Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHILLICOTHE — Sometimes, things just aren’t meant to be.

The Portsmouth West Senators jumped out to an early lead and went on to beat the Rock Hill Redmen 7-1 on Saturday in the Division III district finals at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“The game was closer than the final score, but we just couldn’t get anything going offensively against them,” said Rock Hill coach Barry Litteral.

“We hit the ball hard but right at them. Our guys gave a great effort all year. We just came up short, but it’s been a good season.”

The Redmen — who won their third straight Ohio Valley Conference title this season — finish the year 14-7.

West used a walk and four hits to score four times in the second inning.

Rock Hill got its run in the fourth when Jack Goodwin walked and Jonathan Joseph doubled.

West added three insurance runs in the sixth highlighted by Evan Howard’s two-run triple.

Brady Knittel pitched a three-hitter for West. He struck out eight and walked one.

West (14-9) stunned Piketon 4-2 in the semifinals. The Senators won their first district title since 1995 and will play Wheelersburg at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the regional semifinals.

Rock Hill 000 100 0 = 1 3 2

Ports. West 040 003 x = 7 6 1

Levi Wilds, Jordan Hairston (4), Jonathan Joseph (5) and Austin Kidd. Brady Knittel and Trevar Welch. W-Knittel, 6-1 (K-8, BB-4). L-Wilds, 2-2 (IP-3, K-1, BB-1, R-4, ER-4, H-5). 2B-RH: Jonathan Joseph. 3B-PW: Austin Howard. Hitting-RH: Laden Delawder 1-3, Jonathan Joseph 1-3 rbi, Jordan Hairston 1-3; PW: Wesley Book 1-3 rbi, Nate Reynolds 1-2, Trevar Welch 1-2, Austin Howard 1-2 rbi-2, Travis Smith 1-3, Justin Scott 1-3.