Gainesville A’s infielder Luis Delgado isn’t going to abandon his hopes of a strong season just because they lost 10-8 to Grayson on Saturday at Ivey-Watson Field. He doesn’t feel the need to panic even though Gainesville (3-4, 3-0 Area) lost its grasp on an early five-run lead.

The rising West Hall High senior understands they have to be ready for the remaining 11 Area games on the schedule, and a game at non-area opponent Grayson on July 19.

"It’s pretty frustrating after we jumped up on them early and then just laid back and looked at the scoreboard," Delgado said. "But we have to forget about this one and be ready to play them again later in the season."

The A’s were a little short-handed against Grayson, playing without North Hall High grad Josh Wright, who is away playing with Team Georgia in the Sunbelt Classic in Oklahoma. The Times 2008 Baseball Player of the Year, Patrick Henry and Tyler Vaughn were also out of Saturday’s lineup.

Gainesville adjusted to the absence of its superstar players by moving West Hall grad P.J. Krauss from second base to catcher, and Delgado played third and later pitched in relief of Gainesville graduate Zach Bennett.

"We had to move some players around without some of our other players here, but that shouldn’t matter," Delgado added.

Delgado was solid as Gainesville’s leadoff hitter finishing the game with four hits. His first inning double sparked the A’s five run inning with Krauss, and Gainesville High graduates Charlie Newman, Blaine Martin and Lance Smallwood also scoring. Newman finished the game with two runs scored.

"We played with a lot of enthusiasm early and it just dropped off," A’s coach Clay Haynes said.

Trailing 10-6, Gainesville attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth. Will Rowlett started the inning with a single for the A’s and Delgado followed with an RBI single. Delgado scored Gainesville’s final run of the game on a fielder’s choice.

Gainesville visits Loganville at 7 p.m. Tuesday.