The Toombs County Varsity Bulldogs relied on dominant pitching and timely hitting to secure a 2-1 victory over the Statesboro Blue Devils on Friday night (2-20-26).

In a tightly contested matchup defined by strong performances on the mound, both teams kept the game scoreless deep into the contest. The Bulldogs finally broke through in the top of the seventh inning. Back-to-back singles set the stage before Lawton Toole delivered the decisive hit, driving in the go-ahead run to give Toombs County the lead for good.

Toombs County’s pitching staff was exceptional throughout the night. Riley Kersey started the game and threw two no-hit innings, striking out three batters. Toole followed with three dominant innings in relief, allowing no hits while striking out seven. Jonah Sikes earned the win with a clean inning of work, and Joseph Owens recorded the save to seal the victory.

Statesboro’s Roan Houser turned in a strong outing despite the loss, pitching seven innings and allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out 11.

At the plate, Brody Benton paced the Bulldogs’ offense, going 2-for-3. Kevin Ware contributed an RBI and finished 1-for-3.

Head Coach Derek James commended his team’s composure and competitiveness after the game.

“We knew it was going to be a tight one,” James said. “Our pitchers competed all night and filled up the strike zone, and when we finally got our opportunity late, the guys came through. That’s the kind of toughness and composure we want to see from this group.”

The Bulldogs return to action Tuesday (2-24-26) against Pierce County.