Blue Devils Get Revenge Against the Hawks
Deep Run, NC — South Lenoir Blue Devils celebrated a significant 2-0 win over North Lenoir on Senior Night, marking their first victory over the Hawks since the 2016 season. The game was not only a celebration of the seniors but also a strategic triumph that underscored the team's resilience and competitive spirit.
The only runs of the game came in the second inning when South Lenoir capitalized on a rare lapse in North Lenoir’s defense. A combination of a walk, a stolen base, and a timely hit set the stage before a wild pitch by North Lenoir's pitcher Garrett Byrd allowed two runners to score. These runs proved decisive in a game dominated by strong pitching and defense.
Garrett Byrd's performance, despite the loss, was notable for its quality and resilience. Byrd pitched five innings, allowing only three hits and two runs while striking out eight batters. His ability to maintain composure and deliver precise pitches kept the Hawks in the game, providing them with multiple opportunities to rally.
A critical moment occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning when North Lenoir, with bases loaded and two outs, seemed poised to turn the tide. The tension reached its peak as a North Lenoir batter hit a hard line drive, only for it to be caught for the final out, effectively quashing the Hawks' best chance to score.
Matthew "Tadpole" Rhodes of South Lenoir was dealing on the mound. Rhodes pitched seven shutout innings and secured the revenge game for the Blue Devils.
"I have been thinking about this game for a while. My defense played big behind me tonight," Rhodes stated. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the victory, especially for the seniors: "We have two seniors, and it's our last time playing them; it feels great."
South Lenoir's head coach, Paul Novicki, expressed his pride and the broader implications of the win. "It's huge, man, I am so proud of them. I can't explain how big this win is not only for us but our community," he said. Looking ahead, Novicki emphasized the need for continued focus: "This is building momentum for what we need to do in the playoffs, we gotta come back on Monday ready to work."
For North Lenoir, Coach Cam Sherrer praised Byrd’s efforts and recognized the opposing pitcher's exceptional game. "Garrett Byrd pitched great for us tonight," Sherrer noted, adding, "You gotta give credit to ‘Tadpole’ after the way he threw tonight." Despite the setback, Sherrer remained forward-looking, focusing on the upcoming championship challenge. "We still got a chance to go out and clinch the championship on Monday, so we have to flush this and get back to work."
As South Lenoir cherishes this pivotal win, they look forward to carrying this momentum into the playoffs with Wallace Rose-Hill on the schedule . North Lenoir, meanwhile, prepares to rebound in their next game versus James Kenan , with the championship still a tangible goal.
