Salik Williams earned his first career varsity win, throwing a 1-hitter as Jenkins beat visiting Islands 7-1. Williams, a junior, struck out five and walked one, allowing a single in the sixth inning by Eston Albury. Dameion Nimmons hit a 3-run homer for the Warriors in the fourth inning and Ahmad O’Neal was 2 for 3 with a run.

I 000 001 0 - 1 1 6

J 100 501 x - 7 7 2

W-Salik Williams (1-3). L-Justin Richards. Leading hitters-J, Ahmad O’Neal 2-3, run; Dameion Nimmons 1-3, HR, 3 RBI; JaVonte Middleton 1-3, RBI; Tyreik Douse 1-3.

Record-Jenkins 3-9-1, 3-5-1 in region 1-AAA.

SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY 17,

MONTGOMERY CO. 1

Matthew Sanders homered, Bryce Dunn was 3 for 3 with two RBIs and Jonathan Palmer was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs to lead Savannah Country Day to a win in the first game of a double header with Montgomery County. Win Johns notched the win, fanning five in four innings.

MC 010 0 - 1 1 3

SCD 404 9 - 17 12 2

W-Win Johns. 4 IP 5 Ks. L-Yancey. Leading hitters-SCD, Bryce Dunn 3-3, 2 RBI, 2 run; Jonathan Palmer 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Mike Turton 2-2, 2 RBI, 3 runs; Matthew Sanders 1-2, HR, 2 RBI.

SCD 6, MONTGOMERY CO. 5

Win Johns went 1 for 3 and drove in three runs to lead SCD over MC in the second game of a double header. Johns drove in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh on a safety squeeze. C.J. Nugara had a clutch RBI single in the fifth to tie the game and Matthew Sanders was 2 for 3 for the Hornets.

MC 201 110 0 - 5 6 2

SCD 011 030 1 - 6 6 4

W- Cole Gambino. L-Rogers. Leading hitters-SCD, Sanders 2-3, C.J. Nugara 1-3, 2 out RBI to tie in 5yh; Win Johns 1-3, 3 RBIs. GWRBI safety squeeze; Gambino 1-2, 2B. MC, Rogers 2-3 HR Jonathan.

Record-SCD 7-8.

SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN 14,

WHEELER CO. 0

Jarrett Brown and Ben Jackson combined on a two-hitter as Savannah Christian won its ninth in a row. Zack Brockman had a pair of RBIs and Justin Anderson was 2 for 2 with an RBI for the Raiders (12-4).

WC 000 00 - 0 2 7

SC 170 6x - 14 7 0

W-Jarrett Brown (3-1). L-Butler. Leading hitters-SC, Justin Anderson 2-2, RBI, 2 runs; Zack Brockman 1-1, 2 RBIs; Ben Haeussler 1-2, RBI, run. Record-SCPS 12-4, 6-0 in region.

METTER 16, SWAINSBORO 0

Brennan Crooms went 3 for 5 with three RBIs for Metter in a rout of Swainsboro.

M 700 9 - 16 12 1

S 000 0 - 0 2 5

W-Ashton Brosh. L-Brock Hooks. Leading hitters-M, Brennan Crooms 3-5, 3 RBIs. Record-Swainsboro 5-12, 2-5 Region 3-AA.

TOOMBS CO. 11, TATTNALL CO. 4

D.R. Meadows gave up one earned run in a complete game and drove in three runs for Toombs County in a win over Tattnall County.

TAT 110 000 2 - 4 5 3

TOO 100 307 x - 11 8 3

W-D.R. Meadows (4-1). L-Payton Knight. Leading hitters-Toombs, Jordan Usher 2-4, 2 RBIs, Meadows 1-2, 3 RBIs; Nick Curtis 1-3, 2 RBIs. Tattnall, Caleb Todd 1-3, RBI; Jeremiah Barnett 1-3, 2B; Blake Durrance 1-1, 2B, 2 RBIs. Record-Toombs County 10-5, 2-3 in subregion

JENKINS 3, BEACH 1

Nike Beckett had a goal and an assist as Jenkins beat Beach in an Area 1-AAA matchup.

Goals-J, own goal, Devin Qualls, Nike Beckett. Assists-J, Israel Ramirez, Ramon Lemus, Beckett. Saves-J, Stephen Nease 2. B, George Johnson 12. Record-Jenkins 4-7, 4-4 in Region 1-AAA; Beach 4-6, 4-4.

GIRLS SOCCER

ISLANDS 10, JOHNSON 0

Savannah Riegner and Stevie Norris each had hat tricks to lead Islands over Johnson.

Goals-Savannah Riegner 3, Stevie Norris 3, Lillie Brantley, Elizabeth Sierzant, Ellery Duck, Taylor Tatusko. Assists-Tatusko 2, Sierzant 2, Brantley. Saves-I, Marissa Bodenrader. Record-Islands 4-4, 4-2 in region 1-AAA.

