Mustangs gallop to district finals

CHILLICOTHE — The Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs showed the true definition of how a team can succeed when they play as one on Saturday afternoon.

LC did the little things right in the field, they used patience at the plate … add that with a top-notch pitching performance, and it all led to a 6-0 shutout win over the Alexander Spartans in their Division III SE District semifinal game at VA Memorial Stadium.

The win by LC in district play for the first time in 15 seasons made LC head coach Garyn Waits say he was even a bit emotional following the victory.

"I know there is a saying where there is 'no crying in baseball,' but walking out to talk to my team after the game, I was getting a bit emotional," he said. "Being in Division III, with the size of the schools and their numbers, it's rare to get a win like this.

"When we got the seeding we did, my friends in the coaching ranks said we had a chance with our bracket. This was an exciting game, and we all had the nerves going. Maybe that's the edge we need to keep from here on out."

LC (16-11) won't have to wait long as their district final game is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. as they face Wheelersburg at VA Memorial Stadium.

As for their victorious Saturday, a lot can be credited to pitching and defense, as the Mustangs had just two errors, and the defense made many plays that saved runs and extra bases, which turned out to be big moments throughout the game.

With the defense and pitching by starter Terry Campbell keeping the Spartans in check, the offense of the Mustangs scattered runs throughout the contest.

LC, the away team, took the lead early with one run in the top of the first with Tyler Davidson (1-for-2, two runs, two walks) leading off the inning with a base hit to centerfield. Gage Waits (3-for-4, two RBIs) followed with an infield base hit, as he beat the tag at first base. With one out, Wes Pierson singled to right field, scoring Davidson for the game's first run and a 1-0 lead.

The Mustangs (the current three-peat Southern Hills League Division I champion) made it a 3-0 lead with Ryan Inman and Campbell rounding the bases on a two-out (bases loaded), two-RBI single by Waits for a 3-0 advantage. Both Inman and Campbell walked with one out to reach the bases.

In the third, the lead went to 4-0 with Pierson scoring on a bases-loaded walk by Inman with no outs. Pierson reached first on an infield error to lead off the inning.

LC added to their lead in the top of the sixth with two runners crossing the plate with Josh Bauer and Davidson making it a six-run lead with Bauer scoring on a passed ball and Chaz Lanier batting in Davidson on a fly ball to right field.

Also gaining a hit for LC in the game was Scott Cawood.

As for the pitching and defense of the Mustangs, it almost closely mirrored their offense as it was productive from all aspects.

Campbell (6-1) was the winning pitcher for the second time this postseason. On Saturday, he pitched seven innings, allowing no runs on five hits and no walks, while striking out three, as he faced 27 batters.

"Terry was in charge out there (Saturday)," Waits said. "I got to figure who I'm going to send out there next, but this game, Terry made this his game."

The loss went to Weffler of Alexander. He finished allowing six runs (five earned) with seven strikeouts and six walks, including three in the second inning.

The Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs showed the true definition of how a team can succeed when they play as one on Saturday afternoon.

LC did the little things right in the field, they used patience at the plate … add that with a top-notch pitching performance, and it all led to a 6-0 shutout win over the Alexander Spartans in their Division III SE District semifinal game at VA Memorial Stadium.

It didn't matter if the count was 2-1, 3-1 … he would throw his curveball at them for a strike, and he let them know he was in charge. Not many kids can throw that pitch with that count and the pressure … Terry did."

The defense behind Campbell converted a double play in the third to end the inning, keeping one run from crossing the plate. In the fifth, shortstop Lanier made a diving stop and throw to first for the second out of the inning. Also in the fourth, Davidson made a catch midway in right field, bobbling, but keeping hold of the baseball for the second out of that inning.

"This win is just unbelievable," Waits said. "Our defense was just great, especially with it being the first time they've played on this field. We hadn't had a chance to see Alexander play with rainouts, but they were a good team, but our defense just made some nice plays.

"Chaz saved a couple hits from being doubles, and Joey (Butler) had a big play at first base. Tyler had a couple nice stops. I told the kids to play with heart and give it all you got … they did that and more. I'm proud of them."

BOX SCORE
LC 121 002 0 — 6 7 2
AHS 000 000 0 — 0 5 1