Wildcats Edge Marion 4-3 To Stay Alive in Playoffs

The Dillon Wildcats edged the Marion Swamp Foxes 4-3 on Monday night to stay alive in the Class AA Lower State Baseball Tournament.

Marion jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Jamie Callahan got to base on a walk in the bottom of the third and Kyle Britt followed up with a two-run homer to tie things up 2-2. The Wildcats loaded the bases with a single from Daniel Huggins, a walk from Tripp Wallace, and an infield single from Thomas Grossetti.

Marion brought in Chris Washington to pitch, and Washington struck out the first Dillon batter he faced. But Weston Bailey hit a ground ball that Marion’s second baseman Keenan Johnson misplayed, allowing Huggins to score to give Dillon a 3-2 lead. But Marion tied things up again in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Huggins.

In the seventh, Marion’s coach Don Cribb took Washington out and brought in Johnson, who walked both Jamie Callahan and Kyle Britt. Both moved up on a passed ball, and Huggins flew out to center field. Washington snagged the ball and nearly threw out Callahan, but the Wildcat slid into base safely for the 4-3 win.

Kwinton Smith picked up the win for Dillon in relief, while Johnson took the loss for Marion. C.J. Hopkins and Dylan Godbold each had two hits for the Swamp Foxes.

Dillon is now 18-3 overall. The Wildcats were scheduled to travel to Hanahan on Wednesday night to determine who will face Bishop England for the Lower State title on Friday. The Battling Bishops are the defending State Champions.

In the upper state, Gilbert will face the winner of Wednesday night’s game between Palmetto and Strom Thurmond.