The day’s cloudy weather broke as the McLean Highlanders took on the Madison Warhawks in the regional semifinals at Madison High School. The Highlanders came in powered by a big win against Oakton, while also being fueled by a 1-0 loss against Yorktown in the district finals.

“We’re looking forward to going out there and competing,” assistant coach Ky Parrott said. “Madison has been the best baseball program in Virginia for a very long time, so we’re looking to go out there and perform against this team in this exciting environment.”

The Highlanders struggled in the first inning, even with their initial run giving them a lead. Senior pitcher Aidan Carey let up three runs, with a two run double causing the majority of the damage.

In the top of the second, the Highlanders strung some hits together, but it was a futile attempt as back to back flyouts cut the inning short.

Carey struggled with his accuracy, with back to back walks putting the Highlanders in jeopardy, but senior pitcher Jack Nance replaced him and managed to finish the inning, sending the game to the top of the third.

After the Highlanders were held scoreless once more, Nance came back in, proceeding to throw great pitches, promptly ending the inning.

The fourth began, and after a quick out, junior first baseman Brennan Core hit a single to start up the McLean offense, but he was left stranded as the Highlanders struck and flew out in quick succession.

Once again Nance took the mound, and he held the potent Warhawks to no runs for two consecutive innings.

As the Highlanders took the field in the top of the sixth, a feeling of hope was in the air, and junior shortstop Ethan Ball led off with a massive double to reinforce the feeling. Senior second baseman Ryan Soong hit a single, and suddenly, McLean had runners on first and second with no outs. Core flew out to center, advancing Ball to third. A balk sent Ball home, and the difference was down to a single run.

A walk put the runners in scoring position, and Jack Dailey sent one home with a rope down the first base line. Now with runners on second and third, senior catcher J.W. Harrington grabbed a walk, loading the bases. Stopping the momentum, a ground out ended the inning, stranding three runners.

Nance took the mound again, his tally of six strikeouts in four innings, reflecting his utter dominance on the mound. By the end of the sixth, the tally was up to eight.

The seventh began, and the walks and singles began piling up. Suddenly, Aydin Prell knocked one down the third baseline, bringing one run home. Right after, Jamie Coates knocked a ground ball to center, and suddenly, the Highlanders were up three. Continuing the order, Dailey sent one up the gap in left field, sending runners to first and second. Harrington took the plate, but stuck out to end the inning.

All the Highlanders needed to do was hold the Warhawks under three runs, and with Nance pitching the way he had, the end seemed near. It started with a strikeout, his ninth of the night, but two singles put runners on first and second, and another single loaded the bases.

Nance, with ice in his veins, struck out the next batter he faced. All he needed was one more out. A walk reduced the lead to two and kept the bases loaded. Then, with one stroke of the bat, which sent the ball to the short, the game was over, and the Highlanders were headed to the regional finals.

Cheers were shared in the stands and in the dugout as the Highlanders enjoyed a success that erased all the painful losses and toils of a long season.

“Our team just put it together today. We hit well, with a good approach against a good arm to start out,” Nance said. “My stuff felt good, so we look to keep rolling.”

Even with the sunny skies of victory, there was still some worry about star outfielder Yuta Shimo, who was injured during the game.

“Hopefully it’s nothing serious, we don’t know what it is right now, but he’ll be back,” Nance said.

The Highlanders will play in the regional championship on Wednesday, May 29 at South Lakes High School. They hope to keep their momentum as they head into states.

“We’re on a roll right now, so we’re not in our heads,” Nance said. “We’re gonna keep our approach strong and clear and keep going like we have.”