Jay Patto tossed a complete game 3-hitter as Western Branch outlasted the Grassfield Grizzlies 3-1. Patto did not allow an earned run while striking out three. He benefitted from three double plays including one to end the game.
Western Branch Connor Rhem walked on four pitches followed by an infield single from Connor Butler. Tucker Shaver sacrifice both runners one base and cleanup hitter Rufus Hurdle scored Rhem with a sacrifice fly.
Grassfield evened the score with Trey Ogden manufacturing a run. Ogden grounded into a fielder's choice and scored after stealing 2nd and 3rd base with the latter resulting in a run when the catcher over threw 3rd base.
Patto helped his own cause by scoring an unassisted insurance run in the bottom of the 6th inning. He doubled to left field then stole 3rd base and finally came home on a wild pitch to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead.
Grassfield starting pitcher Jake Smith took the loss after finishing five innings with one earned run and two strikeouts. He walked four batters.
Western Branch Connor Rhem walked on four pitches followed by an infield single from Connor Butler. Tucker Shaver sacrifice both runners one base and cleanup hitter Rufus Hurdle scored Rhem with a sacrifice fly.
Grassfield evened the score with Trey Ogden manufacturing a run. Ogden grounded into a fielder's choice and scored after stealing 2nd and 3rd base with the latter resulting in a run when the catcher over threw 3rd base.
Patto helped his own cause by scoring an unassisted insurance run in the bottom of the 6th inning. He doubled to left field then stole 3rd base and finally came home on a wild pitch to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead.
Grassfield starting pitcher Jake Smith took the loss after finishing five innings with one earned run and two strikeouts. He walked four batters.
