Wildcats walk off with 2-1 win over Chapel Hill

Strong pitching performances were the order of the day Saturday but Woodland managed a pair of runs late — including a walk-off, hit by pitch in the bottom of the seventh — to outlast visiting Chapel Hill, 2-1.

With the score tied 1-1 heading into the Wildcats’ half of the seventh, Woodland took advantage of a walk, a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt by Conner Stermer, and an intentional walk to load the bases when Mason Williams was hit by a pitch to drive in the game-winning run.

Ayden Ray, who drove in the Wildcats' first run with a fifth inning single, picked up the pitching win for Woodland by retiring the final two outs in the top of the seventh. Austin Daves (4.1 IP, 1ER, 4H, 1BB, 7K) started on the bump for the Wildcats with Zach Lambert (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 1K) and Logan Bentley (1 IP, 1BB, 1K) working in relief. The four Woodland pitchers combined for nine strikeouts and just one earned run.

Chapel Hill starting pitcher, Caiden Stewart (6 IP, 1ER, 4H, 3BB, 10K) fanned ten in a non-decision outing. Bryant Monday was tagged with the loss allowing an earned run without recording an out. Ryan Wynn recorded two outs in the seventh, issued an intentional walk, and hit Williams with the game’s final pitch.

Jabari Johnson had two of the Panthers’ five hits. Wynn and Khari Hartman both doubled with Phillip Ackerman adding one hit for the Chapel Hill offense.

Jakiyon Porter had two hits for Woodland. Stermer and Ray (RBI) had one hit apiece.

The loss dropped Chapel Hill to 3-3 on the season.

Woodland (2-2) plays at North Springs Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.