LEBANON, Tenn. — A pair of electric arms treated fans at Wilson Central High School to a pitchers’ duel Wednesday in the TSSAA Division II-AA baseball tournament.
It was the beginning of the end for Baylor School’s bid to win this year’s championship.
Briarcrest Christian senior signee Jack Gleason threw a one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts, and the right-hander became the first pitcher to shut out Baylor School this season as the Saints advanced to Thursday’s state final with a 4-0 victory.
Gleason outdueled Virginia signee Tomas Valincius, who also had 10 strikeouts while picking off three baserunners and allowing just two earned runs in a 99-pitch complete game. It was Valincius’ first loss of the season as he fell to 8-1 overall.
“Both of those guys were lights out on the mound. Their guy was phenomenal,” Baylor coach Greg Elie said of Gleason, a Mississippi State signee who has 29 strikeouts over his past three scoreless outings for Briarcrest (27-13).