Johnny Nutt’s masterclass on the mound leads Wilcox County past Baconton

BACONTON — Wilcox County senior left-hander Johnny Nutt delivered a pitching masterclass Wednesday, throwing a complete-game no-hitter in Game 1 before coming on in relief in Game 2 to quell a Blazer rally and complete the sweep. The Patriots defeated Baconton 3-0 and 2-1 in the Class A Division II state baseball playoffs.

The Blazers received strong pitching performances from both Hudson Coronati and Lee Worsham to keep Baconton competitive, but Nutt was exceptional throughout the day.

In Game 1, the senior lefty struck out 19 batters and allowed just one base runner on a walk — narrowly missing a perfect game. It marked Nutt’s second consecutive no-hitter, following his shutout of Schley County in the Sweet 16.

While the Blazers couldn’t break through in the opener, they had opportunities late in the second game.

With two outs in the sixth inning, Coronati walked and Kyle Logue followed with a hard ground ball to left. A wild pitch allowed Coronati to advance to third, but Worsham struck out, stranding two runners on base.

Baconton threatened again in the seventh when Corbin Suggs singled with one out. Wilcox County coach Stephen McDuffie brought Nutt in to relieve starter Deacon Harper. Nutt struck out the first batter he faced but then walked Logan Hurst, putting runners at first and second.

With the standing-room-only crowd loudly chanting, “Let’s go, Daniel!” centerfielder Daniel Cruz lined Nutt’s third pitch into center field, scoring Suggs and putting the tying run in scoring position.

Nutt fell behind senior catcher Grayson White with two balls but battled back with three consecutive strikes to end the game — and the series — sending the Patriots to the Final Four.

Baconton Charter’s season ends with a 33-3 record, as the Blazers bid farewell to six seniors who will graduate later this month: Brett Brown, Lee Worsham, Logan Hurst, Grayson White, Landon Barber, and Zane VanMeter.