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Augusta Christian downs Hammond to claim the SCISA 4A title




Hammond’s Jack Croft smashes a two-run single in the first inning. Croft went 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBI. Photos by Mike Maddock

Hammond’s Jack Croft smashes a two-run single in the first inning. Croft went 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBI. Photos by Mike Maddock

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The Augusta Christian Lions scored six runs over the course of the final three innings to defeat the Hammond Skyhawks 9-3 in the decisive Game 3 Monday, May 22 of the SCISA 4A State Championship at Lexington High School.

“James Bradford threw a heck of a game,” Hammond head coach Chris Braciszewski said of the Augusta Christian pitcher. “He gave up the three in the bottom of the first to get back to 0-0, then he kind of settled in and pitched really well. When they had their opportunities, the flood gates opened. That was that.”

Augusta Christian got the bats going early. Luca Perriello blasted a leadoff triple. Two batters later, Wilson Donnelly singled, scoring Perriello and putting the Lions ahead 1-0. Ethan Duckworth then smacked a double, scoring Donnelly to increase the lead to 2-0. Duckworth later scored on a balk as Augusta Christian led 3-0.

Hammond responded in the bottom half. Rucker Brannon hit a leadoff single and Wyatt Barrett drew a walk. Dylan Richardson then singled, scoring Brannon to trim the deficit to 3-1. A walk to William Hudson loaded the bases. Jack Croft then sliced a single to center field, scoring Richardson and courtesy runner Preston Springs to tie the score.

Hammond’s Dylan Richardson collects a ground ball against Augusta Christian.

Hammond’s Dylan Richardson collects a ground ball against Augusta Christian.

“It was huge,” Braciszewski said. “If we don’t respond there, you can get down and say you missed an opportunity. Coming back and getting three there lets them know we are here to play. The game is not over. There are 21 outs and you’re going to have to get all 21 of them.”

The game remained tied until the top of the fifth when Donnelly smashed a solo home run over the center field fence to put the Lions in front 4-3.

Augusta Christian added more runs in the sixth. Chase Williamson drew a leadoff walk. Jonah Snipes’ sacrifice bunt moved Williamson to second. Then a single by Grayson Brooker brought Williamson home to increase the lead to 5-3. Jon Crosby singled to put two on with one out. Perriello then doubled, scoring Brooker as the Lions’ lead grew to 6-3. A sacrifice fly by Khaleel Pratt scored Crosby as Augusta Christian led 7-3.

Hammond’s Wyatt Barrett pitched five complete innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking one.

Hammond’s Wyatt Barrett pitched five complete innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking one.

The Lions tacked on more runs in the seventh. Duckworth led off with a single. Eric Doyon sliced a triple down the first base line scoring Duckworth to push the lead to five. Doyon later scored on a wild pitch to set the final score.

Barrett threw five complete innings for Hammond, giving up two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking one.

“He threw really well,” Braciszewski said. “He hit spots. He threw his pitches for strikes. He calmed down after that first inning. He was fine. He’s a calm kid anyway. I wasn’t worried about him getting too hyped. I have faith in him to keep going. I knew he was going to settle in and be just fine.”

Croft led the Skyhawks at the plate going 1-for-3 with two RBI. Richardson went 1-for-2 with an RBI.

James Bradford picked up the win for Augusta Christian pitching 5-2/3 innings and giving up three runs on three hits while striking out 11 and walking four.

Hammond finishes the season with a 20-9 record.

“It shows we are a program and we’re just going to keep reloading,” Braciszewski said. “All the guys work; all my coaches work hard with every player. We don’t just coach the guys on the field; we coach everybody from the middle school on up. So there will be another crew coming through next year.”

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