Chiles Holds Off Mosley For District 6A-2 Title

The Timberwolves celebrate Will McDonald’s home run during their 5-1 win over Mosley in the 6A-2 championship. *Photo from Roland Henry.

A big first inning helped lead to victory for the Chiles Timberwolves in Thursday’s District 6A-2 finale, as a three-run first paved the way to a 5-1 victory over the Mosley Dolphins. The Timberwolves earn their third district championship trophy in the past four seasons, after also winning back-to-back district titles in 2021 and 2022.

Chiles (18-8) advances into the state regional playoffs, to host a Region 6A-1 quarterfinal on Tuesday night against the Tocoi Creek Toros (18-7). Mosley finishes the season 10-17.

After Chiles starter Andrew Colombo posted a scoreless 1-2-3 frame in the top of the first, the offense went right to work to stake him with the lead. Kasen Herndon led off with an infield single, and Saunder Dinkelman followed with a liner to left that put two runners on base. Tyler Correa dropped down a sacrifice bunt that moved both runners into scoring position, and then Davis Avera walked to load up the bases and increase the pressure.

*Photo from Roland Henry.

With only one out, Will McDonald did exactly what was needed with a ground ball that plated a run with a fielder’s choice RBI. Gabe Del Fuoco then busted it open with a double to center that drove in Herndon and Dinkelman for two more runs.

It was McDonald who came up big again in the third. After falling behind 0-2 in the count, he stung the next pitch to center field for a solo home run and a 4-0 lead. It is McDonald’s third home run of the season.

Colombo continued to pitch tough and hold the rope, but Mosley finally got to him to get on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. After two quick outs, Jordan Martinez connected on a 1-0 offering and sent it over the center field fence for the senior’s fifth home run of the year.

Mosley senior Jared Kavouras was 1-for-3. *Photo from Roland Henry.

Peyton Williams worked a walk to keep the pressure on, but Colombo induced an infield ground out to end the inning and close out his night. In five full innings he allowed one earned run on six hits and a walk, and he struck out five.

The Timberwolves answered back with one final insurance run in the bottom of the fifth. Correa was hit by a pitch and then stole second to get into scoring position. McDonald delivered again with a base hit to left that sent Correa racing around third and across the plate for the final run of the ball game.

Senior Emery Dawkins closed out the final two innings for Chiles. He held the Dolphins off the scoreboard, surrendering a hit and a walk while recording one strikeout.

The Timberwolves bask in the reward of victory with their district championship trophy. *Photo from Roland Henry.

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