STATE EXTRA: Giants keep their cool

By Corine Gatti

Published: June 5, 2008

Waynesboro will dismiss the mere suggestion that Group AA semifinals make them quiver.
“Look, does that look like a bunch of kids that are nervous,” Critzer said pointing to the dug out. “We’re not nervous, what do we have to be nervous about?”
Last year the Little Giants were defeated by Hidden Valley at Calfee Park. Critzer shrugged off the do or die situation that his team faces today against Powhatan in the Group AA semifinals.
There was no sign of worry written on Jeremy Hahn’s face as he swung his bat back and forth in the air during Thursday afternoon practice at Kate Collins.
Hahn (4-1) will take to the mound against the Indians’ Hunter Gordon. Hahn pitched 41 innings this season and struck out 50 while maintaining a ERA of 1.88.
“No nerves in here, we played there before, we should be ready,” Hahn said. “I just will stay focused through out the whole game. [Powhatan] rebuilt just like us to get back to the same spot. We got more experience and went a game further than they did.”
Critzer reminded that it was the same scenario a couple days ago against Abingdon. The situation was not dire, despite the mandatory victory to keep the season alive.
“That could have happened to us on Tuesday night, but it didn’t. It’s just another ball game,” Critzer said. “There’s no more hype just another baseball game.”
The Indians (23-3-1) have a mix of young and experienced players this year.
“We have no dominate player we have a balanced attack,” said Indians coach Gregg Conner. “Our kids are very excited to be here. We’ve had a good season.”
The Giants could say the same. Collectively they have an ERA 2.95 and a batting average of .337. Hahn said that he and his squad are ready for the showdown at the historic ballpark.
“I just want to do well for my team. I work to try and keep my focus and keep my team in the game,” said Hahn.
First baseman Josh Craig was moved from hitting fourth to hitting sixth in the bating order. Craig is one of the seven hitting on the squad hitting above .300.
“I’ve been working on my confidence. I think that’s what the main thing was for me. When they intentionally walk Jay [Thompson] I was the next in the lineup. I was afraid to make an out,” Craig said.
Craig is happy about the move in the order. He hit a two-run RBI double on Tuesday against Abingdon.
“We’re not worried about them, we are going to keep doing what we have been doing,” Craig said.
Terrell Thompson, the leadoff hitter that has been turning heads with his unexpected power, hit his first varsity home run against Jefferson Forest.
“We just need come out and play hard,” Thompson, said whose hitting .412 and has stolen 17 bases. “I like to intimidate pitchers while I’m on base. But we need just to play as team like we did against Abingdon.”
Waynesboro will play Powhatan at 10 a.m. in Pulaski.