By Trace Fowler

CHILLICOTHE- No. 15 Thornville Sheridan and Chillicothe Unioto, a frequent member of the PBR rankings, faced off in a Division II district semi-final showdown on Monday evening.

Unioto took an early lead after taking advantage of Sheridan’s mistakes.

Hudson North would lead the game off with a leadoff single. North moved up on a passed ball and later scored on an infield miscue to take a 1-0 advantage. The lead would be extended to 2-0 when the Generals defense would allow a two out passed ball.

Unioto senior right-handed pitcher Adam Woods seemed content with his run support as he tossed scoreless inning after scoreless inning. Woods didn't allow a hit until Generals Jacob Miller singled in the third.

Sheridan starter Dylan Davy did a masterful job of keeping his ball club within striking distance as he pitched four consecutive scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh.

The Sherman’s Nick Beisel started the attack with a single. He set the stage for Caleb Leslie, who smashed a double to deep centerfield. With both runners in scoring position, Unioto was set to add insurance runs.

Davy, however, had different plans.

With runners on second and third, Unioto elected to put on the proverbial suicide squeeze. Unfortunately, Unioto’s hitter didn't receive the sign as he showed no signs of bunting and Beisel was tagged out.

Davy went on to record the final outs of the inning and strand Leslie on third.

With momentum shifting their way, the Generals were set for a last inning comeback.

The General’s Seth Helsner hit a single off Woods to lead off the inning. Woods bounced back by inducing a ground ball, but an infield error brought the go ahead run to the plate without an out recorded.

After a fly out to left field, runners remained on first and second with one out.

The next batter hit a pop up in the infield that fell, but was ruled an infield fly. But, being alert to the situation, the Sheridan baserunners advanced to second and third amidst the Unioto miscommunication.

In the end, Adam Woods closed the door on his three hit shutout as Unioto’s left fielder bobbled but secured the games last out. The Unioto senior kept hitters off balance all game with a sneaky fastball and a sharp breaking ball.

Sheridan finishes the season 19-8, and Unioto will take on Fairfield Union on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at VA Memorial Stadium.