ROWVA a game from 1A state baseball finals

ROWVA High School senior pitcher Nick Reid tossed a two-hitter to lead the Tigers to a 3-1 victory over Downs Tri-Valley and the first sectional title in program history on Saturday.

“It just feels awesome to be able to do that,” Reid said.

ROWVA raised its record to 29-6, extending the school record for victories it set with win No. 24.

“We’d like to have over 30,” said ROWVA coach John Clark.

The Tigers well get that opportunity starting at 4 p.m. Monday when they meet Tuscola in the Danville Schlarman Supersectional. Tuscola advanced on Saturday by beating Schlarman 9-2.

Reid’s offensive support Saturday came from his younger brother Dylan, whose two-run single in the bottom of the first started the scoring.

“It’s nice to be able to help out your brother like that,” Dylan Reid said.

That was more than enough for the elder Reid, who surrendered just one run on two hits, struck out six and walked three.

“My stuff felt better today,” Reid said. “I was able to spot my breaking ball today.”

The lone run Reid allowed came on a lead-off homer in the fifth inning.

“He got the next two batters out so it wasn’t any big worry,” said Clark.

“I thought he had really good command,” said Clark of his pitcher. “They weren’t hitting really balls hard and the ones they hit they hit right at us. We did a good defensive job behind us.”

Downs Tri-Valley ended its season 22-10-1. The Wildcats had beaten North Fulton 8-6 in a sectional semifinal.

The Tigers may carry some confidence into Monday’s game. They allowed just one run in two sectional games.

“Most of the kids expected this so they’re really gung ho about supersectional,” said Clark.

“I thought we underachieved a little bit during the regular season. I think defensively and pitching-wise we’re ready.”