Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, left, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher Seth Wyse warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher Seth Wyse warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, left, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, left, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher Seth Wyse warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, front, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, left, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
The last time Ezell-Harding’s baseball team won a state title, coach Jason Charlton’s brother was one of the top two pitchers on the squad and none of the current Eagles’ players were born.
More than a quarter of a century has passed since that time, but thanks to a pair of aces at the top of the rotation, seniors Seth Wyse and Grant Phillips, Ezell-Harding is making a push for its first state title since 1989.
The pair has dazzled with its performances, helping the Eagles finish regular-season play with a 20-9 record, including an 11-1 finish in DII-A E/M District 2.
Wyse struck out 27 batters over consecutive games while Phillips threw the first no-hitter of his career against rival Franklin Road Academy recently.
Interchangeable arms
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher Seth Wyse warms up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
“People will ask, ‘who’s your No. 1?’ ” Charlton said. “I’ll often tell them we don’t have a No. 1. They have different stuff, but they are both equally just as good of pitchers.”
Wyse wrapped up the regular season with a 7-0 record behind a 0.48 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 44 innings, while Phillips turned in an equally impressive 6-1 record with a 0.94 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 46 innings, with his only loss being a 1-0 affair against Battle Ground Academy.
The chemistry between the two pitchers may be one reason for their continued success this year.
“We’ve been playing together since we were little,” Phillips said. We’re best friends; we’re like brothers.”
Last year, Wyse threw two perfect games, both of which came with Phillips behind the plate.
“It’s good to know as a pitcher that you’ve got someone back there you can trust, who’s going to call the right pitch at the right time and you’re on the same page every single time,” Wyse said.
And that relationship allows them to feel comfortable and confident on the mound.
“We have complete and total faith in each other,” Wyse said. “We know when one of us is on the mound we’ve got a great chance of winning and there’s not two better pitchers in the state of Tennessee that can beat us.”
Next-level play
Ezell-Harding Christian School pitcher and third baseman, Grant Phillips, front, and pitcher Seth Wyse warm up before a game baseball game on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Wyse could not play as because of an ankle injury.
One thing that has led to Phillips’ success on the mound this season has been the ability to play without trying to impress college scouts. Phillips, a Tennessee Tech signee, committed during the winter.
“That’s probably been my biggest relief this season,” Phillips said. “I feel loose on the mound this year. I don’t feel any pressure this year as with the past few years.”
Wyse however, who remained uncommitted until signing with junior college power Walters State just last Wednesday, used that pressure as motivation.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to show I can play at the next level,” said Wyse, who is currently resting due to a partially torn ligament in his ankle.
Now, with the regular season wrapped up, the two aces can focus on the goal they have shared with the other three seniors on the team since their first varsity game: winning a state championship.
“That’s been our goal since day one,” Phillips said. “State’s been our main focus. We’ve been to sub-state three out of our four years so far and we’ve been one game away (several) times, so just the drive and the pursuit we have to get to state is unreal right now.”
Aces wild
Ezell-Harding’s top pitchers
Seth Wyse: 44 IP, 7-0, 0.48 ERA, 64 Ks
Grant Phillips: 46 IP, 6-1, 0.94 ERA, 60 Ks
Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.