BY YANEEK SMITH

CLYDE — With the season hanging in the balance, Alliyah Wharton came up big for the Redskins, driving in two runs in the top of the seventh inning in Port Clinton’s 5-4 victory over Clyde in a Division II sectional final.

It was the third RBI of the game for Wharton, who also had a sacrifice fly in the third inning.

With one out in the top of the seventh, Kenzie Martinez was hit by a pitch and Kennedy Adkins laid down a bunt that ended with her being safe at first base and Martinez advancing to third. Adkins stole second and, facing an 0-2 count, lined a single through the left side of the infield to score two runs and account for the final runs of the game.

The Redskins, who were seeded ninth in the Genoa District, defeated No. 8 Perkins in the sectional semifinal before beating Clyde, who was seeded third.

Port Clinton plays the No. 2 team, Wauseon, today at 6:30 p.m. at Genoa High School.

“I keep telling them, we’re not out of it until the last out is made. They’re finally starting to believe that,” said Port Clinton coach Ryan Wiechman. “Clyde put up three runs in the fifth to take the lead, and in years past, we might’ve gotten down, but our leaders stepped up. We get a couple of baserunners here and there, and we turn it over to the seventh.

“It was a big win for the girls, and for the program.”

The ‘Skins (7-13) scored three runs in the top of the third to take a 3-0 lead.

Olivia Emerson started off the inning with a base hit, which was followed by a strikeout, and Martinez reached on a bunt single. Adkins was hit by a pitch, and Wharton hit a sacrifice fly to score Emerson, but a wild throw enabled Martinez to score, too. Catcher Addisynne Siefke, who finished 3-for-4, lined a double to left field to score Adkins.

Ashton Sanchez had a good game in the circle and didn’t give up a hit until the fifth when the Flyers scored three runs to take a 4-3 lead.

“You go through our whole year, and Ashton has been very consistent. For a freshman to step up in the two tournament games, she’s been phenomenal and has set the tone for these girls,” said Wiechman. “She stays pretty level-headed. Clyde hit the ball pretty well.

“Siefke, as a sophomore, had her struggles behind the plate, but we’ve been working on cutting down the passed balls, and she worked on her footwork. This year, she’s been phenomenal throwing out baserunners. She’s been doing a great job for us.”

It was a big win for the program.

“Since it’s happened, the number of people that have talked to the girls or me or our coaches has been amazing. I think it’s the fourth sectional championship. It’s been posted to the different social media sites. The younger girls see it. It validates the girls that have worked so hard over these last 3 or 4 years, the hard work is turning into success,” said Wiechman. “It felt good for the girls to get recognized. The smiles have been on their faces since Thursday.”