Photo courtesy of Joanna McMahan

(Bryson City) – Swain County and North Stokes found themselves tied at 3 runs a piece in the bottom of the seventh inning in the first round of the NCHSAA 1A State Playoffs. With the bases loaded and two outs, Will Holden dug into the batter’s box with a chance to be a hero.

Holden looked at three straight pitches out of the zone to start his crucial at-bat. Ahead in the count 3 balls and no strikes, most onlookers expected Holden to leave the bat on his shoulder and try to draw a walk, especially since a walk would win the game with the bases loaded.

But nobody dreams of winning the game thanks to a walk.

On the fourth pitch of his at-bat, Holden hit a line drive to right field and scored Lawson Woodard, winning the game for the Devils and keeping their season alive.

Holden wasn’t the only Maroon Devil who swung the bat well in this matchup, as Swain had 6 different players record a hit. Rowan Ellis and Corey Stilwell both doubled, while Bradyn Ruais, Carter Hayes, Jones Robinson, and Holden all singled at least once in the game. Stilwell led the team with two RBIs.

Lawson Woodard earned the win on the mound for the Devils. The reliever allowed three hits and one run over three innings while striking out two and walking one.

Bradyn Ruais started the game on the bump for Swain, surrendering four hits and two runs over four innings.

Swain County will be back in action on Friday, May 10th, as they travel to Draughn for round two of the State Playoffs.