Sports

Westwood’s ‘Cats back in state championship game

• Westwood baseball defeats David Emanuel, reaching its first state championship since 1988.

Derek Barichello

STILLMORE — It’s been 20 years but Westwood baseball has returned to the promised land.

The Wildcats defeated David Emanuel Academy 9-6 in the deciding game of the GISA Class A Final Four series Saturday, after splitting Games 1 and 2 on Thursday, to a clinch a spot in the state championship series for the first time since 1988.

And because Flint River Academy eliminated Westwood’s Region 3 rival Terrell Academy in Dawson on Saturday, the Wildcats will be on their way to Woodbury starting Friday and concluding Saturday.

“We knew we could do this,” Westwood coach Al Timmerman said. “We’ve been flying under the radar all year. It’s been amazing when you think we’ve beat two No. 1 teams on the road in the playoffs.”

The Wildcats grabbed a three-run advantage in the first inning when senior Tyler Thompson hit a three-run home run. Then they scored four more in the second, highlighted by a solo homer from senior Michael Sullivan and a two run double from Thompson, who finished with five runs batted in.

After playing 17 innings in two games on Thursday, No. 3 starter Lee Jacobs picked up the win. He pitched 3 1/3 innings as Jake Edore finished the fourth. Then Brett Shiver, who pitched seven innings in Game 2 on Thursday, closed out the final three innings to earn the save.

“That was big for us,” Timmerman said of Jacobs’ performance. "He hasn't pitched in awhile and we needed that from him (Saturday)."

Despite having a 9-6 lead, Timmerman held his breath in the seventh, however, when the tying run came to the plate. David Emanuel’s William Sparks, who had already hit a three-run homer earlier in the game, stepped into the batter’s box with two outs and grounded out to end the game, sending the Wildcats into celebration.

“This is a unique experience for us,” Timmerman said. “The kids were going wild, high-fiving, jumping up and down, hugging and the fan support was tremendous. I think we were all still in a state of shock.”

Adding to the excitement on Saturday, Region 3 rival Terrell Academy finished up its series against Flint River Academy. Although the Eagles were unable to come away with the win, Wildcats’ fans in Stillmore were pulling for them.

“With technology these days, people were texting back and forth and sending updates pitch-by-pitch,” Timmerman said. “Everyone wanted to know what’s going on in Dawson. And even though we won’t be playing Terrell, it couldn’t take away from the excitement (Saturday).”

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