David Hutchins shines on the mound before weather delays Deerfield-Windsor’s playoff series

ALBANY — The Deerfield-Windsor Knights jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the Brookwood Warriors in their first-round GIAA state playoff game Friday before lightning and rain brought the action to an early halt at Addison Field.

Pitcher David Hutchins was in control on the mound for the Knights, scattering four hits over six shutout innings. He walked one and struck out six, keeping the Brookwood bats quiet as Deerfield-Windsor built its lead.

The Knights were batting in the bottom of the sixth inning when a lightning siren sounded, forcing a delay. Soon after, heavy rain followed, ending play for the day.

“We will pick up where we left off,” said Deerfield-Windsor head coach Kyle Keen. “We got an email today from the GIAA that said all games must be completed — either seven innings or ended by mercy rule.”

Keen expressed hope that the teams would be able to resume play Saturday at 1 p.m., but with rain expected overnight, he wasn’t certain that would happen.

The Knights scored early, with Gabe Daniel singling and scoring the first run in the bottom of the first inning. A Brookwood error allowed Daniel to reach third on his hit, and he later came home on a ground out by Gage Tomlinson.

Back-to-back singles from David Hutchins and Drake Wiggins in the second inning led to another Deerfield-Windsor run, while a single from Lane Sceals in the third pushed the lead to 3-0.

As the raindrops became more consistent, so did the Knights’ bats. Deerfield-Windsor plated three runs in the fourth inning. Hutchins led off with a single, and Drake Wiggins was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second. One out later, Daniel and Lan Wiggins delivered back-to-back singles to drive in a run. A sacrifice fly from Tomlinson plated the next run, and Collins Clark capped the scoring with a two-out single to left, making it 6-0.

The teams will aim to complete the series Saturday, weather permitting, with the Knights looking to build on their commanding lead.