Hilton Head High had to work overtime, but the Seahawks are headed to the Class 4A Lower State baseball tournament.
After North Myrtle Beach claimed a 4-0 win Monday at Hilton Head High to force a winner-take-all second game, the Seahawks used a strong pitching performance from John Watson and a balanced offensive attack to rebound for a 4-2 win and earn the district championship.
Watson limited the Chiefs to two runs — both unearned — and two hits over six innings with four strikeouts and one walk. Ethan Hussong came on to record the final out and lock down the save.
Matt Mebane was 2-for-3 with a double and a run, Cole DeMarzo and Colin Gross each added two hits, and Kyle Markowitz was 1-for-2 with an RBI for the Seahawks.
Hilton Head High couldn’t get the offense going in the first game, managing only four singles — two from DeMarzo — and leaving 10 runners on base. JR Richardson was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs and eight hits over six innings with six strikeouts and six walks.
The Seahawks (19-8) travel to South Aiken on Thursday to open the double-elimination Lower State tournament. Win or lose, Hilton Head High will play at home Saturday against either Midland Valley or Airport.