West Virginia State Tournament: Class A Preview
June 3, 2015
By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting
A total of 48 teams began regional play last week and 12 remain as the West Virginia state tournament prepares to kick off on Thursday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. Today we preview the four teams that will compete for an opportunity to be crowned Class A state champions for 2014. Prep Baseball Report will be in Charleston for all three days to cover the final weekend of play and the crowning of three new champions.
+ CLICK HERE to view complete regional Tournament brackets leading to the state tournament
Class A
Bishop donahue (21-5)
For the first time since 1992 the Bishops are heading to the state tournament after a thrilling 3-2 region final win over St. Marys. Catcher Alex Riedel gunned down a would-be base stealer in the 7th inning to preserve the win and RHP Jesse Padlow, a West Liberty football recruit, picked up the save in relief after throwing four innings in the regional semifinals. Bishop Donahue is the No. 1 ranked Class A team in the most recent PBR Elite Eight poll.
wahama (23-7)
It hasn't been quite as long for Wahama, but 18 years was long enough. The White Falcons are headed to the state tournament for the first time since 1998. An 11-0 win over Williamstown secured their spot in the semifinals while also ending a 14 game Williamstown win streak.
Mason Hicks went the distance allowing three hits while striking out 11 in the final. He also hit a solo home run to get the offense started in the fourth inning.
moorefield (19-10)
The Yellow Jackets are hitting .310 as a team led by Wil Schoonover (.453, 30 R, 30 RBI) and Tyler Smith (.366, 32 R, 21 RBI). Pitching has also been a strong suite for Moorefield which has compiled a 2.71 team ERA. Austin Williams (5-1, 1.33 ERA, 44K), Holden Sions (6-2, 2.02 ERA, 43 K) and Dakota Vetter (4-2, 3.46 ERA, 46 K) have supplied the Yellow Jackets with three solid options on the mound.
Moorefield beat Man 12-2 on May 1 in a regular season meeting between the two semifinal opponents.
man (18-14)
The Hillbillies have gotten hot at the right time. The defending Class A state champs wer just 12-14 during the regular season, but have strung together six consecutive wins in the postseason to return to Charleston.
West Virginia State recruit Braden Griffin has been a one man wrecking crew. The lefty is 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 52.1 innings of work. He has been even more impressive at the plate hitting .447 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI and 57 runs scored.
The Hillbillies join Bridgeport, the Class AA state champs, in a quest to repeat as state champions.
State Tourney schedule
friday, June 5 - Appalachian Power Park
Bishop Donahue vs. Wahama (5:00pm)
Moorefield vs. Man (8:00pm)
Saturday, June 6 - Appalachian Power Park
Class A Championship Game - 4:00pm