With the bases loaded, Latta’s #1 Jeremy Jenkins hits a three RBI single in the third inning. (Photo by Mark King/THE DILLON HERALD.)
Latta picked up four runs in the bottom of the first inning and added three in the second, five in the third, and three in the fourth to seal the win.
Christian Hendrix picked up the win on the mound, pitching five no-hit innings and striking out 11. Sam Stewart pitched two innings for the loss, allowing five hits and 10 runs with seven earned runs and four walks. Ryan Green also pitched two innings for Whale Branch.
At bat for Latta, Aubrey Brunson went 1-for-1 with a triple and two RBI; John Kever Love went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI; Travis Power went 1-for-2 with two RBI; Jackson Williams went 1-for-4 with two RBI; and Jeremy Jenkins went 2-for-2 with one RBI.
Latta improved to 19-3 with the win and claimed the District VIII title, the third district title for the Vikings in the last four years. Latta outscored their district opponents 59-0 in three games.
Latta will advance to the first round of the Class A Lower State playoffs, where they will travel to face East Clarendon at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The Wolverines finished as the Region 7-A champion, but fell 6-3 to Hannah-Pamplico in the opening round of the District VII playoffs. East Clarendon battled their way back from the elimination bracket, knocking off Allendale-Fairfax and defeating Cross 15-2 to advance to the district championship on Tuesday. The Wolverines shut out Hannah-Pamplico 11-0 to force a second game, and defeated the Raiders 7-2 to claim the district title.
The rest of the lower state playoff bracket was set to be decided on Wednesday night, with Johnsonville facing Branchville and Lake View hosting Carver’s Bay.
Photos by Mark King/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!
