The Andalusia Bulldogs (12-9) look to close out the regular season strong and clinch the Class 4A, Region 3 championship.

“I’m extremely proud of the progress that we have made from the beginning of the year,” Andalusia head coach Tyler Dent said. “We started off the season against some really good teams and we honestly didn’t play very well the first two weeks.”

The Bulldogs made some changes and began playing better baseball, Dent said.

“We had to start taking new approaches and philosophies after how we started the year,” Dent said. “The kids really responded great and ever since losing that one-run game to Russell County (March 2), we have been playing a different brand of baseball.”

With six games left in the regular season, Dent said the Bulldogs have their sights set on an area championship.

“We have a big series coming up with Dale County.” Dent said. “That will decided whether we host the first round, or travel. Our goal is to be playing at home in the first round of the playoffs.”

Dent said that Bulldogs have relied heavily on the work that Ethan Wilson, Sim Bowden, Jacob Cravey, Brennan Strong and J.W. Jones have put in on the mound.

“At the beginning of the year, we knew we had a lot of arms, but most of them didn’t have any varsity experience,” Dent said. “They have really done a phenomenal job for us on the mound. They always give us a chance to win.”

Dent said that Cravey was one of the young players that has stepped up this season for the Bulldogs.

“Jacob Cravey has been great on the mound,” Dent said. “He is just a ninth grader and he has really stepped up and done a great job. That’s not really a surprise from him. He is a great baseball player and I’m exciting to see him going forward the rest of the year.”

The offense for the Bulldogs has also been a strong suit, Dent said.

“Offensively, we have done some good things and I’ve been pleased,” Dent said. “Ethan (Wilson) has been hitting the ball extremely well. It’s been really nice to have Will Clark back from a hamstring injury. He has been hitting the ball really well lately.”