Robbinsville High School's baseball program has started the 2026 season with mixed results.
After sweeping the beginning series with Rosman, the Black Knights ran into Hayesville – the defending Smoky Mountain Conference champions – in a make-up, home doubleheader Friday. Robbinsville dropped the games 12-0, 10-0 to the Yellow Jackets.
The Knights blanked Rosman (0-5, 0-4) in March 3's season debut, 10-0. Robbinsville (2-2, 2-2) played immaculate defense against the Tigers and let its offense handle the rest, with Easton Shuler launching a homer, doubling twice and swiping two bases in the five-inning rout.
Zander Davis and Luke Lovin also doubled in the victory.
Rylen Orr earned the victory, going the distance and fanning 10 Rosman batters while issuing just one walk.
The Tigers put up a larger fight during March 6's return game in Transylvania County, but Robbinsville still prevailed 7-5. The Black Knights entered the seventh ahead 4-2, but put three on the board for insurance. Rosman attempted a comeback bid in the home-half of the frame, but were cut off by Shuler in relief as he struck out two Tigers to earn the victory.
Lovin started the game, pitching six innings and blanking seven Rosman batters.
Robbinsville struggled to get on-base in Friday's doubleheader at Loudon Orr Memorial Field, falling susceptible to a no-hitter in Game 1 and only mustering three hits in Game 2.
Hayesville (3-4, 3-0) entered the top of the fourth in Game 1 with a 2-0 lead, but exploded for nine runs to put the duel out of reach. Orr fell to 1-1, but struck out four Jackets while on the mound.
In Game 2, Peyton Brooks, Lovin and Orr each collected hits – with the latter blasting a double. However, the Knights were unable to bring Orr home and in turn, Hayesville peppered the scoreboard with runs in each inning to cap the rout.
Robbinsville will welcome Andrews (7-0, 2-0) at 4:30 p.m., Friday. Tuesday's road game against Andrews was snowed out and will be made up at 4:30 p.m., Monday, at Valley River Park.