The Selma High School Saints split Wednesday’s doubleheader at Bloch Park against the Sidney Lanier Poets, winning game one 9-0, but falling 15-4 in game two.

Steven Washington, head baseball coach of Selma (7-5), said his first-team players played well in the opening game, and he tried to get some experience for his younger players in game two.

“The first game, we looked good as a unit. We’re starting to come together and play some ball as a team. We’re starting to hit the ball and cutting back on all of those errors,” Washington said. “Second game, I’ve just got to get my young guys to step it up a little bit to get ready to play some ball, but we’ve got some time down the line for that. My varsity players, first game, they’re looking good.”

After three scoreless innings to start game one, the Saints got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, as Cameron Walker scored from third on an infield single by Javarious Brooks to make it 1-0.

The Saints poured on the runs in the bottom of the fifth, starting with Eddie Thigpen scoring from third after a ball got away from the Sidney Lanier catcher, making the score 2-0.

A hit to shallow center field by Alex Inge scored another run for the Saints, as Davion Brantley came in from third and made it a 3-0 game in the bottom of the fifth.

The Saints continued to put up runs, as Keyshawn Ford hit it to deep right center field and tripled, driving in Inge and Aaron Drake in the process, making the score 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth.

The Saints added three more runs in the inning, as a ground ball hit back up the middle by Walker brought in a run, and two more runs came on errors by the Poets, making it 8-0 going into the sixth inning.

The Saints scored one more run in the game, as Inge scored from third on a fielder’s choice play in the bottom of the sixth.

Ford picked up the win for the Saints, pitching a complete game while striking out ten batters.

Washington said Ford has found his rhythm moving forward this season.

“Keyshawn came through tonight. He showed that leadership of an upperclassman, he just had to find his rhythm and find himself,” Washington said. “He’s fresh off the basketball court, so he’s really getting back in the groove of baseball, but he’s found his rhythm so he’s going to be doing his thing the rest of the season.”

Thigpen had three hits and three stolen bases in game one for the Saints.

Sidney Lanier jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in game two, but Selma scored two runs in the bottom of the first, as Brandon Moore scored on a hit to deep center field by K.D. Jones, and Jones scored from third on a sacrifice fly.

But Sidney Lanier closed the game out with a 12-run fourth inning.

Selma will take the field again Thursday at Robert E. Lee High School at 4:30 p.m.