By JOSH FRYE
News Sports Writer
Escambia County High’s Delarrion Poole struck out four batters in two innings, and the Blue Devils stole 18 bases to earn a much-needed, 8-4, win over Williamson High School in their April 10 season-ender.
ECHS had struggled to find a winning slot this season, but finally turned a corner with the big win over the Lions.
“Our goal was to go in and be aggressive on base,” ECHS head coach Kasuan Bullard said. “We were able to get things moving early on, and that played to our advantage. The guys did a tremendous job all around, and it was an important win for us.”
ECHS got things moving early in the game as Poole struck out three in a row to drop Williamson’s first-inning chances. Poole batted at the top of the batting order for the Blue Devils and started things by registering a walk, then stealing his way to third.
The next series of batters also walked, allowing Poole to trot home with the first score of the evening.
Josh Hadley led the stolen-base parade with four and scored twice; Deavontae Johnson stole three bases and scored a run; Tyrus Moore stole two bases, drove in a run and scored once.
Anthony McCants stole two bases, walked once, scored once and singled to drive in a run, while Keon Malone singled to drive in a runner, scored once and stole two bases; Jabrice Hooks stole a base, walked once, and scored on a single; Forney was hit by a pitch and stole a base, and Hasten Dean stole a base after singling to drive in a runner.
“Having young players and confidence have been factors for us all season,” Bullard said. “Being able to come out with a win in this game was extremely important for us.”
Another positive note: The Blue Devils were sure-handed throughout the game and did not commit a single error.
Bullard stated that the team is looking to start off next season with the same level of intensity and confidence with which it ended this season.