Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHILLICOTHE — It’s called new math. Seven minus two equals a 4-3 win.
That’s the equation the South Point Pointers used on Friday as they rallied past the Adena Warriors 4-3 in the Division III district semifinals at Paint Stadium.
The Pointers fell behind 3-0 after two innings but took over from that spot and came back to beat the Warriors and advanced to Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. district championship against Lucasville Valley, a 2-1 winner over Wheelersburg in 11 innings.
“We got down 3-0 early and our kids refused to give up,” said Pointers’ coach Larry Goodwin. “We hit the ball really well. Douglas Shaffer pitched a great ball game and the defense played well.”
Shaffer struck out five, walked two, allowed six hits and gave up two earned runs in going the distance for the win.
Jarrett Garrison suffered the complete game loss. He allowed eight hits, struck out seven, walked two and all four runs were earned.
Adena went up 2-0 in the first inning.
Ethan Kunkel walked, Ethan Cunningham got a bunt single and throwing error allowed the runners to score.
The Warriors made it 3-0 in the second when Zach Fout walked, stole second and scored on a hit by Roman Long.
But the Pointers came to life in the third inning with a pair of runs.
Brycen McCann walked and an out later scored on a triple by Drew Smith. Brody Blackwell then singled home Smith.
South Point two the lead with a two-out, two-run rally in the fifth as Blackwell and Shaffer singled and Travis Dillon drilled a two-run double.
Shaffer went 2-3 while Smith and Blackwell were each 2-4 to lead the Pointers’ offense.
Cunningham was 2-4 to pace Adena.
South Point 002 020 0 = 4 8 1
Adena 210 000 0 = 3 6 1
Douglas Shaffer and Drake McClure. Jarrett Garrison and Caleb Fogelsong. W-Shaffer (K-5, BB-2, ER-2). L-Garrison (K-7, BB-2, ER-4). Hitting-SP: Drew Smith 2-4 3B rbi, Brody Blackwell 2-4 rbi, Douglas Shaffer 2-3 2B, Travis Dillon 1-3 2B 2-rbi, Ben Walls 1-3; Adena: Ethan Cunningham 2-4, Garrett Wilburn 1-3, Caleb Fogelsong 1-3 2B rbi, Zach Fout 1-2, Roman Long 1-2 rbi.