WINDSOR FOREST 5, THOMSON 0

Sia Karfakis had a hat trick and two assists to lead the Knights over Thomson.

Goals—Sia Karfakis 3 goals 2 assists; Makenzie MacMillan 1 goal and 1 assist. Brianna Leckie 1 goal and 1 assist. Assists—S. Karfakis 2, MacMillan 1, Leckie 1. Saves-WF, Cheyenne Tolbert 4. Record—WF 8-1-1 overall, 5-0 in Area 3-AAAA.

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 1, STATESBORO 1

Statesboro wins 4-3 on penalty kicks

Goals-SE, Madison Thornton.

LATE THURSDAY

BASEBALL

Coastal Homeschool and First Presbyterian Christian battled it out for nine innings in a great game at Grayson Stadium Thursday night, with FPC winning 6-5. Coastal starter Justin Benner went 4 2/3 innings allowing four hits and no earned runs. Ryan Rockwell led a 12-hit Hurricane attack with a 3 for 5 night. Nic Markles, Austin Cobb and Spenser Stewart has two hits each for Coastal.

FPC 000 021 101 - 6 9 2

CH 112 000 100 - 5 12 4

W—Steven Young. L—Spenser Stewart. Leading hitters—CH, Ryan Rockwell 3-5, Nic Markles 2-3, 3B, 2 runs; Spenser Stewart 2-5, SB; Austin Cobb 2-5. FP, K’Ane Nunn 2-4; Luis Laboy 2-5. Records—CH 4-6; FP 7-2.

BOYS SOCCER

GROVES 5, BEACH 2

Lewis Alvarez and Elvin Briceno scored two goals each and Wilson Portillo added a goal as Groves beat Beach. Esau Talacias stopped 11 shots for the Rebels.

Goals-Groves, Lewis Alvarez 2, Elvin Briceno 2, Wilson Portillo. Assists-Groves, Caio Lara 3. Saves-G, Esau Talacias 11. Record-Groves 6-4.

GIRLS SOCCER

ST. VINCENT’S 10, JEFF DAVIS 0

Sarah Stewart had five goals and two assists and Erin O’Hearn had a hat trick and three assists in St. Vincent’s win over Jeff Davis.

Goals—Sarah Stewart 5, Erin O’Hearn 3, Kristin Rotureau, own goal. Assists—Sarah Stewart 2, Erin O’Hearn 3, Reilly Williams, Maddie Coomer, Cara Diaz. Saves—SVA,

Holly McBride 3. Record—SVA 10-3-0, 9-0-0 in Area 2-AA.

GROVES 2, BEACH 0

Ashley Moreno and Courtney Jenkins scored for Groves in a win over Beach.

Goals-Ashley Moreno, Courtney Jenkins. Assists-Nykia Jones. Saves-G, Pa’jia Johnson 6.

BOY TENNIS

ISLANDS 5, TATTNALL CO. 0

Singles-Reid Bennett (I) d. Daniel Shuman 6-4, 6-1; Adam Thompson (I) d. Dru Patel 6-3, 6-1; Alex Warner d. Jack Shuman 6-0, 6-1

Doubles-Shane Allen/Alex Lambright d. Jacob Odom/Dustin Newman 6-0, 6-0; Dylan Waldron/Connor Rowell d. Dalton McCumber/Ruben Goinen 6-2, 6-3.

Records-Islands 9-2, 7-1 in Region 1-AAA.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Savannah State softball team (11-17, 1-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) opened conference play with a 1-0 win over Bethune-Cookman University (5-22, 0-1 MEAC) Friday after sophomore shortstop Brianna Harris’ RBI double that brought home junior left fielder Chasney Jenkins from first base for the game’s only run in the third inning.

Harris led SSU, going 2 for 3 with an RBI, while Jenkins and senior first baseman Torrian Wright each recorded a hit, and junior pitcher Amanda Hallman (6-8) went the distance, scattering three hits with five walks and three strikeouts.

In the top of the third inning, Jenkins started the inning with a walk, then circled home on Harris’ double to left. Wright walked and stole second, but Harris was thrown out at home and the final out of the inning was a groundout to second base.

SSU kept a BCU run off the board in the bottom half of the inning when the Wildcats singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. The runner advanced to third on a passed ball with one out in the inning, but Harris fielded a grounder and threw home to catcher Kelsey Cyrus to get the lead runner to neutralize the scoring threat.

The Lady Wildcats had another opportunity in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a groundout to start the inning, a walk and an error put runners on first and second with one out. A groundout to first base advanced the runners to second and third with two outs, but another groundout to the first ended the inning to keep SSU up by a run.

BCU had three more opportunities but left runners stranded each time to allow the Tigers to hold on for the win.

