Uwharrie Charter shuts out Mount Airy, takes 1-0 lead in 1A west baseball series

Uwharrie Charter defeated Mount Airy 4-0 in the first game of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A western regional championship.

The Eagles scored three runs in the second inning and one run in the third to take a 4-0 lead, then held that lead through the rest of the game.

Caleb Stickle scored the first run of the game when Alex Carver was walked with the bases loaded. Then, with two outs and the bases still loaded, Walker Wilkins hit a double on a ground ball to right field, allowing Landon Zephir and Jose Ramirez to score.

Uwharrie Charter led 3-0 after two innings, and added on more run in the top of the third inning.

Zephir hit a single to right field and Trey Kennedy scored a run. It was the last run of the game for either team.

Jake Hunter pitched the full game for Uwharrie Charter, recording seven strikeouts and five hits.

The two teams will meet again on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Uwharrie Charter. If the Eagles win, then Uwharrie Charter will return to the 1A state championship game. If Mount Airy wins, the Granite Bears will return home for a decisive game three on Saturday at 6 p.m.

The winner of the western regional will face either East Wake Academy or Northside-Pinetown in the state championship series. East Wake Academy won the first game of the eastern series, 9-0.