Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — The Fairland Dragons had just two hits, but one of those hits was all they needed.

Robert Thompson’s two-out run-scoring single produced the only run of the game as Fairland blanked the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes 1-0 on Wednesday in the Division III sectional tournament.

“We’ve had a lot of two-out hits this year. It was a clean shot,” said Fairland coach Bryan Ward.

“Both teams played well and made some nice defensive plays. We hit five or six balls hard right at them, and they hit some balls hard that we made plays on. We got some good pitching and a clutch hit from Thompson.”

Dylan Murphy went six-plus innings for the win. He gave up only two hits, struck out eight and walked one.

Collin Damron got the save as he struck out two.

Losing pitcher Hunter Dobbs struck out two and gave up just one walk, but that walk proved costly.

Fairland got the lone run in the fifth as Seth Clay walked to lead off the inning. Dairus Stapleton hit a rocket shot that knocked Dobbs down and his only play was first base.

Garrett Scheibelhood grounded out as Clay went to third base and Thompson got a two-out single to right field to dive in the run.

“We’ve had a lot of two-out hits this year. It was a clean shot,” said Ward.

The Buckeyes threatened in the seventh.

Dobbs reached on an error but Tyler Smith hit into a fielder’s choice. Smith moved up on a passed ball and Damron came on to strike out the next batter.

He struck out a second batter but a missed third strike allowed the man to reach. But Damron got a Shakin Williams on a comebacker to end the game.

Murphy had Fairland’s only other hit. Williams and Liam Tomkins had N-Y’s hits.

Fairland (9-10) will now play at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wheelersburg in the sectional finals.

Nelsonville 000 000 0 = 0 2 0

Fairland 000 010 x = 1 2 2

Hunter Dobbs and Tyler Smith. Dylan Murphy, Collin Damron (7) and Garrett Scheibelhood. W-Murphy (K-8, BB-1, H-2). Save-Damron (K-2). L-Dobbs (K-2, BB-1, ER-1). Hitting-NY: Liam Tomkins 1-3 2B, Shakin Williams 1-2; FHS: Dylan Murphy 1-3, Robert Thompson 1-2.