MAJOR BOYS DEFEAT NORTHWEST 2-1 TO ADVANCE TO STATE

The Washington County Major Boys took the long road to get there, but they are going back to the State Little League Tournament. After dropping the first game of the day this (Saturday) afternoon 1-0, Washington County came back to beat Northwest 2-1 in the winner-take-all game to win the Section 1 Tournament.

In the first game, it was quite the pitchers' duel. Despite the loss, Briley Jasinski and Johnny Campbell combined on a no-hitter. Jasinski went 3 1/3 innings allowing one unearned run, five walks, and struck out seven. Campbell went the final 2 2/3 scoreless innings, walking one, and striking out four.

The only run for Northwest (and in the whole game) scored on a pair of errors in the top of the fourth.

The Washington County offense struggled against Northwest pitcher Eli Ehlert, who pitched a complete game one-hit shutout. The only hit he gave up was a single to Nolan Collier in the first. Ehlert also did not walk anyone, and struck out 12 batters.

In the second game, Northwest jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Ehlert scored on an RBI single by Jake Lea in the top of the third.

Washington County finally broke through with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Jasinski hit into a fielder's choice, and Hank Majewski walked. Jasinski later scored on an RBI single by Collier. Campbell then reached on an error that allowed Majewski to score the go-ahead run, and Washington County led 2-1.

That was all starting pitcher Cooper Plagens would need. He went the distance allowing only one run, two hits, one walk, and he had eight strikeouts.

Washington County now moves on to the State Little League Tournament at Faulkner Park in Tyler. They will open the tournament next Saturday, July 15, at 8pm. KWHI will have live coverage beginning with the pregame at 7:30pm.