(photo courtesy of Josh Krautzel/DBN)

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Garnet Valley pitching staff did their job today, but the offense couldn’t quite get things going as their season came to an end in the state playback round.

Both of the teams were very strong on the bump today, but Downingtown West defeated the Jaguars 3-1. Blaise Bonnell started the game today for DTown West and threw six innings while allowing just one earned run and recorded six strikeouts.

The Whippets were first to get on the board as Ben Lindros hit a sacrifice fly to score one run in the second inning.

In the bottom of the third, the Whippets’ bats were on fire. Jake Downie doubled on a fly ball to center field, and Danny Kershner singled on a line drive to center. Downie scored on an error, and Luke Dovidio hit a sacrifice fly to give the Whippets a 3-0 lead.

Colton Turner started on the mound for the Jaguars. He gave up two hits and three runs (one earned) over three innings. He struck out one and walked three. Ryan McGhee ended a great Jaguar career with three scoreless innings and five strikeouts.

Nick Chiti came in relief for the Whippets. He gave up two hits, striking out one and walking one to get the save. 

Kershner went 2-3 at the plate to lead the Whippets in the hits category. Dovidio and Lindros each drove in one run for the Whippets. Kershner stole two bases in today’s game.

Ryan McGhee, Cole Lombardo and Harrison Maull were strong in the lineup today for the Jaguars as they both collected two hits, and Cole Hoffacker had their only RBI.

Garnet Valley sees their season come to an end at 16-8, while Downingtown West will head to Haverford on Thursday for a game that will determine seeding in the state tournament. Whoever wins will be the fifth ranked team in District 1, and whoever loses will be the sixth ranked team.