The game was the first of a scheduled doubleheader, but the second game was called in the second inning due to rain. It will restart at 11 a.m. today and will be followed by the series rubber match.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN 3-14

TEXAS-ARLINGTON 0-3

STATESBORO – Georgia Southern blanked conference foe Texas-Arlington 3-0 before falling 14-3 in a doubleheader at home on Friday.

The Eagles (16-15, 3-2 Sun Belt) scored all their runs in the bottom of the first inning of Game 1, giving freshman ace Dixie Raley plenty of cushion. Hannah Farrell and Taylor Rogers each had RBI singles in the inning.

Raley (11-7) went the distance and struck out four to get the win over the Mavericks’ Samantha Clakley (12-3).

In the day’s second game, the Mavericks (23-5, 2-3) got on the board first with three runs in the first and another run in the top of the third. UT Arlington then added seven runs in the top of the fourth inning to go up 11-0.

The Eagles avoided the shutout and kept the game going in the bottom of the fifth inning when Morgan Robinson batted in both Rogers and Snider. Alesha Mann then sent a single to center field and scored both Robinson and Weeks to set the score at 11-4.

Despite the late push by the Eagles, the Mavs were able to add a pair of unearned runs in the top of the sixth to go back up 13-4 and then held the Eagles scoreless in the final half inning.

Kierra Camp (5-7) started the second game in the circle for the Eagles with Heather Felt, Amanda Chambers and Kailee Ramos coming on in relief. Sam Montes (6-1) was the pitcher of record for the Mavericks

BASEBALL

NORTH GEORGIA 6-6,

ARMSTRONG STATE 0-5, 11 INNINGS

The North Georgia baseball team swept a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader from host Armstrong State on Friday, taking Game 1, 6-0, and winning Game 2, 6-5, in 11 innings.

The wins move the Nighthawks to 16-12 overall and 8-9 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Armstrong State falls to 12-18 overall and 4-13 in the league. The two teams will wrap up their Peach Belt series with a single game at noon on Saturday.

In Game 1, North Georgia’s Brandon Agar (3-2) hurled a three-hit shutout, walking two while striking out 14 to pick up the win. Trevor Sams drove in three runs with a double and a home run while Sam Tidaback launched a two-run home run for the Nighthawks.

Corey Kafka (1-3) took the loss for the Pirates in Game 1, giving up six hits and five runs in 7 2/3 innings of work, walking three while striking out 11.

In Game 2, the Pirates and the Nighthawks were tied up at 4-4 heading into the top of the seventh inning. North Georgia’s Sams had an RBI infield single to short that put the Nighthawks ahead by one, 5-4, but the Pirates tied things up in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Will Austin double to left center field.

North Georgia scored the winning run in the top of the 11th inning on Devin Gearhart’s two-out RBI single that scored Kevin Krupp.

Jacob Jones (2-1) hurled three innings of two-hit shutout relief, striking out six to notch the win for the Nighthawks. Ryan Lawless (1-2) took the loss for the Pirates, giving up three hits and two runs, one earned, in five innings of work, walking two while striking out five.

Austin had two hits and two RBI in game two for the Pirates, while Zack Goble had three hits and Cody Sherlin had two hits and two RBI. Gearhart finished game two for the Nighthawks 3-for-6 with a stolen base and an RBI.

N.C. CENTRAL 9-2,

SAVANNAH STATE 5-1

DURHAM, N.C. — Savannah State dropped a pair of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference road games Friday, losing to North Carolina Central 9-5 and 2-1 in a doubleheader.

Mendez Elder led SSU (6-18, 1-4 MEAC) in the first game with a 3-for-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in a run. Second baseman Jonathan Moore and first baseman Charles Sikes each homered, with Moore driving in two runs, and Sikes and Somto Egbuna each finishing with an RBI.

Savannah State fell way behind, and the home runs came too little to late. NC Central scored six runs in the fifth inning to take a 8-0 lead, and the Tigers didn’t get on the board until scoring one run in the sixth. They added four more in the eighth after NC Central scored its ninth run in the seventh but couldn’t chip more into the lead.

Trevor McKenna pitched five innings, allowing seven hits, eight runs (six earned) with two walks and three strikeouts.

Game 2 proved to be a pitcher’s duel, with SSU’s Ryan McCranie was dealt the tough-luck loss after six innings of work. He allowed eight hits and two earned runs, walked just one and fanned eight batters.

All the game’s runs were scored in the fifth inning, with the Tigers drawing first blood with one run, and the Eagles countering with two.

Jacob Lightle drove in the sole run for the Tigers.

TENNIS

MORROW, Ga. — The No. 4-ranked and defending NCAA Division II national champion Armstrong State women’s tennis team notched a pair of Peach Belt Conference wins on Friday afternoon in Morrow, Ga. The Pirates blanked Clayton State, 9-0, and Montevallo, 9-0.

