Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

SOUTH POINT — If it isn’t a close, well-pitched game by both teams, the South Point Pointers must not be involved.
In yet another strong pitching performance by Douglas Shaffer, the Pointers got a run in the seventh inning to beat the Meigs Marauders 1-0 to claim the Division III sectional championship.
“Douglas Shaffer pitched a great game,” said Pointers’ coach Larry Goodwin. “I can’t say enough about the defense. They played superb.”
Shaffer gave up only two hits, struck out four and did not walk a batter. He threw just 74 pitches with 53 for strikes.
Meigs got an equally strong effort from Briar Wolfe who gave up just three hits, struck out two, walked three and threw 90 pitches — 56 for strikes.
South Point (19-4) got the only run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Ben Walls walked and pinch-runner Jacob Wise went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Drake McClure. Logan Rose then singled to right-center on an 0-1 pitch as Wise scored.
“In the bottom of the seventh, Walls was able to draw a leadoff walk, Drake McClure executed the perfect sacrifice bunt and Logan Rose hit base hit to right-center for the walk-off win. I was very pleased with my team’s effort and focus,” said Goodwin.
Meigs did not have a runner reach second base. The only hits were a two-out single by Zach Helton in the first inning and a two-out single by Brentten Young in the seventh inning.
The only other baserunner came in the second inning when Wesley Smith reached on an error.
South Point’s other two hits were singles by Brody Blackwell and Brycen McCann.
South Point plays Adena at 7 p.m. on Friday in the district semifinals at Paint Stadium in Chillicothe.
Adena beat North Adams 14-0 in five innings.
Meigs 000 000 0 = 0 2 2
South Point 000 000 1 = 1 3 1
Briar Wolfe and Zach Helton. Douglas Shaffer and Drake McClure. W-Shaffer (K-4, BB-0). L-Wolfe (K-2, BB-3, ER-1). Hitting-Meigs: Zach Helton 1-3, Brentten Young 1-3; SP: Brody Blackwell 1-3, Logan Rose 1-3 rbi, Brycen McCann 1-2.