Alex Schillig
Regional Correspondent

DAYTON, OHIO -- Nick Bertram (Miami University commit) and Tommy Stoffel (Virginia Tech commit) both throw gems in a nine inning thriller.

The two top teams in the GWOC Central division squared off Tuesday.  Centerville could clinch the division with a win, but it wouldn't come easy with Virginia Tech commit Tommy Stoffel on the mound.  

Northmont had the first scoring opportunity in the 2nd inning when Centerville pitcher Nick Bertram lost command, and walked the first two batters.  Shortly after, catcher Bobby Saul singled to left, but the ball was hit too hard for the runner on second to score.  With one out and the bases loaded Northmont put on a dangerous squeeze play.  The squeeze attempt was missed, and the runner stealing home was tagged out.  Bertram struck out the hitter to finish the inning with no harm done.

As Northmont pitcher Tommy Stoffel cruised through the Centerville lineup, Nick Bertram kept getting into trouble.

With one out in the bottom of the 5th, Northmont's nine-hole hitter Braydon Focht stroked a single.  After an error, and a bunt single by Zach Weatherford the bases were loaded for Northmont once again.  Nick Bertram was able to keep his cool, and struck out the next two hitters keeping the score at 0-0.

With the game deadlocked at 0-0 going into the 6th, the intensity started to pick up in both dugouts.  

In the bottom of the 6th, Northmont had a runner on first and third with no outs.  Somehow Bertram did it again, working his way out of the inning unscathed.  

The 7th and 8th inning went by in a flash as no one reached second base.  

With Bertram well over 100 pitches, the 9th inning was handed over to senior Derek Hendrixson. Hendrixson made quick work of the 7,8, and 9 hitters in the Northmont order.

Stoffel only had given up 2 hits going into the bottom of the 9th.  He quickly recorded two outs, making a 10th inning start to feel plausible.  Centerville was not ready to concede the 9th, as Sean Murphy and Jake Holland stroked back to back singles giving their squad life again  Sophomore Joey Weingartner dribbled a ball to shortstop, but the hustle of Jake Holland beat the throw to second loading the bases.  The man of the hour Nick Bertram stepped to the plate, and coaxed a walk giving his team a walk-off win.  

With the win Centerville clinched the GWOC Central division, and will look to make some noise in the state tournament.  

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