Bridgeport and Robert C. Byrd had strong showings this past week at the State Tournament in Huntington. Each team did battle on Tuesday and were involved in down-to-the-wire lock-ups. The Indians were able to advance while the Flying Eagles fell just short in their comeback bid against Shady Spring.
The Tribe, the top sed in Class AAA opened up State Tournament action against a familiar foe in East Fairmont. Both are members of the Big 10 Conference and, on paper, Bridgeport went into this game a heavy favorite. The Bees were looking for redemption from a regular season shellacking.
East Fairmont pitcher Joey Schnore didn’t pair well in that earlier affair and didn’t make it long before being pulled off of the mound. Schmore used that early exit as maturation and he responded with a yeoman’s effort on the hill. He went six innings and had his team in position to pull off the upset. East Fairmont led two to one heading into the bottom of the final inning having just two hits.
Indian pitcher Owen Sondericker pitched a gem, going the distance, striking out six batters, and eventually picking up the victory after an incredible comeback bid.
Down to their final three outs, the Tribe went to work. Aiden Dunn was hit by a pitch. Luke Rohrig blasted a ground-rule double that bounced over the fence, placing runners at second and third. Jax McNally grounded out, scoring a run to tie the score at two to two. Guy Avolio drove in the game-winning run on a sacrifice play and Bridgeport advanced three to two.
Rohrig and designated hitter Cole Arnett each collected a pair of hits to pace the Indians.
RCB ace Xavier Carvelli allowed just two runs, both coming in the second inning. The Flying Eagles had runners at second and third in the seventh inning trailing two to one, but couldn’t cash in. They would end the campaign with a 23 and 12 record.
Bridgeport fell to Ripley five to one on Friday in semifinal action. The Vikings had a big third inning where they scored four runs, which proved to be the difference-maker. Indian pitcher Blake Butcher went six innings with five strikeouts. Rohrig was once again the offensive catalyst, going two for three, including a triple. Baun, Courtney, and Anthony Julian also added hits in the season ending loss, Bridgeport finished the season with an impressive 31 and five mark.
In Class AA action, Lincoln made its first appearance at the State Tournament since 2009. The Cougars met up with the red hot Frankfort Falcons. Frankfort would score first in the top of the next inning to tie it at one a piece. The Falcons put two more on the board on their next at bat and they would not look back, going on to a six to one win.
Lincoln was led at the plate by Colton Edwards. Edwards was two for four with a double and a run batted in. Alex Greene added a triple going one for three. Jacob Holt and Christopher Mazzei also collected hits for Lincoln. The Cougars finished their impressive season with a 21 and 14 record.
That puts a close to another exceptional year of baseball in Harrison County!
Than will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
