Carson Johnson's sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning scored Nick Been and proved to be the game-winner, lifting Springdale High to a 2-1 victory over crosstown rival Springdale Har-Ber and clinching its first state tournament berth since 2007.
The Bulldogs (19-9, 7-6 7A-West) won for the eighth time in 10 games to clinch the postseason appearance, taking a big step forward in coach Shohn Doty's second season. Last year, Springdale lost six one-run games. During the recent hot stretch this year, the Bulldogs have won four of their five games decided by three runs or less as they clinched the tournament berth.
"A year ago, we were finding ways to lose those games," Doty said. "This year, we've found ways to win our share of those games. We just have a tendency to take care of our business better, stay ready and prepared. I'm just happy for the kids."
Johnson's one-out sacrifice fly was the result of the bottom of Springdale's order setting the table in the seventh. Been delivered a one-out single, then pinch hitter Ben Roberts followed with a single of his own to close an eight-pitch at-bat after falling behind 0-2. Troy Boyd walked to load the bases, leading to Johnson's sac fly.
"The at-bat of the (game)," Doty said of Roberts' single. "I felt like that was a huge at-bat. I felt like he took a little bit out of their arm and pumped us up."
In addition to clinching a state tournament berth, Springdale may have ruined its crosstown rival's chances at earning the 7A-West's No. 1 seed. Har-Ber (17-11, 9-4) entered the day tied for first with Bentonville, but the Tigers can now clinch the top seed by winning one of their two games against Fayetteville.
The Wildcats got a strong effort on the mound from Brady Patrick. The senior left-hander threw a complete game and struck out seven while giving up seven hits and two walks in the loss.
Springdale got a big outing from junior right-hander Andrew Roach, who struck out seven while scattering five hits and a walk to earn the complete-game win. Roach has been instrumental during Springdale's recent surge as the Bulldogs have won five of their last seven conference games after being swept by Rogers High in early April.
That sweep, the Bulldogs' only series loss this season, put the team's state tournament hopes in doubt. But Springdale overcame it with key wins over the 7A-West's leaders, including Bentonville and now Har-Ber.
"Our kids are so resilient," Doty said. (Rogers) could have been a turning point in a negative way. We're assured of splitting with Bentonville, Fayetteville and Har-Ber. It's been a long time since we've done that.
"We let a couple of games get away, but that's part of the maturation process. We've learned to close some of those games out. I couldn't be prouder of how our kids responded."
The second game of the series is Tuesday at the Tyson Complex.
4A-1 District Tournament
at Gentry
Pea Ridge 11, Huntsville 1 (5)
Junior left-hander Cole Wright tossed a no-hitter while striking out 11 to reserve the No. 2 Blackhawks a spot in the 4A-1 Conference Tournament championship. They'll play Shiloh Christian at 6 p.m. Monday.
Meanwhile, No. 3 Huntsville needed six pitchers to get through five innings after depleting its staff during Thursday's 9-8 win against Gentry in 12 innings. Pea Ridge had nine hits and benefited from nine walks, seven wild pitches and a pair of passed balls in the mercy rule-shortened game.
Wright, Jakota Sainsbury and Weston Church each had two hits to pace the Blackhawks' offensively.
Caleb Whelchel reached on a throwing error after striking out to begin the game and later scored the Eagles' lone run on a passed ball.
Shiloh Christian 4, Prairie Grove 1
The top-seeded Saints used a three-run third inning and a solid pitching performance by senior left-hander Gunner Gilbert to advance to Monday's title game.
Josh Lantzsch led the way with three RBIs, including a two-run single in the third inning. He put the Saints on the board in the first when he drove in Michael Connolly, who laced a single off first base to leadoff the inning. Luke Johnson also had an RBI single in the third.
Gilbert scattered five hits while striking out five to pick up the complete-game victory. Prairie Grove's Logan Gragg led off the fourth inning with a double and later scored on a fielder's choice to prevent the shutout.
Prairie Grove hosts the 4A North Regional on Thursday, but will be without coach Chris Mileham for the first game after the first-year Tigers' coach was ejected while arguing a call at second base in the bottom of the third inning.
-- Mike Capshaw • @NWACappy
OCSAA State Championship
Providence Academy 12, Bartlesville Wesleyan 1
The Patriots captured the Oklahoma Christian Schools Athletic Association state championship behind Luke Bandy's two-hitter.
The Dallas Baptist signee struck out six in the complete-game effort to lock down the state title for Rogers-based Providence Academy.
Senior Andrew Roberts let the Patriots at the dish, going 3 for 3 with a double and one RBI. Junior Jake Taylor drove in four runs, and Bandy helped his own cause with a double and two RBIs. Alex Wegner also had a double and RBI.
Sports on 05/01/2016