Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

OAK HILL — Garrett Carrico isn’t a machine. He just pitched like one on Wednesday.
The Ironton senior right-hander scattered six hits, struck out five and walked one as the Fighting Tigers beat the Oak Hill Oaks 4-1 in the Division III sectional tournament.
“Garrett located his fastball well and stayed ahead of hitters from the start,” said Ironton coach Travis Wylie.
“Garrett is on a tear right now and finishing his final year strong. I think all the seniors are playing with that same mentality right now.”
Ironton (7-11) will now play at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Rock Hill in the sectional finals.
Carrico also went 2-3 at the plate along with Tanner Bowles who was 2-3 with a run batted in.
“Tanner Bowles had a good night at the plate, too. We have several guys make really good plays in the field to help out our ace,” said the Ironton coach.
Ironton jumped in front 2-0 in the first inning.
Gage Salyers led off the game with a base hit and went to second when Gage Butler’s sacrifice bunt was misplayed for an error.
After Carrico lined out, Ethan Duncan walked and Brycen Thomas hit into a force out at second base that scored Salyers. Bowles followed with an RBI single.
Oak Hill got its run in the second inning when Austin Dean singled, Hunter Lahrmer drew a one-out walk and Trevor Moore had a RBI single.
The Oaks never got a runner past first base in any other inning.
The score remained 2-1 until Ironton pushed across two more runs in the fourth.
Bowles led off the inning with a single, Joel Blankenship walked and Ayden Barnes singled to load the bases.
Cameron Deere was hit by a pitch to force home Bowles and Salyers grounded into a double play as Blankenship scored.
Jared Walls took the loss as he struck out five, walked three, gave up six hits and only two of the runs were earned.

Ironton 200 200 0 = 4 6 1
Oak Hill 010 000 0 = 1 6 1
Garrett Carrico and Brycen Thomas. Jared Walls and Trevor Moore. W-Carrico (K-5, BB-1, ER-1). L-Walls (K-5, BB-3, ER-2). Hitting-Ironton: Gage Salyers 1-4, Garrett Carrico 2-3, Tanner Bowles 2-3 rbi, Ayden Barnes 1-3; OH: Gavin Jonas 1-3, Bayley Clutters 1-3, Austin Dean 1-3, Brock Eggers 1-3, Hunter Lahrmer 1-2, Trevor Moore 1-3 rbi.