WINNSBORO — In a clash between cross-town rivals, Richard Winn Academy took both ends of a two-game series against Fairfield Central earlier this week. Although the Eagles’ bats proved difficult to contain, the Griffins showed flashes of resilience on the mound and the basepaths throughout the two-game series.
Monday: Richard Winn 7, Fairfield Central 0
In the series opener Monday at Fairfield Central, Richard Winn senior Bennett Nicholson provided the offensive spark in a 7-0 victory. Nicholson turned in a perfect 4-for-4 performance, including two triples and two singles.
The Eagles broke the game open in the second inning. Seve Swearingen and Dylan Albert each drove in runs with a single and a double, respectively, before Nicholson’s first triple extended the lead.
On the mound, Walker Blackwelder was dominant for Richard Winn, throwing a complete-game shutout and allowing only one hit. He struck out nine and walked four.
Despite the loss, Fairfield Central’s Landon Morgan delivered a gritty performance on the hill. Morgan pitched all seven innings, racking up 11 strikeouts while allowing five earned runs. At the plate, Jayshawn Worthy broke up the no-hitter to lead the Griffins’ offense.
Tuesday: Richard Winn 10, Fairfield Central 2
The series shifted to Richard Winn Academy on Tuesday, where Johnathan Bonds took the mound with a high-strikeout performance Bonds to secure a 10-2 win. Bonds struck out 13 batters over seven innings, giving up just three hits and one earned run.
The Eagle offense was led by Blackwelder, who went 3-for-3 with a double. Nicholson continued his strong week with two hits (one a double) and an RBI.
Fairfield Central found success on the base paths and in the field as well. Brad Trapp singled and stole two bases, while Worthy went 1-for-3 with an RBI. Morgan also added a hit for the Griffins
Mason Jackson-Nellums started for Fairfield Central, striking out two over four innings of work.
After time off for spring break following the two-game series, the Eagles (8-6) will return to play on Thursday, April 16 at Ben Lippen School. The Griffins (3-8) will look to bounce back next week with a two-game series against Clinton. They will host the Red Devils on April 14, then travel to Clinton for an April 17 game.
RICHARD WINN – 0-4-0-2-0-0-1 – 7-10-0
FAIRFIELD – 0-0-0-0-0-0-0 – 0-1-3
WP: Walker Blackwelder 7.0IP, 1H, 0R, 4BB, 9K
RW – D Albert 1-3, 2B, RBI. B Nicholson 4-4, 2 3B, RBI. M Patrick 1-4, RBI. W Blackwelder 2-4, 3B. H Sharpe 1-3. S Swearingen 1-3, RBI.
FC – J Worthy 1-3
FAIRFIELD – 0-0-0-0-0-2-0 – 2-3-5
RICHARD WINN – 1-1-1-2-1-4-X – 10-10-4
WP: Johnathan Bonds 7.0IP, 3H, 2R, 1ER, 2BB, 13K
FC – B Trapp 1-4. L Morgan 1-2. J Worthy 1-3, RBI.
RW – B Nicholson 2-3, 2B RBI. W Blackwelder 3-3, 2B 2 RBI. J Bonds 1-2. M Patrick 2-4,2B, 2 RBI. H Sharpe 1-3, RBI. D Wood 1-2.