BCHS welcomed Fitzgerald to Cochran Thursday evening for a second round matchup in the state playoffs. Though the Royals beat the Hurricanes 11-1 when the two teams met two weeks ago, these games were much closer and dramatic.
Jay Johnson scored the game-winning run in game one.
Austin Yourn’s fourth inning double tied the score at 1 in game one. BC had two on with one out in the bottom of the sixth but failed to score. In the bottom of the seventh, Jay Johnson doubled to lead off. He beat the throw to third on a bunt by Josh Dillard.
Austin Yourn
Walker Boatright then followed with a single to provide a 2-1 walk-off win. Yourn was 2 for 3 with 1 RBI. Johnson and Gavin Cole were both 2 for 3. Boatright was 2 for 4 with 1 RBI.
Game two was a pitcher’s duel with both teams going scoreless through seven innings. The Hurricanes threatened in the bottom of the seventh with two on and one out. But a flyout and a pickoff at second base kept the game scoreless.
Brady Brannon
In the top of the ninth, Gavin Cole’s double was part of a three-run inning. Fitzgerald tried a last-ditch comeback, getting two on with two outs. But Clayton Beck struck out the final batter, his tenth of the game, to send Bleckley to the elite eight, 3-0. Cole was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI.
Pinch runner Colby Finch scored in the three-run top of the ninth.
BCHS travels to Pepperell for the elite eight May 7. Game one is at 5 pm with game two to follow 30 minutes later. The *if* game is May 8 at 5 pm.
