LOST CREEK, W.Va. — A six-run, six-hit sixth inning propelled Williamstown to a successful defense of their Little Kanawha Conference Tournament title with a 10-2 win at South Harrison.
After defeating Ravenswood, 10-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal, the Yellowjackets broke open a close game late against the Hawks.
“Hands down, in my opinion, this is one of the best conferences in the state,” said Williamstown head coach Levi Maxwell. “The competition that comes out of here year in and year out, you’ve got to compete and you’ve got to be ready. Anybody can beat anybody at any time in this conference.”
During the regular season, the Hawks and the Yellowjackets split a pair of meetings with each team winning on their home field. On March 25, SHHS senior Layton Wageman held WHS to one run. In Friday’s contest, the Yellowjackets scored four runs off Wageman (two earned) in three innings.
“I think the guys were seeing good fastballs. We’re talking about excellent pitching we saw today.
“[Wageman] is the type of pitcher that is extremely crafty. He’s got that senior leadership. Being able to get hits off a guy like that, it is excellent for us.”
Jacob Watts pitched two scoreless frames of relief for the Hawks before Williamstown broke the game open in the sixth.
Ty Ott went the distance on the hill for WHS. He allowed eight hits, struck out six and did not walk a batter.
“I think the senior experience with him and having the ability to settle in, he was getting hit there but he made an adjustment with his pitches and he did a good job.”
Each starter in the Williamstown lineup reached base at least once. Carson Hill went 2-for-3 and he drove in four runs. Ott and Wyatt Siley also had a pair of hits.
After enduring a four-game losing streak two weeks ago, Williamstown (16-8) has won six consecutive games.
“Pitching has been great. But we have been hitting the ball very well of late. That makes a difference. And then making the routine plays. When we make the routine plays and play defense, we do a good job.”
Corey Saltis and Gabe Ferrell drove in runs for South Harrison (17-11). Saltis, Brogan Medina and Seth Gain each had two hits for the Hawks.