The wins improve Armstrong State’s overall record to 15-1 and its Peach Belt Conference record to 6-0. The wins also stretch the Pirates’ Peach Belt regular season winning streak to 141 matches, a streak that dates back to 2003.

ARMSTRONG STATE 9,
CLAYTON STATE 0

Doubles

Lena Lutzeier/Diana Stomlega def. Raluca Pavel/Kristiin Mets 8-1

Alejandra Cisneros/Carolina Prats-Millan def. Darina Drozdova/Maria Mendes 8-0

Nicole Fossa Huergo/Lena Pacholski def. Alina Ageichik/Carolina Monterrubio 8-0

Singles

Lutzeier def. Pavel 6-1, 6-0

Cisneros def. Mets 6-2, 6-1

Prats-Millan def. Drozdova 6-1, 6-0

Stomlega def. Mendes 6-0, 6-0

Pacholski def. Ageichik 6-1, 6-1

Alice Patch def. Monterrubio 6-1, 6-1

ARMSTRONG STATE 9, MONTEVALLO 0

Doubles

Lutzeier/Stomlega def. Emily Beatty/Allison Howell 8-0

Cisneros/Prats-Millan def. Julia Berg/Rayne Sinclair 8-1

Patch/Pacholski def. Alina Muntenau/Allison Whitley 8-1

Singles

Lutzeier def. Muntenau 6-1, 6-0

Cisneros def. Beatty 6-0, 6-0

Prats-Millan def. Berg 6-0, 6-0

Stomlega def. Sinclair 6-0, 6-1

Pacholski def. Howell 6-0, 6-1

Patch def. Lauren Pero 6-1, 6-2

Read the obituaries. 

Mr. Owen M. Anderson, Savannah, GA

Ms. Catherine Arnett, Sylvania, GA

Deacon Moses Knight Baker, Savannah, GA

Jeane Barse Bankhead, Garden City, GA

Mr. Rick Campbell, Beaufort, SC

Donald H. Cooper, Garden City/Pooler, GA

Kedeem HaShaun Davis, Savannah, GA

Mr. David Basil Dukes, Jesup, GA

Ahkil L. Heyward, Savannah, GA

Mr. James Bernard Holmes, Savannah, GA

Rev. Robert Irving Hoyle, Pt. Wentworth, GA

Mr. James Wilburn Hunter, Jr., Guyton, GA

Mr. Sampson E. Jones, Hazlehurst, GA

Winifred Louise Maxwell Martin, Sylvania, GA

Michelle L. McGahee, St. Simons Island, GA

Mr. Doyle NeeSmith, Lyons, GA

Mattie Francis Owens, Twin City, GA

Helen Fischer Scott, Savannah, GA

Justine Lavine Simmons, Claxton, GA

Ms. Elease Spencer, Sylvania, GA

Constance Mae Weathers, Savannah, GA

Mr. Jackie Wicks, Savannah, GA

Ms. Martha Wilkins, Savannah, GA

Ms. Dassie Lee Williams, Sylvania, GA 

UPDATE:

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams (HNT) arrested Lamont Smith, 42, at his Catherine Circle residence following a domestic kidnapping in west Chatham County early Saturday morning, according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker. 

SWAT and HNT arrived at Smith’s residence at about 6:30 a.m. Before 5:30 a.m., Smith reportedly fired multiple shots before forcing the adult female victim into his vehicle near Stiles Avenue, then driving away. The victim quickly exited when the vehicle stopped at a red light on Savannah’s south side. She sustained minor injuries and is safe.  

The suspect, who was believed to be armed with a gun, drove to his residence. SWAT, HNT, Patrol officers, K-9 and Violent Crimes investigators arrived soon after. Metro obtained warrants to search Smith’s residence and for his arrest.  SWAT made entry, taking Smith into custody without incident just before 10 a.m.

Smith is charged with kidnapping, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark.  

This investigation continues. Anyone with additional information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.

FROM EARLIER:

9:30 a.m.

Savannah-Chatham SWAT and hostage negotiator made a safe and successful arrest of one male suspect, according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker. 

At 9:30 a.m., SCMPD was clearing the area.

8 a.m. 

Savannah-Chatham police including a SWAT team and hostage negotiator are on scene at a location on Catherine Circle, according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker, searching for an alleged kidnapping suspect.

The situation began as a domestic kidnapping involving one adult male and one adult female whose identities have not been revealed by police. The female was able to get away and is safe. Police are currently searching for the male suspect.

Police are trying to determine if he’s inside of a residence on Catherine Circle.

A SWAT team and hostage negotiator were called in as a precautionary measure. The suspect is believed to have barricaded himself in an unknown location. Police are attempting to make contact with the male suspect to verify the information reported.

SCMPD warns the situation has impacted traffic on Agean near Montgomery Cross Roads and Cranman Drive near Waters Drive. No other information was available.

