Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Dane Wilson is one of those people who just test well.
Wilson was put to the test again and passed with flying colors as he pitched a three-hit shutout and the Ironton Fighting Tigers got a run in the seventh inning to beat the Alexander Spartans 1-0 on Wednesday in the Division III sectional tournament.
Wilson struck out six, walked two and hit two in going the distance. He also went 2-3 at the plate with two doubles.
“The layoff hurt a little, but Dane pitched another test game. Everyone comes with their best game to test him and he always rises to the test,” said Ironton coach Red Burcham.
“Give their pitcher a lot of credit. He threw the ball really hard. We had our chances several ttimes but couldn’t capitalize. That’s a credit to their pitcher and their defense.”
Ironton (12-8) will now host Nelsonville at 11 a.m. Saturday in the sectional finals. The Buckeyes beat River Valley 12-0.
Spartans’ pitcher Cliff Harris — who has signed with Ohio University and been clocked at 94 miles an hour —  allowed six hits, struck out 11 and walked five as he pitched a complete game.
Ironton scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Ethan Duncan singled to right and went to second base when the rightfielder tried to throw behind him but the ball got away. Duncan then went to third base on a wild pitch.
Brycen Thomas was walked and stole second. Pinch-hitter Tanner Bowles drilled a base hit to deep right sending Duncan home with the winning run.
“Duncan and Bowles both had clutch hits and we executed well,” said Burcham.
Ironton threatened in the fourth.
Gage Salyers singled, stole second and went to third on a ground out but was thrown out at home on Thomas’ groundball .
Alexander    000    000    0    =    0    3    2
Ironton       000    000    1    =    1    6    1
Chace Harris and Conner Wingett. Dane Wilson and Jacob Koerper. W-Wilson (K-6, BB-2, HBP-2). L-Harris (K-11, BB-5). Hititng-Alex: Chace Harris 1-3 2B, Jordan Colburn 1-2, Austin McClain 1-2; Ironton: Dane Wilson 2-3 2-2B, Gage Salyers 1-3, Kyle Kleinman 1-3, Ethan Duncan 1-2, Tanner Bowles 1-2 RBI.