Washington School’s Charley Dunn had the biggest hit of the year for the Generals on Friday night after his grand slam went over the left field wall in his team’s 6-1 road victory over defending state champion Manchester Academy. Dunn’s blast not only went far, but it also clinched the Conference (4A-District 2) for his team. Washington School had fallen to Manchester Academy 13-3 earlier Friday in the first game of a double header, which forced the deciding game and Dunn’s heroics later that night.
Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fifth inning, Dunn’s grand slam put the Generals in the lead for good in the clinching game.
“Charley has been a great hitter for us all year, and he certainly lived up to the moment,” Washington School head coach Hunter Palasini said.
The victory Friday for the Generals moved their conference record to 8-1 and gave them a first round bye in the MAIS North 4A Regional State Playoffs. Washington School (14-11) will play the winner of this week’s first round matchup between Indianola Academy and Winona Christian. The Generals’ first game in the playoffs will be next week, likely on Tuesday.
Dunn’s grand slam all but sealed the victory for Washington School, but it was another masterful pitching performance by Turner Hitt that made it possible. Hitt struck out eight Manchester batters in his complete-game victory, his second win over Manchester last week. Last Monday Hitt pitched his team to a 1-0 win over Manchester.
“Turner has been amazing for us. He is throwing strikes and locating his pitches well,” Coach Palasini said.
Other highlights in Washington School’s win include two hits by Jones Roberson, including a double. A run, a hit and two stolen bases by Hunter Tressell, and a double by Tri Avis.
The Generals are scheduled to wrap up their regular season this week with a road game at Riverside on Monday and a home game against Riverside on Tuesday.
