The Dillon Wildcats defeated Marion 17-1 on Thursday, April 23, to clinch the Region 8-2A title with an 8-2 record.

Dillon picked up three runs in the top of the first inning and another in the top of the second for a 4-0 lead. In the top of the fourth, the Wildcats brought in five runners to increase the lead to 9-0, and Marion got on the board with one run in the bottom of the inning. Dillon sealed the win in the top of the fifth, scoring eight runs for the 17-1 finish.

Duncan Callahan earned the win on the mound, pitching all five innings for one earned run, one hit, and one walk, striking out eight in his first start this season. Marion’s Hunt pitched four and two-thirds innings for 12 hits, 10 runs, and two walks, striking out six.

At bat for the Wildcats, Patrick Herring went 1-for-3 with a home run for three RBI; Austin Moody went 2-for-3 for one RBI; Kaleb Page went 2-for-3 with one RBI; Joseph Scott went 2-for-3 with one RBI; Gunnar Grossetti went 2-for-3 with one RBI; and Callahan went 1-for-3 with one RBI. Dillon had 17 hits in the win.

Marion had one hit and five errors in the effort.

Dillon finishes the regular season with a 10-6 record overall and 8-2 in Region 8-2A.

The Wildcats will host the first round of the District VIII playoffs on Thursday against Kingstree. The Jaguars finished in fourth place in Region 7-2A.

Photos by Shannon Sawyer Carter. Click the images below to view at full size!