ST. MARYS — It’s been a problem for Bradford most of the season, and Thursday night it cost them in the final inning.
Losing its sixth game by three runs of less, Bradford committed five errors in a regular-season ending 1-0 loss to Elk County Catholic.
Scoreless into the bottom of the seventh, the Crusaders’ first two batters of the inning reached on fielding errors before Alec Wehler walked the Owls off with a game-winning single to center.
Wehler went 3-for-3 in the game.
The walk-off spoiled a splendid outing from Bradford freshman pitcher Michael Gow, who allowed seven hits, no walks and struck out a batter in a complete game effort.
“Might have been the best game he’s pitched all year,” Bradford coach Andy Carlson said. “As a freshman he has given us a chance every time he’s gone out there. Great kid, and he’s just going to get better and better. Big part of our future.”
On this day, however, Gow was just slightly outdueled by Elk Catholic’s Tommy Slay. Slay held the Owls to just four hits and struck out three in his seven innings of work. But Slay also got the help from the players behind him, who didn’t commit any errors.
Despite the low hit total, Bradford had runners get into score position in at least four innings, according to Carlson.
“We had guys there, but just never drove them in,” Carlson said. “Put too much pressure on Gow to throw zeroes. He did for six innings, but the defense didn’t support behind him.”
Patrick Caskey had a double for Bradford, which ended its regular season at 5-13.
The gloves and bats won’t be put away, however, as the Owls have opted into the District 9 Class AAAA playoffs that begin next Thursday.
Bradford will travel to Showers Field in DuBois to face Punxsutawney at 4 o’clock. The Chucks swept both games of the season series against the Owls, but only by a 10-5 margin.
“If we play like we did today, we have a great chance to win,” Carlson said. “Clean up the defense but play like we did today and we have a chance.”
Elk Catholic (12-7), meanwhile, travels to play Clarion in the first round of the Class A postseason on Tuesday.
Northern Allegheny League
Galeton 4, Oswayo Valley 2
GALETON — Tre Slawson struck out 11 batters to lead the Tigers to a season-ending victory.
Tied 2-2 into the sixth inning, Galeton/Northern Potter (3-11, 2-8) struck for two runs in the bottom half of that frame to pull ahead.
Oswayo Valley (3-12, 1-9) starting pitcher Sawyer Prince allowed just five hits and two earned runs through five innings before being relieved by Gunner Bean in the sixth.
Slawson helped his own cause with two hits at the plate for Galeton/NoPo while teammate Hunter Crowell added two RBI.
Bean had two hits and an RBI for OV, and Colton Geitler added a hit.
