C3D2: Charleston shuts out Woodland

SCOTT CITY, Mo. — Charleston blanked Woodland 4-0 in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 2 Tournament opening round on Friday, May 10.

“We always talk about playing our best baseball in the postseason,” said Charleston coach Michael Minner. “We played our best game of the year.  I’m proud of my guys and we deserved this one.”

The Blue Jays (6-12) opened the scoring in the top of the second inning, taking a 1-0 lead on Peyton Brannon’s two-out RBI single that brought home Stewart Coon.

Charleston maintained its one-run advantage until the sixth inning when Owen Willis stole home, extending the lead to 2-0.

The Blue Jays added insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning when Isac Schneider single to score CJ Kimble, and Kaden Branam crossed home plate on a passed ball.

“We had some big hits today,” Minner said. “It was a total team effort. They can’t take this one away from us.”

Bryant Gunn controlled the game for Charleston, pitching a complete-game shutout, allowing only one hit while striking out 12 and walking three.

“We didn’t make an error,” Minner said. We played flawlessly defensively and Bryant Gunn was phenomenal, throwing a one-hitter with our season on the line.”

The Cardinals ended their season with a 4-12 overall record.

Charleston advances to play No. 3 Scott City (28-3) in the semifinals on Monday, May 13 at 2 p.m.

__CHARLESTON 4, WOODLAND 0__

Charleston 010 001 2 — 4 4 0

Woodland 000 000 0 — 0 2 2

W—Bryant Gunn. L—Kiren Lindley.