Walk-off hit lifts Chargers past Barons 4-3

By DAVID SHELTON
Special to The Item

After failing in two attempts to bunt runners over, Northwood Academy senior outfielder Brett Bullard delivered a game-winning 2-run double to rightfield, sending the Chargers to a 4-3 win over Wilson Hall in Game 1 of their best-of-three SCISA 3A state semifinals series.

Northwood, now 25-4 on the season, will travel to Sumter for Game 2 at 7 p.m. today. A third game, if needed, will be played on Friday at a neutral site.

"It was a well-played baseball game for the most part but we just couldn't close it out," said Wilson Hall coach Chuck Sterling, whose team drops to 16-7. "We clearly had a chance to win the game. We had a few mistakes late in the game, and to their credit, Northwood took advantage. It's a tough one to lose but we'll be ready to play tomorrow night. This team will bounce back and get ready to go."

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 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 then 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.

"It was an even game," said Sterling. "Both teams made some mistakes and both teams had chances to win. We just came up one play short tonight. Tomorrow is a new day."

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