HURRICANE, W.Va. — Hurricane is one win away from returning to the state tournament for the first time since the Redskins left Charleston with the state championship trophy. Hurricane defeated Spring Valley, 9-3 in the opening game of the best-of-three, Class AAAA Region IV series at Lola Meeks Field.
The No. 2 Redskins (26-6) scored in five of their six innings at the plate and they received another impressive start from WVU signee Weston Smith on the mound. Smith pitched 4.2 innings. He allowed just one run on two hits and he struck out five batters.
“He did what he has done all year,” said Hurricane head coach Brian Sutphin. “He has been really aggressive and gotten ahead of the hitters. He has certainly challenged from pitch one until whenever he is done throwing that night.”
Smith went 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in. He also capped the scoring with a solo home run in the sixth inning.
Hurricane outhit No. 7 Spring Valley, 10-5 and they scored the first five runs of the game. A three-run first inning gave the Redskins a lead they would not relinquish. Leadoff batter Bryson Shirkey went 3-for-4 and he scored three runs.
“Bryson has been kind of the catalyst for our offense all year. It was good to see that we hit throughout the lineup and had good at bats.”
Griffin Dempsey drove in five runs. He had three hits and a sacrifice fly.
Wyatt Gautier recorded the final seven outs of the game for Hurricane. He allowed one run.
The Redskins can clinch a state tournament berth, which would be their first since winning the state championship in 2022, with one more victory. Spring Valley will host Game 2 Tuesday. If needed, Hurricane would host the decisive game Wednesday.
“Right now, we haven’t won anything. It is good to be through step one of the tournament. But at the end of the day, you still have to get it done.
“They’ve got good arms and guys that have been really good all year. It is not going to be easy, nor should it be. Certainly we feel good and at least we’ve got a plan and we’ve got guys ready to go. They are itching to get their opportunity.”
Gabe Chambers scored two runs for the Timberwolves (24-12). Starting pitcher Jake VanArsdale had two hits. He pitched two innings before giving way to Dylan Robertson (1.1 innings) and Cole Adkins (2.2 innings).