The No. 23 team in the state, Hart County, traveled to Elbert County on Tuesday to take on their longtime rival. Southern Union commit Will Dean (2021) put on a show as Hart County was able to hold on to defeat Elbert 4-2. Dean pitched 6 ⅔ tallying 11 strikeouts, while only allowing three hits. He also helped his own cause with a two run home run in the top of the 3rd inning. Dean took advantage of his lively fastball that was 85-89 and touched 90 in the 7th inning, while also mixing in a slider that was 72-74.

Hart County called on Clemson commit Casey Tallent (2021) to come in and close the door as he recorded the final out for the bulldogs. In the one hitter he faced, Tallent ran his fast ball up to 92 mph to record the strikeout to clinch the game for the Bulldogs.

While struggling to get the bats going all night, Elbert County did have a few guys that stood out. Senior shortstop Carson Adams produced the loudest contact against Dean for the Blue Devils, including a hard double down the left field line that almost sparked a late rally. Senior Austin Duck had a good showing out of the bullpen to keep Elbert County within striking distance. Duck was able to get guys out featuring a fastball that sat 77-80, along with an impressive slider that gave the Hart County hitters fits. 

No. 23 Hart County will be back in action against the Blue Devils on Wednesday 2/24, with Tallent set to take the hill to try and help Bulldogs sweep the season series in this heated rivalry.

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