The Pioneers moved into sole possession of first place in the Northwestern 4A Conference by knocking off McDowell 6-2 at WHS-Field on Thursday night.

Winning pitcher Jon Sharpe allowed one earned run, scattered six hits and struck out nine, besting his record to 5-1 on the year.
The Pioneers haven't been in first place this late in the season since 2001, when WHS shared a co-championship with McDowell in the regular season. The Titans beat WHS in the NW4A championship game in Marion 10-8 in eight innings that season to grab the number one seed in the conference.

NW4A Baseball Standings

WATAUGA         7-1;  10-3
McDowell        6-2;  10-3
South Caldwell  6-2;   9-2
A.C. Reynolds   4-5;   8-5
Alex. Central   3-6;   6-8
East Burke      3-6;   5-6
Freedom         0-7;   5-9

Thursday night’s results:

WHS 6, McDowell 2
*A.C. Reynolds 13, Freedom 3
Alex. Central 2, East Burke 0

South Caldwell, bye

*-And with the win, coupled with East Burke’s loss to Alexander Central, the Rockets move into sole possession of fourth place and the final playoff spot in the NW4A. The Pioneers travel to A.C. Reynolds on Tuesday, April 21st. Our next broadcast of WHS baseball will come your way on Monday, April 20th, when the Pioneers host Freedom at WHS-Field. Our coverage begins at 6:05 pm on 100.7, MAC-FM.