The Long County Blue Tide were off to a hot start for the 2024 season before running into Tattnall County last week. They lost their first game of the season 1-0, but welcomed in the Warriors on Tuesday and avenged their loss in another defensive battle, winning 3-1.

Landon Runyon carried the Tide on the mound for the first six innings and that was a big reason why they secured the victory.

Runyon struck out five of the first 11 batters he faced and did not allow any hits through the first five innings. He also brought home the first two runs for the Tide.

Jamison Thomas led off the bottom of the first with a single before Shannon Filkins advanced him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Runyon cracked a double into left field to score his fellow senior and give the Tide a 1-0 lead going into the second inning after a Warrior double play ended the inning.

The Warriors got on the board in the top of the third inning. A runner reached on an error and made it to third on two passed balls. A third passed ball allowed the Warrior runner to score and tie the game at 1-1. Runyon then struck out the next two batters to bring the top of the order back up for the Tide.

It was a case of the deja vu for the Tide as Thomas singled to open the third before Runyon brought him home on a double to give the Tide a 2-1 lead going into the fourth inning.

Runyon allowed his first hit of the game in the top of the sixth inning before an error put another runner on base with no outs for the Warriors.

It looked as though the Warriors were poised to tie the game or take the lead before Runyon struck out the next two batters he faced.

A two-out walk loaded the bases before Runyon and his defense worked their way out of the jam to get the final out and preserve their one-run lead.

They added to their lead with an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with two outs on the board. Roderick Randall, making his first start since the end of basketball season, singled and stole second.

Wyatt Huston then brought home Randall with a bloop to shallow right field and give the Tide a 3-1 lead going into the seventh inning.

Thomas took over for his fellow East Georgia commit on the mound and allowed one hit. This hit, however, set up the Tide for a game-ending double play.

The Tide moved to 6-1 on the year. Runyon struck out nine batters and allowed just one hit with two walks. He was also 2-for-2 at the plate with two doubles and two RBIs.

They will host the Bacon County Red Raiders on Thursday, Feb. 29. The Tide beat the Raiders in Alma 9-4 in their first meeting two weeks ago.