Chargers rally past Wilson Hall

SCISA Class AAA Baseball

After failing in two attempts to bunt runners over, Northwood Academy senior outfielder Brett Bullard delivered a game-winning two-run double to right, sending the Chargers to a 4-3 win over Wilson Hall in Game 1 of a three-game lower state championship series.

Northwood, now 25-4 on the season, will travel to Sumter for Game 2 today. A third game, if needed, will be played on Friday.

"It's a credit to the character of these kids for battling and staying in the game," said Northwood head coach Jerry Stoots. "It looked there for a while that we might not ever score, but we got a break or two and took advantage. It was a really good baseball game. Wilson Hall is a very good baseball team."

Both teams sent their aces to the mound and both were as good as advertised. Wilson Hall starter Tyler Broome did not allow a run through five innings. Northwood starter Ryan Philpott (9-1) allowed eight hits and two earned runs through seven, striking out 10.

Wilson Hall scored a run in the first inning on Brent Klapthor's RBI double. The Barons scored twice in the second, aided by a pair of errors, and Broome held the Chargers to only three hits through five innings.

Northwood scratched for two runs in the sixth. After Philpott led off the inning with a double, Broome retired the next two hitters. Chris Cook hit a soft roller between the mound and third but Broome's throw to first sailed high, sending Philpott home and Cook to second. Jacob Hill followed with a single to score Cook, cutting the lead to 3-2.

Wilson Hall threatened in the seventh but left two runners on as Philpott fanned the side.

Pinch-hitter Kenny Anderson led off the bottom of the seventh with a single to right. Thomas Levander attempted to move the runner to second with a bunt, but Broome was unable to field the pop-up near the first base line and both runners were safe.

Bullard was called on to bunt but fouled off the first pitch. The second pitch was low but Bullard offered. The ball skipped past catcher Samuel Key, allowing the runners to move up. Bullard then laced the 0-2 pitch off the fence in right for the game-winner.

"I just tried to stay positive and focused on putting the ball in play with two strikes," said Bullard.

"I was a little surprised to get a fastball and I just tried not to miss it. It's a great feeling."

Key and Klapthor each had two hits for the Barons. Bullard had two hits for the Chargers.