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Mustangs pummel Panthers for seventh straight win
Aaron Benton
Mustangs catcher Aaron Benton looks to the dugout for a single during Friday's game against the Panthers. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff
Nick Milbrandt
Nick Milbrandt heads to the plate to score South Effingham’s second first-inning run against Liberty County on Friday. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

GUYTON — Trailing 1-0 midway through the first inning, South Effingham had Liberty County right where it wanted it Friday night.

As has been their custom recently, the Mustangs came from behind in a big way, winning 16-1 in a contest halted after four frames because of the mercy rule. The victory was South Effingham’s seventh straight,  upping its record to 9-2.

It was the fourth successive game that South Effingham had to rally to win.

Phillip Cooper terrorized the Panthers (3-9) with two hits and four RBI. He stroked a second-inning single and a third-inning double.

Cooper’s extra-base knock was the key blow of a six-run uprising that was aided by three walks, a hit batsman and two errors. His  double to left field plated Shane Chapman and Kaleb Johnson.

The Mustangs posted four runs in the second and fourth innings. Five straight hitters — Chapman (walk), Johnson (single), Cooper (single), Nick Duke (single) and Nick Milbrandt — reached safety to open the first rally.

In their final at-bat, the Mustangs put seven straignt batters aboard and never made an out before plating the run that kicked the mercy rule into effect. Only one ball was put in play — a single by Hunter Walthour. The other hitters reached via a walk or got plunked.

Milbrandt scored a first inning run after Aaron Benton drew a bases-loaded walk. Milbrandt advanced to third by stealing a pair of bases. 

Duke tallied South Effingham’s first run, scoring on an outfielder error after getting hit by a pitch.

South Effingham finished with nine hits. Walthour and Johnson joined Cooper with multiple safeties.

Jacob Tuten drove in two runs.

Hunter Morgan was the winning pitcher, allowing the lone run on three hits. He struck out two and walked one.

Walthour finished the game on the mound, working a hitless frame.

South Effingham, which played Glynn Academy on Tuesday, is set to host Jenkins today at 6 p.m. and visit Islands at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Watch Video: Mustang Mamas Get a Taste of Sons’ Football Life
Mustang Mamas
South Effingham football moms gather for a drill during the annual Mustang Mamas night. The preseason event gives mothers a chance to step into their sons’ cleats — if only for an evening. (Don Heath / Effingham Herald)
About 25 South Effingham High School football moms hit the field Monday night for Mustang Mamas, a preseason event giving them a hands-on taste of drills, coaching and camaraderie. Between laughs and learning, the moms gained a new appreciation for what their sons go through in the Georgia heat.
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