Blue Devils Rally Big in 12-2 Win Over James Kenan

DEEP RUN, N.C. — The South Lenoir Blue Devils shook off a shaky start and poured it on late, cruising to a 12-2 win over James Kenan in five innings Monday night at home.

After giving up two runs in the top of the first, the Blue Devils responded with authority—scoring 12 unanswered to secure a mercy-rule victory and stay in the thick of the conference race.

Jade Sasnett delivered another strong outing in the circle for South Lenoir, going the full five innings with 11 strikeouts while scattering four hits and walking just one.

The offense came alive in a big way, led by senior Callie Tyndall, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Rylan Wade also had a standout performance, finishing 3-for-4 and blasting a two-run homer in the fifth to cap the scoring.

South Lenoir took control in the third, but it was a four-run fourth inning that blew the game open. After singles by Wade and Lily Cole, Tyndall drove in a run with a double. An error by James Kenan extended the rally, and Kellynn Swinson cashed in with a two-run single to stretch the lead.

“They played well,” head coach Madison Harvey said after the win. “We talked about staying clean, staying collected, staying in the moment—and knowing we could do it.”

Now 10-4 on the season and 6-1 in conference play, the Blue Devils are tied with North Lenoir and trail East Duplin (7-1) by a single game in the standings. They’ll travel to James Kenan on Wednesday for the second half of the home-and-home.

Looking ahead, Harvey emphasized the importance of finishing strong.

“Focus on doing what we need to do to win,” she said. “Try to get a conference championship and host some playoff games.”

Tyndall, the team’s only senior, echoed that mindset.

“I think we played really well together,” she said. “For the majority of the game, we were all seeing the ball really good.”