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.

Check back with savannahnow.com for updates.

Savannah-Chatham police have launched a death investigation at a home on the 300 block of West 38th Street.

West 37th Lane and West 38th Street are closed between Jefferson and Montgomery streets. No other information was available. 

Drivers should seek alternate routes.

Check back on savannahnow.com for updates. 

The Armstrong State University baseball squad built a 7-0 lead over the first five innings and held on for a 7-6 Peach Belt Conference victory over visiting North Georgia on Saturday, salvaging a game in the league series with the Nighthawks.

The win snapped an eight-game Peach Belt losing streak for the Pirates (13-16, 5-13 PBC), while North Georgia fell to 16-13 overall and 8-10 in the league. Armstrong returns to action on Tuesday, hosting No. 16-ranked Belmont Abbey in a non-conference contest at 2 p.m.

The Pirates plated five runs in the third inning thanks to a pair of errors by North Georgia shortstop Connor Hoover. Kendrick Thompson reached on an error by Hoover to begin the inning, then later scored on an RBI double by Ryan Patterson. A fielder’s choice by Ryan Lawless brought home another run, then Spencer Harvey blasted a three-run home run to left field for the 5-0 lead. All five runs in the inning were unearned.

Armstrong added a pair of runs in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Berry Aldridge and an RBI triple by Chandler Corley.

North Georgia started its comeback in the sixth with an RBI single by Steven Tomlinson that made the score 7-1. The Nighthawks added a run in the seventh on an RBI single by Hoover.

In the eighth, the Nighthawks loaded the bases with one out when lightning halted play for 38 minutes. When play resumed, North Georgia’s Erick Delgado singled in a run, but Pirate reliever Caleb Woods got a flyout to end the inning with only one run scored.

The ninth inning saw the Nighthawks cut the lead to 7-4 on an RBI groundout by Trevor Sams, then a bases-loaded walk to Bo Edwards drove in another run to make the score 7-5 and put the tying runs in scoring position.

Avery [filtered word]an entered the game and induced a flyout to center field off the bat of Kevin Krupp, scoring Steven Tomlinson from third to make it a one-run game. [filtered word]an then struck out Delgado on a 3-2 pitch to close out the win and pick up his first save of the season.

[filtered word]an saved it for JT Phillips (4-3), who picked up the win by hurling seven innings of six-hit ball, giving up two runs - one earned - and three walks while striking out 10. Phillips has struck out 8 or more batters in all eight of his starts this season.

Daniel McCrary (2-2) took the loss for the Nightahwks, giving up six hits and seven runs - only one earned - in 4 1/3 innings of work, walking two while striking out two.

Aldridge went 3-for-4 at the plate for the Pirates on the day, while Harvey’s three-run home run was his second home run of the season.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN 9,

ARKANSAS STATE 7

JONESBORO, ARK. — The Georgia Southern offense gave starting pitcher Brian Eichhorn plenty of run support as the Eagles pounded Arkansas State 9-7 to win the series on Saturday afternoon.

Eichhorn (a Richmond Hill High School graduate) gave up three runs in the first inning but settled down, retiring 20-straight batters to take his third win of the year. Georgia Southern visits Georgia Tech on Wednesday night with a chance to avenge the 16-inning defeat earlier this season.

SAVANNAH STATE 4,

N.C. CENTRAL 2

DURHAM, N.C. — Four Savannah State pitchers combined to hold host North Carolina Central in check in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.

Winning pitcher and starter Austin Robinson went five innings, and Alex Wright, Gregory Smith II and Rex Davis (first save) closed out the four-hitter.

SSU’s offense was led by Mendez Elder and Brian Miller, the first two batters in the order. They each went 2 for 5.

SOFTBALL

SAVANNAH STATE 4-4,

BETHUNE-COOKMAN 3-1

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Savannah State (13-17, 3-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) swept the doubleheader against Bethune-Cookman (5-23, 0-3 MEAC), winning the opener 4-3 and game two 4-1 to sweep the three-game road series at Sunnyland Park.

Junior right fielder Alexis Singleton led SSU, going 4 for 8 (.500) with two runs scored in both games, while senior second baseman Antonette Smith and catcher Tia Bolden each were 2 for 5 with a run scored. Bolden hit a solo home run.

Freshman third baseman Cortni Jones was 3 for 8 with two home runs and four RBIs and a slugging percentage of 1.125.

On the mound, junior pitcher Amanda Hallman pitched a combined nine innings, giving up one earned run and scattering four hits with six strikeouts. She held batters to a .129 batting average while picking a win and a save. Brooke Eichenlaub gave up one earned run in 4.1 innings pitched and picked up a win.

ARMSTRONG 5-2,

LANDER 0-0

No. Armstrong spun a pair of shutouts in sweeping a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader from visiting Lander. Game scores were 5-0 and 2-0.

