West Ranch achieved its first championship title at the Southern Section Division 2 finals with a narrow 2-1 victory over Mater Dei. Pitcher Hunter Manning held the team together amidst a swarm of gnats, striking out six batters and finishing with a flawless 10-0 record in his senior season. Despite some errors from Mater Dei that initially put them in a hole, they rallied but fell short in the final moments. The victory also marked the end of coach Ryan Lindgreen's tenure as he steps back to spend more time with his family.
In my ears, on my eyes, you have to keep going," said West Ranch pitcher Hunter Manning of the insect invasion. After 101 pitches, he helped secure victory.
Manning celebrated by catching a pop fly for the final out with runners on second and third, closing a tense game and finishing his senior season strong.
Errors got Mater Dei in trouble early, with a dropped fly ball leading to a West Ranch run in the first inning and a throwing error contributing to their loss.
This championship is especially sweet for West Ranch, marking their first ever title, and Manning's impressive season was capped with a perfect 10-0 pitching record.
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