The North Atlanta Warriors baseball team took on the Johns Creek Gladiators on March 20 and what was clear was that the Dubs came to play. The all-around play of the Warriors led them to an 8 to 0 win against the competitive region opponent. The win has brought the Dubs’ region record above .500, at four wins and three losses, and put them in contention for taking the region title.

Sports fanatics know: defense wins championships, and that seemed to be the philosophy of the Warriors as they took on the Gladiators. Starting pitcher Wiley Hartley, showed off his cannon of an arm, as he frustrated Gladiator batters all night long. Hartley was the workhorse for the Warriors as he threw a complete game shutout. He pitched all seven innings, allowing zero Johns Creek players to round the bases. It was a truly dominant outing on the rubber from Hartley. “I did what I could to throw strikes, but my teammates deserve the credit,” said Hartley. “They were there to back me up all game.”

Even if Hartley was struggling on the mound, the Dubs offense had enough firepower to back him up. Brett Roberts led the attack as he sent his fifth homerun of the season over the left field fence. Parker French also had a hot bat, as he had three hits, one RBI, and one run scored. The Warriors’ bats added to the impressiveness of Hartley’s outstanding outing on the bump. “With Wiley pitching so well, there wasn’t much pressure on us hitters to do as well,” said French. “That allowed us to be more relaxed at the plate which is what we needed.”

The Warriors have finally reached mid-season form and are playing on their A-game. With a pitcher who can dominate like Hartley, and an offense full of hot bats, the Warriors are a difficult force to stop. As they enter the latter part of the season, the Warriors are looking to make a name for themselves before the start of the state tournament.