Newton Citizen

CONYERS - Salem wrapped up its summer season with a 3-1 win over Social Circle. The Seminoles continued their summer trend, getting solid pitching performances from Jimmy Gerard (3 IP, 1 H) and Gazzara Mitchell (2 IP, 1 H) in the victory.

Gerard also came through with an run-scoring single, while centerfielder Cameron Gibson, who has split time this summer with Salem and Conyers Post 77 Legion team, drove in the other run with a double.

"Overall, I was pretty satisfied with the summer; we answered a lot of questions and had great comittment, effort and attitude from our team," Salem coach Chad Kitchens said. "This was a good first step toward earning a successful season next year. If our team can continue to work this hard and have this good of an attitude, we can get to where we want to be next year."

Conyers takes momentum into second half

What a way to head into July.

Conyers Post 77 picked up two consecutive last at-bat wins in the POW/MIA Tournament at Douglasville, further solidifying them as a legitimate state title contender.

In the semifinal win over Rockdale, Anthony Bazzani drove in the go-ahead runs in the top of the seventh with a two-run single, then shut down the heart of the Rockdale lineup from the mound in the bottom of the inning to preserve the win.

In the championship, Conyers rallied from 5-2 down to score four runs in the bottom of the seventh, highlighted by Brandon Crumbley's run-scoring single that wrapped up the tournament title.

"Our guys stepped up and delivered," Conyers coach Eddie Bagwell said. "They understand that when they play ball together as a team, they can do something special. It's a good group of young men and they're coming together."

Conyers played a doubleheader Tuesday against Douglasville. The team will host Duluth for a doubleheader Friday before playing two games against Rockdale on Sunday at Henson-Carr Legion Field.

Whitenton signs with Kennesaw State

Former Heritage High School and Darton College star Taylor Whitenton has signed a baseball scholarship with Kennesaw State University.

Whitenton, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted in the 39th round by the New York Mets, but will head to Cobb County after two successful seasons at Darton.

Kurt Aschermann Jr. can be reached at kurt.aschermann@rockdalecitizen.com.