With new coach, Pirates aim to continue postseason run

With a new coach but a good nucleus back from a regional championship run last year, Concord’s Pirates hope to build on last season’s success in 2018. Keith Cornett moved to softball after about 20 years atop the baseball program. Logan Hayes was hired to replace him. “They only lost three kids from last year,” Cornett said. “They’ve got a lot of the nucleus coming back.” Returning starters include senior second baseman Riley Cornett, senior shortstop Brooks Benton, senior center fielder/ pitcher Hunter Hartwick, sophomore pitcher Hunter Spinks and senior catcher/pitcher Ryan Brock. Cornett said Hartwick was the best hitter for average, with Spinks the best power hitter. Benton and Riley Cornett covered the middle infield and were the best fielders and also provided the best team speed. Just a sophomore, Spinks drew Cornett’s pick for best arm and best pitcher. “He may be a college prospect down the road,” Cornett said. Team strengths are fielding, but hitting and offense will be weaknesses. Concord plays in combined conference 1A/2A District 8 with Midland, Pangburn, Rural Special, Shirley, Timbo and West Side Greers Ferry. To advance to the postseason, the Lady Pirates must finish among the top four in the 1A-2 South District Tournament against Bradford, Midland, Southside Bee Branch and West Side Greers Ferry. The former coach said he thought his previous team could make a run in the state tournament. Last year, Concord finished runner-up in the district tournament but won Region 3, beating Abundant Life, 10-1; Nemo Vista, 4-1; and Midland, 2-1. Concord then entered the Class 1A State Tournament with a first-round bye but lost its secondround game to Viola, 7-0.