GLEN DALE, W.Va. — A pair of three-run innings and a strong performance from senior pitcher Micah Wilson have propelled Morgantown into prime position to reach the regional round. The Mohigans (18-7) defeated John Marshall, 8-3 in the winners bracket final of the Class AAA Region I, Section 1 tournament.
Morgantown jumped on the scoreboard just five batters into the game when Madison Wisman hit a three-run home run to left center field, giving MHS a lead they would never relinquish.
“It was huge,” said Morgantown head coach Lorri Lipscomb. “That kind of sets the tone and gives the confidence that you need. Our bats have been strong the last few games. It is carrying over. That confidence is contagious.”
The Monarchs answered back with a run in the third inning. Kaylee White’s run-scoring double sent Ava Blake to the plate, making the score 3-1.
However, the Mohigans posted their second three-run inning in the fourth. A fielders choice RBI from Anne Robinson was followed by a two-run single by Emily Peterson. MHS scored twice more in the sixth to take an 8-1 lead.
A two-run homer off the bat of Carlee Yoho pulled the Monarchs within five runs in the sixth inning. However, Wilson retired six of the final seven batters she faced to finish off a complete game victory. Wilson allowed five hits, two earned runs and she struck out six batters.
“She was confident. She was hitting some good spots. Her defense behind her really kind of gives her that boost that she needs. She hasn’t really pitched a complete game since we were down in Myrtle because she has had an arm injury. So it is nice to see her working her way back into the rotation.”
Morgantown defeated John Marshall in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference 5A Championship game on Friday.
John Marshall (21-7), the defending state champions, will now host Wheeling Park in an elimination game. The winner of Thursday’s game must later defeat Morgantown twice to win the sectional tournament.
“This is one of the toughest sections in the state. To be sitting in the winners position, that’s a first for us. We are going to take advantage of it and keep grinding it out.”