By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
The Escambia County Blue Devils kept their winning ways going this season as they survived a tough contest against the Northview Chiefs, 3-2.
The Chiefs almost tied the game in the top of the sixth when #19 hit a single to center that Kyle Willams thought he could score on from second base. But, a perfect throw from Devils' centerfielder Adam Young was just in time to get the call at home plate to secure the lead and, ultimately, the win.
ECHS struck first in the bottom of the first inning. Franklin Boykin led off the inning by reaching base on an error. Jared Carlton then hit into a fielder's choice to take his Boykin's place at first. Traveis Guy then hit a single to put runners at first and second. With one out, Keith Bell hit another single that brought Carlton around to score while Guy moved to third. He scored on a throwing error as Northview attempted to get Craig Montel at first – giving the Devils a 2-0 lead.
The Chiefs got on the board in the top of the third. Matt Gilmore led off the inning with a walk and then stole second. Ron Darby laid down a nice bunt to move Gilmore over to third. He later scored on a passed ball to cut the lead to 2-1.
Northview tied the game at 2-2 when Alvin Hayes led off the fourth inning with a homerun over the left field fence.
ECHS recaptured the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Carlton led off the inning with a single to center. Then, with one out, Zach Brooks hit a double that ran down the left field line, allowing Carlton to score for a 3-2 lead.
Keith Bell earned the win for ECHS. He threw a complete game, giving up four hits, one earned run, two walks and struck out five. He is 1-0 on the season.
Guy led the hitters for ECHS as he went two for three. Brooks was one for three with a double and an RBI while Bell and Montel each went one for three with an RBI.
The Devils are 4-1 on the season.
ECHS travels to Citronelle Friday for their first area game.
Junior Varsity
The Escambia County Junior Varsity team also came away with a victory Monday over Northview, 6-4.
Anthony Patrick earned the win as he went four and two-thirds innings and Miles Smith earned the save as he pitched one-third of an inning with the bases loaded.
Craig Montel went one for two at the plate with two RBI and Josh Montel was one for two with one RBI.