Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHILLICOTHE — Wheelersburg has beaten Chesapeake in the postseason tournament in each of the last two seasons, but the Panthers have made it tough on the Pirates.

Last season, the Pirates beat the Panthers 2-0 in the sectional finals. On Thursday, Wheelersburg managed to get past Chesapeake 3-0 in the Division III district finals at Veteran’s Stadium.

Marshall recruit Wade Martin out-dueled Chesapeake’s Blake Lester as the two pitchers battled for seven innings.

Martin had a perfect game with two outs in the seventh inning when he gave up back-to-back singles to Lester and Dakota Blankenship. He struck out 16 and did not walk a batter.

Lester gave up only six hits — two were bunt singles — while striking out two and walking two.

The Pirates got a run in the first inning when Jordan Howard walked, Tristan Browning had a bunt single, Martin hit into a force play and Kyle Jenkins hit into a fielder’s choice as the run scored.

Wheelersburg added two runs in the third inning.

Martin walked, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Kyle Davis. He then stole second and scored on an error.

Chesapeake finished the season 17-7 and Ohio Valley Conference champions.

Davis was 2-for-3 as the Pirates won their eighth straight district title.

Chesapeake 000 000 0 = 0 2 2

Wheelersburg 102 000 x = 3 6 0

Blake Lester and Blake Ashworth. Wade Martin and Andrew Conn. W-Martin (K-16, BB-0). L-Lester (K-2, BB-2). Hitting-Chesy: Blake Lester 1-3, Dakota Blankenship 1-3; Wh: Tristan Browning 1-3, Kyle 2-3, Jacob Roe 1-3, Austin May 1-3, Michael Green 1-3.