In Game 1, David Emanuel Academy Varsity Eagles rode a dominant outing from Brody Fleming to a 5-3 win over Vidalia Heritage Academy Varsity Eagles on Saturday, May 23, at David Emanuel Academy.
Fleming was outstanding on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings while allowing six hits and three runs with two walks. He also helped his own cause at the plate, blasting a solo home run to center field in the first inning to give David Emanuel Academy an early lead.
Vidalia Heritage Academy tied the game in the third inning when Pearson O'Neal drove in a run on a fielder’s choice.
The game turned in the bottom of the sixth inning as David Emanuel Academy broke things open with four runs. Hudson Starley drew a bases-loaded walk, Fleming added a sacrifice fly, and Tucker Free delivered a two-run double to make it 5-1.
Maddyx Herrin took the loss for Vidalia Heritage, allowing five runs on six hits over six innings while striking out eight and walking six.
Fleming and Free each drove in two runs for David Emanuel Academy, while Free paced the offense by going 2-for-3. Hayden Powell added two walks as the Eagles worked six walks total in the game.
For Vidalia Heritage, O’Neal recorded an RBI, Jake Adams went 3-for-4, and Herrin added two hits.
David Emanuel Academy will travel to face Vidalia Heritage Academy in the rematch on Sunday.
In Game 2, David Emanuel Academy Varsity Eagles punched their ticket to the State Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over Vidalia Heritage Academy Varsity Eagles on Sunday at David Emanuel Academy.
David Emanuel Academy struck first in the second inning when Hayden Powell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.
Vidalia Heritage answered in the third as Trevor White launched a two-run homer to left field to give Vidalia Heritage a 2-1 lead.
The Eagles battled back in the fifth inning when Richard Braddy lined an 0-2 pitch down the right field line for an RBI single, evening the score at 2-2.
David Emanuel Academy reclaimed the lead for good in the seventh inning. Layton Terwilliger grounded out to bring home a run, and Gannon Smith added another RBI on a fielder’s choice to extend the advantage to 4-2.
Sailor Powell delivered a complete-game performance for David Emanuel Academy, allowing just two hits and two runs over seven innings while striking out eight and walking one. Peyton McClain took the loss for Vidalia Heritage Academy.
Cooper Riner paced the Eagles offensively with two hits in three at-bats. Powell, Braddy, and Smith each recorded an RBI. Defensively, David Emanuel Academy played a flawless game without committing an error, while Braddy led the way with nine defensive chances.
The Eagles now advance to the State Championship Series against Citizens Christian Academy Patriots beginning Thursday, May 28, at 10 a.m., with Game 2 set for Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at J. I. Clements Stadium in Statesboro.
