Never-say-die Screaming Eagles secure third consecutive walk-off win

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Will Hartzell touched first base and threw both hands in the air to celebrate before being mobbed by his teammates. Eventually, the Gatorade bath from Cole Ivady and Hudson Hauck came. 

It was a scene that has become very familiar at Ashley Stadium.

Hartzell’s two-out single to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning allowed Tanner Berry to score from second base to give top-seeded Ashley a 3-2 victory over No. 22 Cardinal Gibbons in Game 1 of the NCHSAA 4A East Regional Championship Series.

It was the third consecutive extra-inning walk-off victory for the Screaming Eagles (25-3), who are now just one win away from advancing to the state championship series for just the second time in school history.

“This feels great,” said Harzell, who also made several outstanding defensive plays at first base. “I love this team. We’re playing really hard right now and our energy is crazy.”

Game 2 of the series will be played at Cardinal Gibbons (15-14) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Ashley hasn’t announced a starter, but ace Cole Barnes (10-1, 0.95 ERA) is the likely choice. 

The Crusaders had their best pitcher – Cam Tarkenton – on the mound Tuesday. He allowed two runs and struck out seven batters in seven innings, but also threw 93 pitches meaning he will be unable to get back on the mound for remainder of the series. 

“I feel like we’re in a pretty good position, but we still have to go up there and take care of business,” Screaming Eagles coach Ben Stroehl said. “It’s been 17 years since we’ve been to the state championship. We’re pushing to get there again.”

Just like in the previous two wins over Holly Springs and Pinecrest, Ashley had to mount a late rally. 

Cane Mehling and Quinn Bentley led off the bottom of the sixth inning with back-to-back singles to center field. Dylan Welch grounded into a fielder’s choice, but the throw to first base from Cardinal Gibbons shortstop Damon Phillips was wild. That allowed Mehling to cross the plate and tie the score at 2-all.

It looked like the Screaming Eagles had won the game in the seventh inning when pinch hitter Connor Tew singled to left field with two outs, but Coleman Cross was thrown out at the plate on a very close play.

Berry worked a one-out walk in the ninth. Cole Barnes followed by hitting a fly ball to right field. A throw to first base to try and get a double play got away, allowing Berry to advance to second base.

That set the stage for Hartzell. He ripped an 0-1 pitch off the third baseman’s glove and into shallow left field, allowing Berry to easily race home. 

“One through nine, we feel like we’re going to send guys up to the plate that are going to get the job done in clutch situations,” Ashley coach Ben Stroehl said. “I’m so happy for Will because he’s such a hard worker.”

UNCW commit Jackson Lee got the start and was outstanding in his six innings on the mound. He allowed only two runs on six hits, but didn’t factor into the decision.

“I always try to go as far as I can in the game,” said Lee, who lowered his ERA to 2.00. “I know we have the best pitching staff in the state of North Carolina, so I’m confident the guys will step up once I’m done.”

Mehling retired the Crusaders in order in each of his two innings to pick up the win. He threw only 16 pitches and will be able to pitch again Thursday if needed.