The wins stretch the Pirates’ current win streak to eight as ASU is now 24-8 overall and 8-2 in the PBC. Lander fell to 18-14 overall and 5-7 in the league. The Pirates will be in action on next Saturday, visiting No. 19-ranked Young Harris College for a 1 p.m. Peach Belt doubleheader against the Mountain Lions.

In game one, junior Tori Bates spun a three-hitter, striking out five to improve to 8-5 with her first shutout of the season. The Pirates got a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from freshman Logan Harrell, then got a pair of two-run homers in the fifth inning — one from junior Hannah Reppert and one from freshman Macy Coleman.

Lander’s Lexi Griffin (5-6) took the loss in game one for the Bearcats, giving up eight hits and five runs in six innings, walking three.

In game two, it was junior Jane Trzaska’s turn to hurl her first shutout of the year, limiting the Bearcats to just three hits. It was a 2-0 game in the top of the seventh thanks to a solo home run by senior Michelle Breen in the fourth inning and an RBI groundout by senior Peyton Roth in the fifth.

In the top of the seventh, Lander got back-to-back base hits by Kelli McCormack and Madison Moore to put the tying runs on base with one out, but Trazska got Casey Kent to line out into a 9-6 double play, doubling McCormack off of second to end the game.

Trzaska (8-3) struck out two and walked two in picking up the win. Lander’s McKenzi Ferguson (12-7) took the loss in game two, giving up four hits and two runs in six innings of work, walking one while striking out two.

The double shutout was the first for Armstrong softball since the Pirates blanked Georgia College, 2-0 and 4-0, on April 16, 2013.

Senior Sierra Newman went 5 for 5 in the doubleheader to lead the Pirates.

GSU 7, UT ARLINGTON 2

Behind another solid pitching performance by freshman Dixie Raley and timely hitting at the plate that included three extra base knocks, Georgia Southern claimed the Sun Belt Conference series over the visiting Mavericks of UT Arlington.

Georgia Southern (17-15, 4-2) was solid all day long at the plate, racking up 13 total hits in the win which included five different Eagles recording multiple hits in the game. Lydia Witkowski, Taylor Rogers, Morgan Robinson, Hannah Farrell and India Davis each had two hits, with Davis scoring twice.

The Eagles were able to get on the board first in the bottom of the second inning when Davis ripped a double to deep left-center field, scoring Alesha Mann from second. A batter later, Witkowski gave the Eagles the 2-0 lead when she brought in Davis with a single to right field.

The game was scoreless for the next three full innings before the Mavericks were able to tie things up in the top of the sixth inning with a pair of runs.

But the Eagles came back out in the bottom of the sixth fired up and easily retook the lead and momentum with five runs. Right fielder Emily Snider had a three-run triple to the fence in right-center field with just one out registered on the board to start the scoring drive before Robinson sent a rocket of a home run to put the Eagles up 7-2. The home run was Robinson’s sixth of the season.

Raley (12-7) pitched the complete game for the Eagles, striking out eight and allowing five hits.

Read the obituaries. 

Kathleen Anderson, St. Mary’s, GA

Mr. Owen Monroe Anderson, Savannah, GA

Mr. Rickey C. Bagley, Sr., Brunswick, GA

Deacon Moses Knight Baker, Savannah, GA

Jeane Barse Bankhead, Garden City, GA

Mrs. Barbara A. Brown-Bruin, Savannah, GA

Mr. Gene Daniel Bryan, Jr., Ridgeland, SC

Gladys Melinda Burnett, Garden City, GA

Grace Silva Cabaniss, Savannah, GA

Mr. Errol P. Cohen, Savannah, GA

Donald H. Cooper, Garden City/Pooler, GA

Patricia Ann Rogers Curry, Savannah, GA

Kathryn E. Dixon, E. Dublin, GA

Hilda Douglas, Vidalia, GA

Edith Hansen, Bluffton, SC

Mr. Julian Hartridge, Savannah, GA

Linda Hopkins, Savannah, GA

Mr. Carlton Howard, Jr., Savannah, GA

Altonise V. Jones, Savannah, GA

Dorothy Brown Lassiter, Savannah, GA

Mr. Dewitt Mansfield, Jr., Savannah, GA

Lauren Alice McLoon, Mt. Vernon, GA

Su Mikell, Darien, GA

Mr. Demetreos S. Red, Richmond Hill, GA

Mr. William R. Reddish, Jr., Fitzgerald, GA

Mr. Allan Rue, St. Simons Island, GA

Deacon Howard Sams, Savannah, GA

Geraldine T. Smith, Westgreen, GA

Mr. Gregory B. Smith, Savannah, GA

Carolyn Wood Solana, Savannah, GA

Mr. Dale Mark Spell, Baxley, GA

Alma Poppell Stafford, Jesup/Darien, GA

Mr. Edwin James Swann, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Ella Genell Vincent, Brooklet, GA

Constance Mae Weathers, Savannah, GA

Mr. Michael F. Welch, Savannah, GA

Mr. Thomas E. White, Sr., Savannah, GA

Mr. James R. Wilkinson, Eastman, GA

Violent Crimes detectives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of Lakesha Nicole Mays, 35, who was found in the yard of an abandoned house on the 300 block of West 38th Street on March 26, according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker.

