By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Blue Devils complete sweep of Rebels
Chrys Hawkins
The Rebels’ Chrys Hawkins awaits a throw from the outfield as the Blue Devils’ Ames Rackleff (23) slides into third base in a March 11 game that ended a short while later because of rain. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

 The Effingham County Rebels dropped both ends of a doubleheader at Mill Creek Park in Statesboro on Friday to fall to 4-10.

In the opener, the Blue Devils (9-5) tallied all their runs in the first two innings of a 9-3 rout that was fueled by five errors and eight walks. Statesboro, which topped the Rebels 8-4 March 9, used a similar formula to win the nightcap 8-2.

Pitcher Garrett Miller, who started a March 11 game that was rained out in the first frame, lasted just one-third of an inning in Friday’s first contest. He allowed only one hit but issued three free passes en route to surrendering four earned runs.

Tanner Hall succeeded Miller on the mound and he gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks.

Taylor Rigdon and Chyrs Hawkins also pitched for Effingham County. Hawkins gave up one hit in the final 4 1/3 innings.

Blake Hendix led Effingham County at the plate with one hit and two RBI. Merritt Evans also drove in a run.

Statesboro built its lead slowly in the second game, getting one run in the second frame and two each in the third and fourth. Effingham County cut the gap to 5-2 in its fourth at-bat but the Blue Devils reclaimed control with a three-run spurt in the sixth.

Tucker Wilson was the lone Rebel to get a hit. J.J. Brutcher tallied an RBI.