A host of Statesboro pitchers had a sensational day on the mound against Richmond Hill Wednesday night for the home finale, however, Richmond Hill pitcher Parker Boyle would not be outdone.
    Boyle tossed a complete game, giving up just three hits and one earned run, leading Richmond Hill to a 2-1 win to spoil Statesboro’s senior night.
    Austin Kleinlein started on the mound for Statesboro, but pitched just 30 pitches before a host of Blue Devils (Michael Finch, Dalton Ross and Braxton Johns) came in relief.
    The good news for Statesboro, they’re in the region playoffs. The loss to Richmond Hill put SHS in the No. 4 spot. The Blue Devils will face Ware County or Glynn Academy in the first round.
    “I’m excited for us and I’m excited about the way we’re playing right now,” said SHS baseball coach Jim Simmons after the game. “We’re competing really well. We’re handling the mental approach really well. We’re relaxed and focused at the task at hand. I’m pleased.”
    Leading 1-0, Richmond Hill added another insurance run as Chris Sewell came in to score off an RBI double from Boyle.
    That run would prove to be a difference-maker as the Blue Devils tried to rally a comeback in the bottom of the seventh.
    Connor Akins, who went 2-for-1 with a walk, had a base hit with no runners on. Andrew Murphree came in to pinch run and Clay Thompson delivered on an RBI base hit.  Thompson went 1-for-3 and Chris Reagin had a hit as well for Statesboro.
    “We made some pressure plays tonight. It’s good for us as we move forward. We threw two people out at the plate, got some runners out and got the umpires involved a few times,” Simmons said. “After losing, I’m still as pleased as I can be. Of course we’d rather win.”
    Statesboro has a game Friday against Richmond Hill to close out the regular season.