GHC Chargers win first round game at the NJCAA World Series

May 25, 2024

Chargers' starting pitcher Trip Dovale struck out ten in Georgia Highlands first round victory.

Starting pitcher Trip Dovale tossed eight strong innings and the Georgia Highlands Chargers outhit the McLennan Highlanders eight to three on Saturday for a 5-1 opening-round win at the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Dovale (13-2) scattered just three hits and one walk in his eight innings on the mound, He struck out ten. The lone run was a Sam Flores home run in the fifth inning that tied the game 1-1 at the time. The Highlanders were retired in order in four of Dovale’s eight frames.

“Trip Dovale was unbelievable and just has ice in his veins,” said a pleased coach Dash O’Neill following the victory. “To come out and throw a three-hitter over eight innings against a team like that is unreal.”

Ryan Wideman had two hits including a solo home run in the Chargers' opening round 5-1 win over McLennan CC of Waco, Texas.

Ryan Wideman, who finished with two hits and two stolen bases, got the Chargers’ offense started with a solo home run in the fourth inning that provided a 1-0 lead. Luke Orfi and Ryan Martin drove home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. Grayson Godbee coaxed a bases-loaded walk for a run in the eighth and Ali Banks followed with an RBI single for GHC’s fifth run.

Orfi finished with two hits and one RBI. Will Cawthon had the other Georgia Highlands base hit.

“I’m just so proud of these guys for coming out and battling,” continued O’Neill. “The offense just kept coming. Their starter was 95-97 (mph) and the relievers were all 92-94 and our guys just battled their way into five runs.”

The Chargers (54-8) advance to Monday’s second round where they will face top-ranked Johnson County (Kans.) CC in an 8 p.m. start. The Cavaliers (53-11) defeated Shelton State (Ala.) 14-4 in the opening round on Saturday.

“This is such an amazing venue and experience,” O’Neill added, “so for us to come out and win the opener was incredible. It looks like we have Johnson County next and they are the No. 1 seed and No. 1 ranked team in the nation. We know it’s going to be a great ballgame. We will use the day off tomorrow (Sunday) to decide how to approach them, but we’re just focused on playing our game.”