Metro arrived at the scene at about 1:47 p.m. after Mays was found by citizens. Metro’s Patrol Division, Violent Crimes detectives and Forensics Unit responded. An autopsy at the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab will be scheduled at a later date to determine cause of death.

Circumstances leading up to this suspicious death remain under investigation.  

Anyone with information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police detectives seek to identify a black male suspect who reportedly sexually assaulted a woman at a church on Lewis Mills Boulevard on March 26 just before 10 p.m., according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker.

The suspect then entered a red car, driving away from the scene in an unknown direction.

Investigators are following leads to identify this suspect.

Anyone with information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.

Contractors for Georgia DOT will be replacing a damaged guardrail on U.S. 17/S.R. 404 Spur utilizing north and south bound lanes closures on the Backriver Bridge between Savannah Harbor Parkway and the South Carolina Line in Chatham County.

The maintenance operation has been scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28, weather permitting. 

This is a work zone and extreme caution is necessary.  Motorists are advised to reduce speeds as they travel through this construction work zone. Message signs, barrels and/or cones will be utilized to alert the public of the upcoming changes. Drivers should be aware that personnel and equipment will be operating in close proximity to travel lanes.

Auxillary police officer Matthew Jackson of Savannah-Chatham police’s Downtown Precinct was first to arrive at a house on the 100 block of E. Lathrop Avenue during an active kitchen fire – a fire extinguished through Jackson's quick thinking and bravery. 

Jackson arrived at work to begin his afternoon shift just minutes before hearing dispatchers advise of the house fire directly across the street from his precinct. Jackson immediately ran outside, where he encountered the distraught 80-year-old owner of the burning house.

 At Jackson’s request, the homeowner described the location of her fire extinguisher. Jackson then entered the smoke-filled house, extinguishing the fast-spreading blaze that originated from the kitchen stove, ultimately sparing the rest of the structure from further damage.

 Firefighters arrived a short time afterwards to remove all remaining smoke from the house. To comfort the homeowner, Jackson remained with her until members of her family were notified.

 “This sort of bravery is not shocking,” said Capt. Ben Herron Interim Major of SCMPD’s Patrol Division. “Our department is strategic in seeking out the bravest and most committed men and women to serve this great community. We definitely commend this officer’s quick thinking and selflessness.”

 Jackson has served SCMPD for nearly four years. He is assigned to the Downtown Precinct’s Patrol Division.

Georgia Department of Transportation will be installing westbound lane closures on Interstate 516 between Interstate 16 exit ramp and Minus Avenue.

These nighttime closures have been scheduled for 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. March 28 through April 2. The lane closure will be to make upgrades to the guardrails. All work is weather contingent.

This is a work zone and extreme caution is necessary.  Motorists are advised to reduce speeds as they travel through this construction work zone. Message signs, barrels and/or cones will be utilized to alert the public of the upcoming changes. Drivers should be aware that personnel and equipment will be operating in close proximity to travel lanes. 

Georgia Department of Transportation will be installing temporary lane closures with reduced speed limits on S.R. 204 in both directions between Veterans Parkway and Pine Grove Road in Chatham County.

Westbound lane closures are scheduled between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and eastbound between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. starting  March 28 through April 1. All work is weather contingent.

Savannah-Chatham Metro police will be operating radar hot spots along White Bluff Road.

Police remind drivers there is zero tolerance for speeding in school zones.

Read the obituaries.

Mr. Owen Monroe Anderson, Savannah, GA

Mr. Gene D. Bryan, Jr., Hardeeville, SC

Donald H. Cooper, Garden City/Pooler, GA

Patricia Ann Rogers Curry, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Willie Beatrice Dossey, Savannah, GA

Mr. George J. Eichermuller, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Carol J. Goodman, Metter, GA

Mr. Carlton Howard, Jr., Savannah, GA

Glenda Faye Maulden, Richmond Hill, GA

Mamie McNeal, Sylvania, GA

Mr. Charles C. Pittman, Jesup, GA

Mr. John Francis Reilly, Jr., Ludowici, GA

Yara Rodriguez, Savannah, GA

Theresa Stackley Ryan, Savannah, GA

Deacon Howard Sams, Savannah, GA

Mr. Billy Sapp, Baxley, GA

Mr. Michael Simmons, Hilton Head Island, SC

Carolyn Nell Wood Solana, Savannah, GA

Marion Williams Swinford, Savannah, GA

Constance F. Weathers, Savannah, GA 

Average retail gasoline prices in the Savannah area have risen 10.3 cents a gallon in the past week to $2.01 a gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 262 gas outlets in Savannah.

