Gordon Lee wins trip to state-finals series
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — Mike Dunfee’s most often-quoted advice to his Gordon Lee baseball players is “Just keep playing the game and good things can happen.”
The meaning was played out in Thursday’s GHSA Class A public school semifinal game three. Gordon Lee’s 10-6 win over Charlton County was more about which side didn’t play the game.
The host Trojans managed just six hits, but six Charlton errors and nine walks helped do more than enough damage to send Gordon Lee (28-6) into next week’s championship round against Schley County. The site of that series — either Rome or Savannah — will be determined this morning, according to the GHSA.
“They made a good bit of errors and we capitalized,” Trojans junior catcher Dylan Minghini said. “That’s what good teams do. This means a lot to be able to come this far. We’ve had a lot of adversity, but we are blessed to still be playing, and hopefully we can bring home the title this time.”
Gordon Lee, batting first in game three, led 3-2 entering the fifth inning, when the floor caved in on the Indians. Mason Pettigrew led off with a single that turned out to be the only hit of the inning. Two consecutive errors and three consecutive walks led to three runs, and two others scored on an infield error off Justin Wooden’s grounder for an 8-2 Trojans lead.
“They had a tough inning, but we kept the pressure on and kept playing the game,” Dunfee said. “Every game we’ve ever played them was a war, and I’m super proud of the kids that they are playing for it all now.”
Gordon Lee added a pair of runs in the sixth on Austin Thompson’s sacrifice fly and Drew McDaniel’s second double of the game. Starting pitcher Ethan Clark cruised into the seventh inning before tiring in the 90-degree heat.
Austin Knowles’ three-run homer put Charlton within four with one out, but Hunter Thompson came on to get the final two outs.
“Ethan wanted the ball — he was mad I didn’t give it to him in game two — but it all worked out,” Dunfee said. “He had one inning there where they hit a couple of good pitches and scored a couple of runs, but after that he just shut them down until he tired late.
“We’re ready to go win a championship. We’ll enjoy this tonight and come out and work and get refocused. The ultimate goal is still out there.”
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.