The Bottom Line
By Bill Nestor
Sports Editor
Bridgeport’s baseball team is looking for another Class AA State Championship after earning the regional title this past week. A pair of wins over Grafton on Tuesday and Frankfort on Thursday, gives veteran mentor Robert Shields and his team an opportunity to repeat as champs. Shields has always been able to get the most out of his teams come post season play and this year looks no different.
The championship game, played in “Tribe Territory” was a 13-3 shortened win over the Falcons. The Indians had the bats working early and often, scoring seven first inning runs.
Bridgeport knocked Frankfort starter Brett Whiteman out of the game in the first inning and continued their onslot en route to 14 hits in the affair. Gordon Swiger collected three hits (two of which were doubles) and scored a pair of runs to lead the attack. Elijah Drummond was 2 of 4 with three runs batted in and Tanner Furbee was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.
Bridgeport was also opportunistic, earning four walks and collecting five stolen bases. Brine Takahashi picked up the win for the Tribe. Takahashi had excellent control in the outing. He struck out seven Falcons and only allowed a single walk.
Bridgeport started regional play two days before with a 10-6 come from behind victory over Grafton.
The chips were down and it looked as if the Indians season would come to an end. However, when you are the defending state champs and you’re looking for a third consecutive title, you don’t give up without a fight.
The Tribe was trailing 6-5 and down to their final three outs. All they did was score five runs in the top of the seventh inning and Tanner Furbee shut the door in the bottom of the final frame to earn the win.
It was an uphill battle from the start as the Bearcats scored four runs in the first off of Bridgeport ace Hunter Haddix.
Takahasi, Joe Dodrill, Ross Marra, Furbee, and J.T. Harris led the charge offensively for the Indians. All of the above mentioned players recorded a hit in the affair. Takahashi scored a pair of runs. Dodrill scored a pair of runs; Marra scored four runs. Furbee crossed the plate once. Harris smacked a homerun, scored two runs, and drove in two runs to help the Tribe continue their season. Dante Bonamico took two for the team. Bonamico was hit by a pitch twice and made the most of the situation by stealing two bases.
Bridgeport will face Braxton County in the opening game today at 4:30 pm at Appalachian Power Park.
South Harrison’s tremendous season came to an end last Tuesday following a 6-3 setback to Tygarts Valley.
The Hawks trailed 2-1 after the first inning. The deficit grew to 6-1 heading into the seventh inning. South Harrison would mount a comeback scoring a pair of runs in their final at bat but it wouldn’t be enough.
Nate Fernandez (1 for 3 with a double) and Dakota Jarrett (1 for 2 with a double) led the Hawks at the plate. Jacob Montgomery and Ian Riggleman also had hits in the loss.
South Harrison finished the campaign with a 20-7 record.
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!
