HUNTINGTON - The Harrison County Nationals 14-year old Babe Ruth all stars knew they were one win away from a state championship.
But, they also knew the victory wouldn't come easy. A day after losing to Beckley, 3-1, the Nationals pounded out 12 hits and rode the two-hit pitching of Andrew Shreves to a 9-1 win over Beckley.
Shreves, who struck out eight, got plenty of support led by tournament Most Valuable Player, Matt Barberio.
Barberio was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the title game. For the tournament, Barberio batted .683 with an on-base percentage of .869. He also drove in eight runs and scored six.
Andrew Spatafore, Andy Isner and Billy Milnes also each had two hits for the Nationals.
It was the third state championship claimed by a Harrison County team. Earlier, the Harrison County Americans won the 13-year old title, while the Nationals won the 15-year-old title.
The National 14-year-olds travel to Marionette Park, Ill for the Ohio Valley Regional Tournament on Aug. 3.
