Bradford eliminates Punxsy with 6-4 win
Bradford responded with a 6-4 victory at Scott Fields in Derrick City, knocking out Punxsutawney, earning a fresh shot at DuBois and keeping their District 10 title hopes alive.
Almost nothing went right for BRLL in the loss Saturday, and DuBois’ hitters seemed to find every gap on the way to a shutout win in four innings.
The 11- and 12-year-olds needed a fast start Monday night and recorded exactly that with three runs in the bottom of the first.
The speedy Eli Haynoski led things off for BRLL with a perfect bunt down the third base line. In the fifth spot, Bentlee Confer drew a walk to plate Haynoski. Maddon Splain, who reached on a single, crossed home on an error by the Punxsy third baseman. Brock Crappio grounded into a fielder’s choice but scored Kohen Pantuso, on base on a free pass.
At 3-1 after one inning, both teams were scoreless in the second. BRLL’s only baserunner in the second inning was Teddy Henretta, who drew a walk but was left on base.
In Punxsy’s half of the third, BRLL perfectly executed the first of two rundowns in the game, saving a run with the out on the third base line.
The hosts added another run in the bottom of the third. Haynoski laid down another textbook bunt to start Bradford’s half. A stolen base put Haynoski at third when Magnus Miller came to bat in the third spot and singled on a fly ball to center field, giving BRLL a 4-1 edge.
Punxsy hung up two runs in the top of the fourth for a 4-3 game, then left three runners on base in the top of the fifth when the visitors’ second hitter struck out swinging.
Bradford was blanked in the fourth but countered with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Kaiden Christjohn dropped his own precision bunt to give BRLL a runner. He scampered to second on an error. Splain smashed a double on a line drive to center that scored Christjohn. Eli Haynoski, who walked, advanced to third. In the next at-bat, Miller’s sacrifice fly to right field made it a 6-3 game.
A lead-off triple opened the top of the sixth for Punxsutawney. Jacob Gourley’s line drive in the next at-bat cut the visitors’ deficit to two, 6-4.
In relief on the mound for Bradford, Kohen Pantuso struck out Punxsy’s fifth hitter, then Splain picked up the second out in center. In what would prove the game’s last at-bat, Splain ranged toward right and bagged the game-ender, preserving the 6-4 win.
“I preach about the mental part of the game,” said Head Coach Eric Haynoski, “and these kids really used the top 10 inches of their bodies and were able to exploit all Punxsy’s weaknesses.
“We always make practice uncomfortable so when it comes to an uncomfortable spot during a game, they’re ready,” Haynoski continued. “Their mental awareness, their mental game, is well beyond many teams and their baserunning is superb. We put the pressure on them — create pressure at the right time and good things happen.”
Haynoski and Pantuso shared the mound for the winners, now 3-1. They combined to strike out eight and walk three. Catcher Caleb Weart and Jameis Furlong at second base fielded their positions flawlessly in the game. In three chances, Furlong tallied an assist and two putouts, while Weart had 13 chances, recording two assists and 11 putouts.
Haynoski (2-for-3, three runs) and Miller (1-for-2, two RBI) led the offense, while Splain, Confer, Mason Haynoski, Crappio and Christjohn each recorded a base knock.
“It was a total team effort,” Coach Haynoski said. “It took all 12 of them working together to get the win.”
He continued, “If somebody makes a mistake they feel terrible — they don’t want to let each other down. It’s not about themselves, it’s about making plays for each other and I love it.
“Coaching these kids is so much fun.”
BRLL’s Major All-Stars comprise players from Bradford and Otto-Eldred (Splain, Pantuso, Miller and Henretta).
“The future is bright,” the skipper noted, “for Bradford and Otto-Eldred baseball.”
BRLL travels to DuBois for a 6 p.m. tilt Wednesday, needing a win to force a second matchup for the District 10 championship.
