For the third time in Macon Bacon history, the team has made it into the Coastal Plain League playoffs for a chance to win the Petitt Cup.
The Bacon first appeared in the playoffs in 2018 during their inaugural season and once again in 2019 where they finished runner-up in the finals. Since then, Macon has not competed in the postseason until now.
After a 24-24 season and 13-11 second half, Macon clinched their final game of the regular season with a 6-3 victory over the Florence Flamingos. With two other teams neck and neck, this final win was all the Bacon needed to get to the next level.
“Having to come down to the last day, I think it’s one of the greatest things in all sports. You know all the games you play, the blood, sweat and tears came down to the very last game. It was something special, and I know it’s special for the guys,” Macon Bacon President Brandon Raphael said.
Playoffs is a special point to reach in any sport. It proves that the team has worked hard throughout the season and have prevailed through any challenge opposing teams have given them.
For bench coach Kianna Jones, seeing this team go through the regular season and all the battles they have won and overcome, it was no surprise the Bacon clinched.
“I could see it from the beginning, how they bonded and worked together. It’s what helped them become successful so quickly.”
The biggest obstacle the Bacon will have to overcome in the next coming days is beating their in-state rival, the Savannah Bananas.
Macon only secured three wins against Savannah over the course of the summer, a team that has dominated the CPL and finished both halves in first place. Savannah took the first game of the series 8-3 at Greyson Stadium, but the Bacon are looking for a comeback.
“We had a good first inning but couldn’t start back up as an offense. I think we are all really excited about tonight since we get to play in front of our home crowd and try to get the series going,” catcher Mason Minzey explained.
To stay alive in the playoffs, the Bacon must win their home game Monday to force a game three against the Bananas. There is no doubt this team has the fire to rally against Savannah as they did in their previous 6-4 win on Jul. 28.
BY: LANIE DE LA MILERA