The Battle in the Boro got off to a rough start for Statesboro on Friday as the Lady Blue Devils dropped both of their games at Mill Creek Regional Park. SHS fell, 13-2, against Screven County in the opener and dropped a 10-6 decision to Bradwell Institute in the nightcap. Statesboro took an early 1-0 lead against Screven, but couldn't do more damage with the bases loaded and one out in the first inning. "Those are the things we need to capitalize on," said SHS coach Jim Simmons. "We need to get those runs whenever possible." The Devils hung around for a bit, but the Lady Gamecocks bats proved to be too much. Hannah Jones, Jancy Durrence and Rebekah Woods each recorded two hits, and three consecutive Screven doubles in the second inning plated four runs and put the game out of reach. In the 8 p.m. game, the Devils nearly pulled off a big comeback. Trailing Bradwell by a score of 8-2, Statesboro charged hard, but fell just short, leaving the bases loaded with a chance to take the lead in the fifth inning. Bradwell added some insurance and held on for the win. Each of the 16 teams participating in the tournament played their first two games on Friday. Pool play resumes at 9 a.m. this morning, with the final pool play games scheduled for 10:45 a.m. After pool play has concluded, the teams will be regrouped based on record and put into new brackets for the championship rounds. The tournament's championship game is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.