Iron Horse baseball in contention for state title

Philip Simmons High School baseball coach Josh Kubisz admitted he had concerns about his team as the 2022 Class AA state playoffs loomed on the horizon. One of those worries was that the Iron Horses might “be behind the 8-ball.”

 

After all, the team missed out on its first goal of the season by not winning the Region 6-AA championship. If they couldn’t take the first step, how could they accomplish the rest of their goals, including a deep run in the playoffs?

 

The answer was simple: The team had talent. It was just a matter of eliminating the little mistakes while focusing on the task at hand. The results have been telling, as the team moved from behind the 8-Ball into the Elite Eight.

 

“It was kind of weird when you don’t achieve your first goal,” Kubisz said. “But we just had to refocus. We have nine seniors, so we have players who have experience.”

 

Every season brings something new to the school’s baseball history book, and this year has been no exception.

 

Philip Simmons appeared in the state coaches association’s preseason poll for the first time in the school’s brief history after posting a 12-10 record last spring, winning the region title with a 4-0 mark. The Iron Horses checked in at No. 7 in Class AA. It was also the first time in school history the baseball team reached the Lower State Championship Series. It validated the preseason publicity.

 

“After winning the region last year, it was a matter of living up to the pressure,” Kubisz said. “The pressure was on. Now, we have to play well. People Google us and see we’ve had a little success. Now, we have to live up to the expectations.”

 

The Iron Horses have relied on pitching most of the season with Tristan Skipper and Ty Peterson, who have been more than capable when they get the call. Catcher Tripp Williams is big and talented. He’s headed to The Citadel on a football scholarship. Grayson Mitchell has been a big offensive cog for Kubisz and the Iron Horses. He’s batting just under .500 with more than 100 plate appearances. Kubisz also praised his defensive skills as an infielder.

 

The second-seeded Iron Horses opened District 6 play with a 13-6 victory over Silver Bluff and followed it up with a 12-8 road decision over No. 1 seed Marion. They claimed the championship with a 13-3 home victory over Marion.

 

The Iron Horses opened the Lower State Championship on May 12 with an 8-7 victory over Buford, but were sent to the elimination bracket when Andrew Jackson gained a 6-3 win. The Iron Horses played Woodland May 16 in the elimination game. The Wolverines were undefeated in league play and were scheduled to send ace Jake Herndon to the mound.

 

The third time was a charm as Philip Simmons remained alive with a 12-3 victory over Woodland. The Iron Horses travel to Kersahw on Wednesday night to play Andrew Jackson in the Lower State championship.

 

The victory over Woodland gave the baseball team another first: a season with 20 victories.