RACHEL, W.Va. — For the first time in the 41-year history of North Marion High School, the Huskies are bound for the state baseball tournament. North defeated Frankfort 9-1 Wednesday afternoon to secure the Class AA Region I championship.
“I am so proud to be their coach. And I am so proud of them. They deserve all the credit,” said North Marion head coach Vic Seccuro.
The Huskies (19-8) were seeded fourth in their five-team sectional tournament. However, they have won all six of their postseason games. That run included lengthy road trips to both panhandles.
“We went three times (to the northern panhandle) for the sectionals. Then we had to go twice to Frankfort because we had the suspended game. That’s hard on you. I don’t know how hard it was on them but it was really hard on me.”
North Marion scored three runs in the first inning to supply them with all the offense they would need. The Huskies added one run in the third, three in the fourth and two more in the fifth.
Senior Jace Rinehart tossed a two-hitter for the Huskies. He did not walk a batter and struck out six.
“He seemed to be in control. He knew what he was doing out there,” Seccuro said. “I have seen him throw a little bit harder, believe it or not. He didn’t seem to be throwing that hard today but he got the job done and kept them off balance.”
Rinehart also went 3-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBI. Cole Malnick had a pair of hits.
Frankfort’s (12-12) lone run came in the sixth on a solo home run from Andrew Lynch.
Herbert Hoover and Logan also qualified for the Class AA state tournament field Wednesday. Independence and Bluefield will play the decisive game of their regional Thursday.
“I knew these kids were special. From the get go, we told them that you can get there. If you don’t be your worst enemy, you can get there. They have proven that all year, in sectionals and right now too.”