WABASH – The Manchester Squires ended a decade-long drought Monday, and sophomore Hayes Sturtsman was a big part of it. In a 7-4 victory over No. 7 Oak Hill in the sectional final at Wabash High School’s Chris Rood Field, Sturtsman got the win on the mound and hit a double and a triple, producing two RBIs. The win gave the Squires their first sectional championship since 2005, as well as the program’s ninth title overall. Janzin Cripe and Landon Tharp each had a hit and an RBI in the win. Manchester scored two runs in the top of the first inning, and added another in the second. Two more runs in the fifth inning pushed the Squires’ advantage to 5-1, and Manchester led 7-1 before Oak Hill scored three times in the bottom of the seventh. “We played well enough to come out on top,” said Manchester coach Jack Rupley. “Hayes worked out of trouble in three different innings and had enough left in the tank to finish. “Great win for the kids. They’ve struggled some this year and it’s good that they are playing in the regional.” Manchester will return to Wabash Saturday to play in the four-team regional against Frankton (20-5). Top-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic (30-1) will play Alexandria (16-15) in the other semifinal.
MANCHESTER 7, OAK HILL 4 (sectional final) Man 210 020 2 – 7 OH 000 100 3 – 4 WP – Hayes Sturtsman. 2B – Sturtsman (M) 3B – Sturtsman (M) Record: Manchester 10-15
