Valwood shuts out Deerfield-Windsor in game one of GIAA State championship series in Statesboro

STATESBORO — Deerfield-Windsor arrived at Georgia Southern University’s J.I. Clements Stadium knowing runs would likely be at a premium against top-ranked Valwood.

Unfortunately for the Knights, they were even harder to come by than expected Thursday afternoon.

Behind a dominant outing from right-hander Asher Wells and a timely escape by reliever Joshua Skinner, Valwood claimed a 3-0 victory over Deerfield-Windsor in Game 1 of the GIAA Class AAA state championship series.

The win puts the Valiants one victory away from a state title heading into Game 2, scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday at Georgia Southern. Deerfield-Windsor must win Friday to force a decisive third game.

In a contest defined by pitching and missed opportunities, Wells was the difference.

The Valwood ace scattered four hits over 6 2/3 innings, struck out nine and walked four before finally showing signs of vulnerability in the seventh inning. That’s when Valwood coach Tommy MacDonald turned to Skinner, who entered with runners on first and third and two outs.

The move paid off immediately.

After Boyd Pollock worked the count to 1-1 against Wells, Skinner entered and needed only three pitches to induce a fly ball to left field, ending Deerfield-Windsor’s final threat and preserving the shutout.

The Knights had opportunities.

Gage Tomlinson opened Deerfield-Windsor’s first real scoring chance with a double in the first inning but was left stranded.

The Knights threatened again in the third when Brantley Michlig and Lane Sceals each smacked singles. But Valwood escaped when a double play erased the rally before it could produce a run.

Deerfield-Windsor’s best chance came in the seventh.

Gabe Daniel drew a leadoff walk and promptly put pressure on the defense, stealing second and third base. Michlig followed with a walk to place runners at the corners with one out. But Wells recorded a crucial second out before Skinner was summoned from the bullpen to finish the job.

Valwood broke through first in the third inning.

Jayden Purvis delivered an RBI single to score the game’s first run, and the Valiants added insurance later behind run-producing hits from Will Greene and Chase Helfer.

That proved more than enough support for Wells.

Lost in the outcome was another strong postseason performance from Deerfield-Windsor starter David Hutchins.

The senior worked six innings, allowing three runs — two earned — on five hits while keeping the Knights within striking distance throughout the afternoon. Deerfield-Windsor turned a double play behind him and played clean defense in a game where every mistake carried extra weight.

Sceals led the Knights at the plate with two hits, while Tomlinson and Michlig each added a hit. Daniel’s aggressive baserunning accounted for two stolen bases.

For Valwood, Skinner collected two hits in addition to recording the save, while Purvis, Greene and Helfer each drove in a run.

Now the focus shifts to Friday.

The Knights have faced elimination before this season and responded. They’ll need another response against a Valwood team that has spent most of the year looking every bit like Georgia’s top-ranked club.

One more win, and the Valiants are champions.

One more fight remains for Deerfield-Windsor.