you’ve to feel you’re a good ball player. And he’s done that.”

Schley County lost to Brookstone in their first meeting 4-2 in nine innings. The Wildcats can finish as high as first or as low as third. If they win and Taylor County upsets Pacelli, one game on Friday will be played to determine the region champion. A win and a Pacelli win, Schley will be second. A loss to Brookstone will put the Wildcats third.

SOUTHLAND GAME CANCELED: Southland’s home game with Stratford Academy on Saturday has been canceled. Stratford is in a playoff race for seeding and may face games this weekend to determine placement.