By Bill Nestor
Bridgeport’s baseball program has been the most consistent in the state of west Virginia for well over a decade. The Tribe has made winning state championships look as easy as having a winning season. Veteran mentor Robert Shields has managed to build a dominant winner that competes year in and year out for titles and this year is no different. Last week the Indians played some practice games after upending Hampshire six to two in a lock-up that saw the heavily favored Tribe trailing early,.
The big Region II contest was moved to Frank Loria Field due to poor weather conditions nullifying Bridgeport’s home field advantage. The Trojans held a two to nothing lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, but it would be short-lived. Three RBI hits by Sam Goodwin, Jacob Stavrakis, and Sean Via provided a three to two advantage for the Indians. Bridgeport received some insurance from the bat of Owen Sondericker. Sondericker pounded a three-run home run which was the first of his career.
Steven lee had started the tilt on the mound for the tribe and went four innings before giving way to Aiden Dunn. Dunn threw the remaining three innings and was almost untouchable. Dunn allowed just one hit with four shutouts and no walks.
Hampshire had defeated Lincoln prior tot he battle with Bridgeport, five to two, to end the Cougars’ campaign. The Trojans had built a five to nothing lead, but Lincoln put together a comeback bid in the final inning.
Anthony Belcastro led off the seventh inning with a single. Christopher Mazzei was hit by a pitch and an error allowed Jacob Holt to reach base. Cotton Edwards picked up an RBI on a fielders choice. Max Abruzzino earned an RBI on an infield single to bring in the second run of the game for the Cougars. Jaxson Poe singled to load the bases, bringing the potential winning run to the plate. Lincoln, however, would get no closer and their season would end with a 17 and 16 mark. Abruzzino and Poe were the offensive leaders for the Cougars with two hits a piece.
South Harrison survived and advanced in Class AA with a five to one victory over Petersburg last week in Lost Creek. South Harrison head coach Frank Tate gave the ball to freshman hurler Jacob Watts and he responded with a complete game four-hitter. Watts pitched his way out of a bases-loaded first inning jam and cruised to the win earning confidence and praise from not only tate, but his teammates as well.
Corey Saltis paced the hawk attack, going three for three from the plate with a two bagger, two RBIS , and a pair of runs scored. Seth Gaines was two of three at the dish, including a home run in the triumph.
Robert C. Byrd’s season came to a close last week with a 15 to five loss to Frankfort. The Flying eagles were training five to four heading into the top of the fifth inning. However, they would allow one, three, and six runs down the stretch as Frankfort would pull away in Clarksburg.
Robert C. Byrd was led by Cooper Floyd. Floyd would make threes wild, going three for three with three RBIs and three runs scored. He also had a home run and a double in the game.
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!
