By Bill Nestor
The third time was indeed the charm for Lincoln’s softball team last Thursday. The Cougars won their third consecutive game as an underdog, rolling through the sectionals unblemished en route to the Class AA Region II Section I championship.
It wasn’t just the fact that Lincoln continued their winning ways, pushing their streak to six games while claiming eight victories out of their last 10 contests.
It’s the way they take care of business.
During the current win streak, the Cougars have scored double-digit runs in five of six outings, averaging 12.5 runs per lock-up. Pitching and defense have been equally impressive as Lincoln has allowed just 2.8 runs per game during this current six game run.
Veteran Head Coach Yancey Weaver has his squad believing in themselves midway through the campaign and their confidence has grown with each and every win. Heading into postseason play, the Cougars were the most feared third seed in the Mountain State and kept the momentum going when the games mattered the most.
Two weeks ago, Lincoln began the second season with an eight to three win at Robert C. Byrd. The next night, they traveled to top seeded Phillip Barbour and hung 15 runs on the perennial Class AA power on the way to a 15 to seven win. A weekend break was thought to favor the Colts. It gave Phillip Barbour time to recover from the lopsided loss and that the four day break might cool off the red hot Cougars.
Fortunately for Lincoln, the opposite would occur and Weaver’s group would produce their best effort of the season.
The Cougars went to Colt country and came away with a 10 to nothing, five inning triumph over Philip Barbour. Threes were wild for Lincoln batters as Makiah Ford and Riley Pearlman each had three hits (Ford had a home run and Pearlman recorded a double.) Alexis Williams and Adrianna Elder each had three runs batted in. Williams blasted a home run, while Elder had a double in the affair.
Pitching was lights out as Elder and Williams combined for the shutout. Elder started in the circle and went four and one third innings, striking out four batters while allowing just three hits. Williams entered the game to slam the door on P.B. by getting the final two outs of the match up.
Bridgeport’s baseball team garnered the Class AAA Region I Section 2 title this past Thursday with a five to one win over Buckhannon-Upshur in Tribe territory. The Indians used a combination of starter Rowan Michaelis and Carson Currey to limit the Bucs’ offensive attack. Michaelis went four innings, allowing two hits and one run, while striking out four. Currey was equally impressive in relief, going three innings, allowing just one hit with a pair of strikeouts.
Bridgeport picked up a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning, scored another run in the fourth, and added two insurance runs in the fifth frame. Mark Biafore carried the big bat for the Tribe, going two for three with four runs batted in. Biafore also showed his wheels, garnering one of his team’s three stolen bases. Zach Rohrig went one for two with the game’s lone extra base hit (a double) and a run scored. Kason Baun and Ashton Curry. also added hits for the Indians.
Legendary mentor bob Shields has his team ready to contend for another state title, Shields has more championships than any other active head coach in the state and his squad currently owns a 29 and four record. It’s business as usual for Bridgeport as they move into regional play.
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God bless!