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Sweet Water returns six seniors under new coach The Sweet Water Bulldogs, who will begin the 2008 baseball season under the direction of first year Coach Kevin Byrd, have reason to be optimistic with six seniors returning from last year's team. That optimism is prevalent in Bulldog territory despite having one of the most challenging schedules ever played by a Sweet Water team. "Our schedule is extremely tough this year," Coach Byrd said. "There is not a game on our schedule that won't present a challenge for us but if we work hard like I am expecting us to I am confident we will win our share and should be competitive in all of them." Like all baseball coaches Byrd knows that ultimately the name of the game is pitching. For the 2008 Bulldogs that area appears to be a strong point with a good group of pitchers off last year's team returning. As for the defense which goes hand in hand with the pitching, Coach Byrd has steadily seen signs of improvement as practice for the new season has moved along. That is particularly gratifying for Byrd and his staff that are trying to improve on a team defense that at times averaged more errors per game than they did hits and runs combined last season. Looking at the other side of the game, the offense, Coach Byrd sees another area where the Bulldogs need to make major improvement with only one player who hit over .300 returning. "We have a lot of work to do offensively," Byrd said. "But looking at the make up of our team I see a great deal of potential as well. Hitting is one of those areas I expect to become better and better as the season progresses." In addition to a varsity team, Coach Byrd will be entering this season with a full junior varsity squad and middle school team. Doing so not only offers more kids a chance to be a part of the program now but promises to pay dividends down the road as well.
The Bulldog varsity opens their season on Saturday, February, 23, when they host the Clarke County Bulldogs in a 1:30 match-up. They will follow that up with their participation in the Tombigbee Classic when they travel to Leroy to play on Tuesday, February 26. Others participating in that tournament include Clarke County, Jackson, Leroy and Washington County.
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