CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A six-run deficit was erased by a pair of productive innings for Spring Valley as the Timberwolves advanced to the championship game of the Mountain State Athletic Conference Tournament for the second consecutive season. Trailing 7-1 in the fourth inning, Spring Valley scored the final 11 runs to defeat top-seeded George Washington, 12-7 in the semifinal round at GoMart Ballpark.
The Patriots (15-11) chased Spring Valley starting pitcher Grant Stratton after he retired just seven batters. GW scored three times in the third inning and four more in the fourth.
“I didn’t like our energy,” said Spring Valley head coach Austin Pratt. “Credit GW, they came out and hit. Grant is our best and they came out and got a lot of key hits. They found a lot of holes and they barreled a lot up. Grant didn’t have his best stuff and I probably brought him back on too short of a rest. But I am proud of our kids for battling.”
Freshman pitcher Jake Van Arsdale entered the game in the fourth inning and kept the Patriots off the scoreboard the rest of the way. He tossed four innings of scoreless relief. Van Arsdale allowed three hits and struck out three batters.
“Jake is a ninth grader and I have tried to get him accustomed to some big innings. He’s got the stuff to do it and he competed today. He had a huge hit too when he got in the lineup. He’s going to be a special kid.”
In the decisive fifth inning, Spring Valley (18-8) scored nine runs and sent 14 batters to the plate.
Garrett Wagoner led the Wolves at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI.
Spring Valley won their first MSAC title in over two decades last year. They look to complete the title defense Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Cabell Midland.
“It was huge last year to get it for the first time in 22 years. To do it back-to-back would be even better. Our guys are motivated. Hopefully they come with some energy early and we don’t have to battle back. We can compete for seven innings and see what happens.
Abe Fenwick led the Patriot attack, going 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Chuck Kelley also added two hits. In relief of starting pitcher Eli Smith, Bryson Hoff struck out five batters and allowed one run in three innings for GW.