Lake Wales Blanks Auburndale To Reach 5A-7 Championship

Senior Gage Chandley threw a complete-game shutout for the Highlanders, in their 7-0 win over Auburndale Bloodhounds. *Photo from @LakeWalesHighSchool.

When the Lake Wales Highlanders pitchers are on, they are tough to hit. Tuesday night was the latest example, as the Highlanders got a complete-game shutout from senior Gage Chandley to lead them to a 7-0 victory over the Auburndale Bloodhounds in the District 5A-7 semifinal. It is the fourth shutout of the season for Lake Wales (13-12).

The Highlanders will now travel to take on the top-seeded Sebring Blue Streaks on Thursday night, with the 5A-7 title and an automatic berth into the regional playoffs to the victor.

Chandley certainly did his part to lead the way to victory. The left-hander struck out eight over his seven innings of work, scattering two hits and three walks.

The 2024 Lake Wales Highlanders, together following their 7-0 win over Auburndale in the district semifinal. *Photo from @LakeWalesHighSchool.

A pair of runs in the bottom of the first staked Chandley with an early lead, and all the run support he ultimately needed. The Highlanders kept chipping away to add on and put things out of reach, with a run in the third, and a pair of runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Lake Wales collected 11 hits overall, and every starter reached base to contribute to the effort. Levi Cutts led the way by going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run. Roy Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run, and D.J. Robinson was 2-for-3 with a walk to reach base three times in four plate appearances. Carter Finnell was 1-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and three runs.

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