The Ware County Varsity Gators traveled to compete in the Coastal Invite Tournament on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, facing South Effingham and Etowah in a challenging early-season slate.
Friday: Pitchers’ Duel Falls Just Short vs. South Effingham
Both teams were strong on the mound Friday night, but South Effingham managed to scratch across the only run of the game in a narrow 1-0 victory over the Gators.
Tanner Larisey delivered a solid start for Ware County, recording 12 outs and keeping the game within reach. South Effingham broke through in the fourth inning when Duncan singled to drive in the lone run of the contest.
Cantaline earned the win for South Effingham, surrendering just two hits over seven innings while striking out seven. Larisey took the tough-luck loss, allowing one run on five hits over four innings with three strikeouts and no walks.
Offensively, the Gators were limited to two hits - one each from Tanner Larisey and Walker Hudson. Ware County was flawless defensively, committing no errors. Hudson was busy in the field, leading the team with seven defensive chances.
South Effingham was paced by Duncan, Hollis, and Futch, who each collected two hits. The Mustangs also turned a key double play to help preserve the shutout.
Saturday: Etowah Pulls Away After Early Battle
On Saturday, the Gators squared off against Etowah and showed flashes of offensive firepower before falling 15-4.
Etowah jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Ware County responded in the third. Walker Hudson tripled to drive in two runs, and Seth Suess added a sacrifice fly to give the Gators a 3-2 advantage.
Etowah answered in a big way in the fourth, scoring six runs to reclaim the lead. A two-run double by Moore highlighted the inning. The Eagles added five more runs in the sixth, including a three-run triple by Condon and an inside-the-park home run by Borcherding.
Walker Hudson led Ware County with two RBIs, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Seth Suess, Slade Sweat, and Hudson each collected a hit, while Garrison Joyner added speed on the basepaths with two stolen bases.
Etowah tallied 12 hits in the game, with Condon, Cole, and Borcherding each collecting two hits. Condon finished 2-for-4 with five RBIs.
Despite the results, the Coastal Invite provided valuable early-season experience for the Gators as they continue to develop and prepare for region play.
Ware County returns home Monday to face Lowndes.
Week of 2/16/2026 - Baseball Schedule
Ticket & Game Day Information
Tickets for all home baseball games this week are set at $7.00 and can be purchased online at gofan.co or at the gate.
All home baseball games will also be streamed live through the NFHS Network.
Ware County Athletics enforces a clear bag policy at all home events. Additionally, middle school and elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for admission and supervision during the event.
We look forward to seeing Gator Nation at the ballpark this week as Ware County returns home.
Go Gators! 🐊