HEDGESVILLE, W.Va. — Washington scored eight runs in the sixth inning to put away Hedgesville Wednesday night, 16-2, as the Patriots secured their second baseball state tournament appearance in the last four seasons.
“Our kids at this time last year were 10-16,” said Washington coach Mark Hash. “We were starting six sophomores and now we are starting eight juniors and one senior. What’s been nice about the season has been watching these guys come together as a team.”
Washington (24-5) won the first game in the best of three series 4-1 back on Tuesday and was simply too much for Hedgesville again on Wednesday. The Patriots opened the game with three runs in the first and five more in the second, taking an 8-1 lead into the third.
With many regional matchups postponed Wednesday (and some Tuesday) by rain, Washington became the first team of any class to advance into next week’s state tournament from Charleston.
“We like our chances,” Hash said. “We don’t know who we’re playing yet or what our seed will be, but our kids have never felt pressure. They’re so doggone loose and they just come to play. They play so hard, no matter what happens.
“A couple of years ago when we made the state tournament in 2014, I think we were just glad to be there,” Hash said. “I think this group will be glad to be there, but they’re going to look to win some ballgames, too.”
The Patriots in sectional play eliminated two-time defending state champion and No. 2 ranked Jefferson, beating the Cougars in two straight tries.
“I know what it takes to go over to Jefferson, and to beat them twice, within a week, is very unheard of at their place,” Hash said. “Beating them once is tough enough. It was special. We’re really proud of what we’ve done.
“In the last seven years, we’ve won three sectional titles and this is our second regional title,” Hash said. “When you take into consideration the history of (Jefferson’s) program and what they’ve done, it’s pretty pleasing.”
Nathan Kerr picked up the complete game (6 inning) win on the mound Wednesday, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out 10.
Cameron Pine finished 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs for the Patriots at the plate, while Xavian Nawaz went 3-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored as well in the win.