HUNTINGTON — Huntington High School will play in the state tournament for the first time following a 3-0 win over Parkersburg South in the Class AAAA South Region co-final on Monday.

“This is a very emotional win,” Huntington coach John Dennison said. “I believe this is the first team from Huntington High School to represent us in the state tournament. It’s very emotional. We’ve got some really good seniors, and we’ll battle to see what it brings.”

Highlander starter Jamie Legg threw a complete game shutout, striking out three and allowing just five hits from the Patriots.

“I threw him to the wolves as a freshman,” Dennison said. “He grew up quick. He’s been my ace, and I’m beyond proud of him.”

Huntington’s fielding effort included a runner thrown out at second by catcher Xavier Goodwin and multiple throws from the outfield by Jacob Ramey for outs at home. It allowed the Highlanders to overcome totaling just five hits.

Bradley Johnson hit a two-RBI single and finished 2 for 3 to lead Huntington. Johnson took home on a passed ball in the sixth to add insurance.

Parkersburg South left nine runners on base. CJ McCartney finished 2 for 3 with a double to lead the Patriots.

Huntington’s Tayveon Wilson hit an infield single before stealing both second and third in the first inning. He was brought home alongside Ramey on the go-ahead single from Johnson, and the Highlanders led 2-0 after an inning.

Ramey was tested in right field twice in the first three innings.

Parkersburg South put runners in scoring position for the first and third innings, but balls hit to Ramey in right field found home for the final out both times.

“I felt I was a little overtly aggressive in trying to score runs,” Parkersburg South coach Bryan Youngblood said. “I knew runs would come few and far between. Those first couple of innings, we had two thrown out at the plate.

“Took some good throws to get us out. Sometimes, you live and die by the sword. That’s what happened.”

Ramey ripped two throws back home to Goodwin well in time for tags and final outs to hold the Patriots scoreless through three.

“Not gonna lie, I don’t really think about it when it’s happening. I see the ball and throw it,” Ramey said of his mindset on those game-deciding throws.

“You’re just a dog, then,” Legg said in response.

Legg continued to deal in the fifth. The Patriots put runners on the corners, but the Highlanders worked into a fly ball and stranded runners once more. Wilson, Ramey and Evan Childers tracked every ball hit to the outfield.

“Our outfield was spectacular,” Dennison said. “When they’re all healthy, it’s a no-fly zone. They did a spectacular job. Tayveon roaming in center field feels like cheating, but we’ll take it.”

Goodwin threw down a runner at second in the sixth, again stopping Parkersburg South from generating a run. The catcher added a double offensively.

In the home half of the sixth, Huntington rallied with a single from Johnson and a walk from Goodwin. The Patriots met at the mound and kept starter Peyton West on the mound.

Johnson took third and home on passed balls to add insurance. It was a death blow to Parkersburg South — West struck out three consecutive batters to work from the jam aside from the allowed run.

The Patriots end the season at 12-22 and hold momentum with a young roster.

“Our pitcher filled it up well and we played good defense,” Youngblood said. “We just didn’t get those timely hits.

“Nobody really expected us to be here, but we made it. That’s the big point. We were very young this year. We only lose five seniors. We’ll have a lot coming back. We lost 11 from last year’s team. These guys will play some summer and fall ball, and we’ll get experience for a stronger season next year.”

Huntington (17-15) awaits the conclusion of the Class AAAA regional brackets for its matchup but will play in the first-ever eight-team state tournament at Marshall’s Jack Cook Field from June 6-13.

Class AAAA, South Division

Huntington 3, Parkersburg South 0

PARKERSBURG SOUTH 000 000 0 – 0 5 0

HUNTINGTON 200 001 X – 3 5 1

West and Miller; Legg and Goodwin

Hitting: (Parkersburg South) McCartney 2-3 2B, Davis 1-3, Graham 1-3, McVey 1-2; (Huntington) Johnson 2-3 2B 2 RBI, Wilson 1-3, Goodwin 1-2 2B, Hood 1-2.