The Bainbridge Bearcat baseball team finished their 2016 season Wednesday with a 21-9 record and a win in the first round of the State Playoffs, something never before accomplished in the program’s history.

Wednesday, the Bearcats were swept in a doubleheader against Buford in the second round of playoffs, losing game one 15-0 and losing game two 16-2.

Buford pitcher Justin Glover threw a no-hitter in game one. They started their rally in the first inning and didn’t let up through the rest of the game.

In game two, after pushing across one run in the bottom of the fourth, Bainbridge faced just a 10-1 deficit. A groundout by Connor Strickland gave the Bearcats life. The Bainbridge Bearcats Varsity threat came to an end when Jolliff finally got Dustin Hodge to ground out.

After pushing across one run in the bottom of the fifth, Bainbridge Bearcats Varsity faced just a 16-2 deficit. An error fueled Bainbridge comeback. Buford ‘s Jolliff induced a Noah Bryant strike out to close things out.

The loss was tough, but Bainbridge coach Brian McCorkle expects the young team to bounce back just fine.

“I’m awfully proud of my kids,” McCorkle said. “It’s an awfully great honor to coach them through the season and direct them through it. We had an awfully good team from a talent and kid perspective. They came to work every day from day one.”

With four to five sophomores playing at any given time, and three to five juniors, McCorkle emphasized the leadership of his seniors was crucial.

“I can’t say enough about our seniors,” McCorkle said. “It wasn’t all about playing, it was about leading and being there and pushing and grinding.”

As for next season, McCorkle said every year and every team are different, and having a new group of seniors will change the makeup of the team.

“We have to work hard in the offseason, make sure our young kids and role-players are getting better and preparing. Next year is a new region, and we have to perform. Not a single win from this year will get us a win next year.”