Southern Fulton (23-2) and Clarion (21-4) squared off at Mt Aloysius Monday in the PIAA State Semifinals. Both teams were strong on the mound, but Clarion Area was just a little bit stronger as they were able to score the 3-0 victory over Southern Fulton and punch their ticket into the State Championship.
Ethan Mellott started the game for Southern Fulton Indians and recorded six outs before being pulled with shoulder tightness. Owen Oakman took the tough loss for Southern Fulton. The freshman pitcher went four innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out four and walking one.
Southern Fulton Indians lost despite out-hitting the Bobcats six to five, but weren’t able to find the big hit when it was most needed. They ended the day with 9 runners stranded in scoring position. Numerous times, the Indians hit balls hard right at Bobcat defenders but just fell to tough luck. Dane Harvey finished the day with 2 hits to lead the Indians.
Devon Lauer was credited with the victory for Clarion Area Varsity Bobcats. The ace lasted four innings, allowing four hits and zero runs while striking out two. Derek Smail threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.