Ram's Austin Hardy Silences Burns in State Championship Opener
BURLINGTON — Greene Central’s senior ace, Austin Hardy, delivered a legendary performance in game one of the NCHSAA 2A State Championship series. Hardy shut down the defending champions, Burns High School, with a masterful 2-0 victory at Burlington Athletic Stadium.
In his final high school appearance, Hardy pitched 6 innings, allowing only five hits and no runs while striking out seven batters. His heroic effort ended Burns' two-year streak of avoiding shutouts, a feat last achieved on April 12, 2022.
"I knew going in it was going to be a dog fight, and that was what it was," said Greene Central head coach Ben Brann. "I am super proud of how we competed. Austin Hardy pitched a heck of a baseball game. He is a really good pitcher, and he pitched well today."
Hardy's exceptional performance also brought an end to Burns' star hitter Marshall McGowan's 23-game hitting streak. McGowan, who entered the game batting .540 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs, went 0-for-3 with one walk against Hardy.
"It felt great. If I had 120 more pitches, I would do it again," said Hardy, reflecting on his monumental effort. "Coming into this game, I knew they were going to be able to hit the ball, so I just had to capitalize on that. I wanted to come out with my best stuff, and I came out today and I had it. I competed the whole time."
Hardy's dominance set the stage for Greene Central's win, but it was a full team effort that secured the victory. Senior Braden Burress came in to finish the game, sealing the win with a dramatic diving play by Senior Noah Uzzell to turn a double play.
Offensively, the Rams managed five hits against Burns' ace pitcher Colby Putnam, who also delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings, giving up five hits, one earned run, and striking out ten batters. Burress contributed significantly at the plate, going 2-for-4, while Will Radford picked up two key walks.
The bottom of Greene Central’s lineup came up big, with seniors Cameron Taylor, Brady Anderson, and Jordan Scott each collecting a hit. Taylor went 1-for-3, Anderson 1-for-2 with a run scored, and Scott 1-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt. Uzzell, although 0-for-2, drew a walk and scored the Rams' first run on an overthrow to first base in the fourth inning.
Coach Brann praised the team's resilience and determination, saying, "They played so hard, they competed, they drew walks, and there were a lot of at-bats where we got down in the count and still got base hits. We competed."
As the Rams prepare for game two, just one win away from their sixth state championship, Brann's message to the team was clear: "We got to be ready to bring it for game two."
Greene Central will face Burns again tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at Burlington Athletic Stadium, with the Rams aiming to clinch the series and secure their place in history.
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