Fannin County split a Friday doubleheader with Chattooga, riding a dominant pitching performance in the opener before coming up just short in a tight nightcap.

The Rebels came out sharp in game one, blanking Chattooga 6-0 behind a complete-game shutout from Hudson York. The right-hander kept the Indians off balance all afternoon, while Fannin’s offense did just enough early to take control.

Cayden Reece got things started with a sacrifice fly in the first, and the Rebels added to it in the second when Karson Brown delivered an RBI single and another run crossed on a Chattooga error. That was more than enough support for York, who also helped his own cause at the plate with two RBIs from the eight spot. Brown led the way in hits, going 2-for-3, while Fannin applied pressure on the bases with four steals in the win.

Game two flipped into a pitcher’s duel, with Fannin’s Casen Bailey matching zeros early and turning in a strong outing despite the loss. Bailey struck out 11 over seven innings, allowing just three runs, but a two-run homer from Chattooga’s Jai Winston in the second inning proved to be the difference.

The Rebels threatened throughout, showing patience at the plate with nine walks, and Nate O’Neal drove in Fannin’s lone run while going 2-for-4. Hudson York reached base three times via walk as well, but Fannin couldn’t find the timely hit to break through.

In the end, the split showed both sides of the Rebels — the ability to dominate behind strong pitching and timely hitting, and the frustration of letting a close one slip away despite a quality start on the mound.

Fannin now turns its attention to the road, set to travel to Gordon Lee for its next matchup.