Junior pitcher Tyler Witt was determined to avoid a Charter Oak comeback Tuesday at Charter Oak High School.

With the final out called at the bottom of the seventh inning, the Wolfpack broke their 8-game losing streak and defeated the Chargers, 5-4. Despite five errors, they ripped 11 hits with a batting average was .393.

“(During the game) I was thinking, ‘Let’s end this season strong. Let’s change the thought of this season,’” Witt said.

Witt’s ERA was 2.00 and had five strikeouts.

After an early blow in the second inning when the Charter Oak Oscar Osorio III had a successful hit to center field, 2-0, it was an uphill battle for the Wolfpack to make any impact. Sophomore outfielder Cameron Dyar-Place led the charge in the fifth inning with a successful bunt.

After the Chargers were confused over a miscommunication, Dyar-Place stole second base and had fans excited for what was next to come. The Wolfpack took the lead, 3-2.

Dyar-Place was close to putting scores on the board in the third inning—he stole third base to have freshman third baseman Jake Gentry hit him home—but the Wolfpack showed some hesitation both on base and the in the box.

After that, Dyar-Place was not going let this opportunity slip the second time.

“At the fifth inning, I was thinking, ‘I’m not going to mess this up,’” Dyar-Place said. “Then the momentum was building and the hits were contagious.”

The Chargers remained active as Ian Evans scored from second base, making it 3-3. While remaining vigilant, senior shortstop Jonathan Vance said the Wolfpack’s infield play was not the best during the game.

However, the Wolfpack still made key defensive plays, from Vance’s bounce catch to Witt’s quick throw to first base when the ball was bunted toward third base. Witt said it was instinct to turn sharp and get the out.

The outfield received much of the action, including junior outfielder Jeremiah Maldonado’s big catch in the third inning.

With the score still tied at the sixth inning, Vance belted a hit to right field and kept running all the way to third base. Fans were cheering again as it was Dyar-Place’s took his turn in the batter’s box.

After hitting a blooper to left field everyone watched closely hoping it would drop. It was as Dyar-place brought Vance home for a 4-3 edge.

Vance said this season has been rough, but after ending it on a high note, there is some hope that they can make a stronger impact next year.

“We had to show them (Chargers) that we’re good enough to be in this league. We are good enough to compete,” Vance said.

—Alex Forbess

sports@claremont-courier.com