Franklin Throws 1-Hitter To Lead Edmonds over Spokane 1-0 in Pitchers’ Duel

LONGVIEW, Wash. – Will Franklin saved his best start of the season for the postseason, throwing a one-hit shutout to lead Edmonds over Spokane 1-0 to open the 2024 NWAC Baseball Championship on Thursday at Lower Columbia College's David Story Field.

Franklin worked a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing his only hit on a hard-hit infield single. The right-hander only faced three over the minimum, striking out eight batters while allowing one walk.

Franklin was a part of an epic pitchers' duel against Spokane's Troy Shepard, who also went the distance. Shepard was outstanding as he allowed just one run with one walk and five punchouts. After hitting a batter to start the fourth, Shepard set down the final 18 batters he faced.

The only run scored in the game came in the top of the second. After three singles to load the bases with one out, Chris Rogers hit a sacrifice fly to right field to bring home Michael Snyder. The run was all that would be needed for Franklin.

The North No. 2-seed Tritons (26-18) advance in the winner's bracket and will play the winner of Tacoma vs. Bellevue in game seven of the tournament on Friday at 4:35 p.m. The East No. 1 seed Sasquatch (28-18) drop to the loser's bracket and will play the loser of the same matchup in game five on Friday at 9:35 a.m.

FOLLOW NWAC SPORTS