Deerfield-Windsor sweeps Terrell Academy

ALBANY — In a rivalry that rarely lacks intensity, Deerfield-Windsor left little doubt this week who holds the upper hand.

The Knights controlled all three games against Terrell Academy — including a 5-0 and 6-4 sweep Thursday in Albany after Tuesday’s win in Dawson — to push their record to 8-1 and extend their winning streak to eight games.

More than just wins, the series revealed a team settling into a clear identity.

“Once again our pitching stood out,” Deerfield-Windsor head coach Kyle Keen said. “David Hutchins dominated game one — complete game shutout and only threw 77 pitches.”

Hutchins was in command from the start in Thursday’s opener, allowing just two hits while efficiently working through seven innings. The Eagles never found a rhythm at the plate as Hutchins controlled the tempo throughout.

Deerfield-Windsor gave him early support.

Grier Morey’s two-run double in the first inning set the tone, and the Knights added another run in the second on a wild pitch to build a quick 3-0 lead. Patient at the plate and aggressive on the bases, Deerfield-Windsor drew nine walks and stole six bases, constantly applying pressure.

Gabe Daniel collected two hits from the leadoff spot, while Collins Clark drove in two runs. Terrell Academy managed just two hits, one each from Hunter Green and Brody Cowart.

If the opener showcased dominance, the nightcap showed resilience.

Terrell Academy briefly seized control, taking a 2-1 lead in the second inning on a Deerfield error and an RBI single from Brooks Strickland. The Eagles regained the lead again in the fourth when Bo Holland drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-2.

But Deerfield-Windsor answered with the game’s decisive swing.

Drake Wiggins delivered a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the fourth, turning a one-run deficit into a 5-3 advantage the Knights would not relinquish.

“Gage Tomlinson came out strong in game two but took a comebacker off his foot, so he had to throw with some discomfort,” Keen said. “He was still able to give us five strong innings, and then Morey Grier came in the last two innings to get the save.”

Tomlinson earned the win, allowing just one earned run over five innings, while Grier closed the door late.

Deerfield-Windsor finished with 10 hits in the finale. Collins Clark led the way with three hits, Wiggins drove in three runs, and Hutchins added two hits. Daniel continued to create problems on the bases with two steals.

“Our offense was better than Tuesday, but it’s still not where we want it to be,” Keen said. “We are getting runners on base and failing to get them in.”

For Terrell Academy, the series reflected both effort and inexperience as a young roster continues to develop.

“It was a tough day,” Eagles head coach Ashley Walker said. “Again, we have to pitch it better and play better defense.”

Strickland led the Eagles in the finale, going 2-for-2 with two RBI, while Cowart battled through five innings on the mound.

The sweep not only extended Deerfield-Windsor’s winning streak, but reinforced a formula that is quickly becoming its identity — dominant pitching, pressure on the bases and timely extra-base hits.

Both teams now head into spring break looking to reset.

Deerfield-Windsor returns to action Thursday at home against Wilcox County, while Terrell Academy travels to St. Simons Island for games at Frederica Academy against Calvary Christian and Wilmington Christian Academy (N.C.).