The victory earned Northern their second trip to the regional tournament in the last three years. In 2004, Northern made it to the finals of the tournament only to lose to North Carolina. Northern has aspirations of going to the next step this year.
Northern jumped on Warner Robins ace in the first for two runs. Kyle Carter (1-for-1) connected on the second pitch he saw and hit his tenth homerun of the tournament. Josh Lester (2-for-2) followed with a double to the centerfield fence and later scored on a wild pitch.
The Warner Robins pitcher had his fastball clocked earlier in the week at 78 mph (equivalent to a 103 mph major league pitch). Manager Randy Morris knew the two early runs were critical. "It was a big boost to our club to pick up those two runs. [He] had shut down every team he pitched against in the tournament."
J. T. Phillips pitched a complete game for Northern notching his third win of the tournament. Phillips had great control of his pitches and recorded 11 strikeouts while surrendering only one hit.
With Phillips' control, two runs appeared to be enough but in the bottom of the fifth he singled up the middle to drive in Carter who had been intentionally walked. Lester scored the game’s final run on a wild pitch.
"Our kids did all we asked them to do this week and now they are excited about going the next level," Morris said. Northern completed the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record and hit 21 homeruns in the process.
Morris took the team to St. Petersburg in 2004 and knows personally the excitement of playing on that stage "It's an opportunity I wish every kid and coach could have."
The Northern team now begins preparation for the tournament which begins next Saturday with a 10:00 am game against the West Virginia state champions. The format is similar to the state tournament with pool play yielding four teams who vie for the championship and a chance to go to Williamsport.
