Dutch Fork’s Hacklen, Lexington’s Scott make baseball commitments

Dutch Fork’s Ward Hacklen and Lexington’s Jon Scott made in-state commitments to play college baseball Sunday.

Hacklen committed to Clemson and Scott verbally pledged to College of Charleston.

Hacklen, a junior, made his choice while attending the Georgia Tech and Clemson game Sunday.

“I always wanted to play at Clemson and play for Monte Lee,” Hacklen said.

The Dutch Fork outfielder has played just five games this season after missing a month and a half with a foot injury, but has come on strong in his return for the Region 4-4A champions. Hacklen is 7-for-17 with four homers and eight RBIs. His four homers are tied for second in the Midlands.

Scott has become the ace of the Wildcats’ staff this season. He is 5-2 with a 1.38 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings this season.

Both Dutch Fork and Lexington begin the postseason Thursday.

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 7:02 PM with the headline "Dutch Fork’s Hacklen, Lexington’s Scott make baseball commitments."