An explosive fourth inning offensively combined with a complete-game gem from senior pitcher Taylor Clarke provided the winning formula for Broad Run High School in a 5-2 victory over Jamestown in the Virginia AA baseball quarterfinals June 7 in Ashburn.

The win advances the Spartans (23-3) to the state semifinals where they will face Tunstall (22-2) June 10 at 1 p.m. at Calfee Park in Pulaski. Tunstall defeated Brookville 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

“It’s unbelievable,” Clarke said of playing in the state playoffs. “Emotions are high and we’re having a lot of fun.”

Clarke, a Towson University commit, allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out nine. Clarke held Jamestown scoreless in six of seven innings - surrendering only a two-run home run by Tommy Vitaletti with two outs in the sixth.

Clarke said he threw mostly fastballs in the win - running them inside to induce several weak ground balls. He also used his slider as a strikeout pitch. Clarke improved to 10-1 this season with one save. 

The Spartans - Dulles District season and Region II tournament champions - scored all five of their runs in the fourth inning. Junior Connor Jessop and senior Nick Richardson each collected a pair of hits and scored a run. Sophomore AJ Powell singled twice and drove in two runs.

“Our offense started a little slow but we busted through in that fourth inning. That was a big boost of confidence,” Clarke said. “I was able to just go out there and throw strikes and let our defense do the work. Connor played great at short, everybody else played well.”