The national average has increased 5.6 cents a gallon in the last week to $2.04, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Prices Sunday in metro Savannah were 26.3 cents a gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 33.0 cents a gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 29.5 cents a gallon during the last month and stands 38.7 cents lower than one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on March 28 in Savannah have ranged widely over the last five years:

• $2.28 a gallon in 2015,

• $3.39 a gallon in 2014,

• $3.54 a gallon in 2013,

• $3.84 a gallon in 2012 and

• $3.47 a gallon in 2011.

Regional prices Sunday include:

• Jacksonville — $2.01 a gallon, up 2.6 cents from last week’s $1.99.

• Augusta — $1.95 a gallon, up 10.2 cents from last week’s $1.85.

• South Carolina — $1.86 a gallon, up 10.6 cents from last week’s $1.75.

“The rise in gasoline prices comes as refinery maintenance begins kicking into high gear,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “It’s not a fun time to be filling up as gasoline prices see their typical seasonal rise. However, this year’s jump thus far has seen average prices remain well below year ago levels across much of the nation.”

Motorists shouldn’t necessarily expect the worst increases to be over yet, DeHaan said.

“Until the bulk of refinery maintenance season wraps up in late May, we likely won’t see the lower oil prices immediately bring relief to the pump as oil and gasoline inventories continue to move in the opposite direction,” he said.

Last week, the Energy Information Administration pointed to a 9.4 million barrel rise in oil inventories while gasoline inventories fell nearly five million barrels, which points to continued tightness in supply and a probable continued rise in gasoline prices,” DeHaan said.

For live fuel price averages, visit http://media.gasbuddy.com.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Department’s Islands Precinct detectives ask the public’s assistance in identifying a pair of credit card thieves.

Just after noon on March 11, a Memorial University Medical Center employee noticed her wallet was missing, said police spokeswoman Darnisha Green. By the time she was able to contact her bank and credit card institutions, purchases of over $4500 were made at Home Depot and Target on Victory Drive.

Detectives obtained surveillance footage which shows the two suspects as they exit Target, Green said.

One of the suspects is described as a middle-aged black woman with a dark brown complexion wearing a red button down shirt, jeans and red shoes during the incident. The male suspect is described as having a fair complexion and of average height. He wore a white hat, black shirt, dark in color plaid shorts and gray shoes.

Anyone with any information on these suspects’ identities should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124 and most area clergy have agreed to serve as liaisons for anyone who would like to share information with police anonymously.

Agents with Chatham County’s undercover drug squad say they arrested a metro Atlanta man with more than a pound of methamphetamine in Chatham County on Thursday.

Joel Fowler of Palmetto is charged with trafficking meth and related felony drug charges, said Gene Harley, Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team spokesman.

Harley says CNT agents learned a shipment of crystal meth was headed to the Savannah area and identified Fowler as the transporter. On Thursday, Fowler made arrangements to meet with undercover agents here.

Shortly before he arrived, Fowler wrecked his vehicle on Interstate 16 just inside Bryan County. He hid his drugs in the woodline before police arrived, Harley said.

Fowler then called the undercover agents and asked if they would help get the drugs and give him a ride from the accident scene, Harley said. They gave him a lift and arrested him.

Fowler remains in the Chatham County jail and was denied bond at his arraignment hearing.

The seized meth has an estimated street value of $70,000.

Harley said the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are expected.

Police are trying to get to the bottom of two weekend armed robberies near Savannah’s Forsyth Park.

Just before 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, three males were sitting on a bench in the park when they asked a victim for the time. As the male and female victims passed by, the suspects followed them, brandished a firearm and demanded money, said Sonny Cohrs, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman. The victims complied.

Detectives describe the suspects as three black males, possibly teenagers, with one wearing a red shirt and red hat.

Then, about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, three armed males, all wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts, asked a male and female victim for the time before robbing them at gunpoint, Cohrs said.

The robberies remain under investigation. Anyone with information that can help police should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.

Savannah-Chatham police are investigating an attempted armed robbery Sunday night in a hotel in the 3600 block of Ogeechee Road.

Two men reportedly approached a male and female victim outside of a hotel room and demanded money, said Sonny Cohrs, police spokesman. When the victims explained they had no money, the suspects drove them to a nearby bank in a red four-door compact car with chrome rims. While at the bank, the victims were able to flee on foot and called police, Cohrs said.

Detectives describe one suspect as a black male in his 20s, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall with a slim build, short twists in his hair and wearing a red shirt and jeans. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 40-50 years old, short and heavyset, wearing a black shirt.

Anyone with information that can help police should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.