Buchholz Bobcats Baseball: Welcome

 THOUGHT FOR THE MOMENT

"Courage Is The Capacity To Confront What Can Be Imagined" 

   -Leo Rosten-

BHS RALLY FALLS SHORT DROPS REGIONAL SEMI TO CHILES 5-4

"ROAD WARRIORS"

SANDERS PITCHES COMPLETE GAME VICTORY. BHS TOPS JACKSONVILLE FLETCHER 4-3

BOBCATS DROP DISTRICT FINAL TO CHILES, 8-2

It was just a little too much to give, 3, maybe 4 runs but 6 was too big of a hurdle to overcome. The Cats gave up 6 runs in the first inning and it proved to be their downfall.

The old saying goes "You can't win the game in the first inning but you can lose it". That is what happened to Buchholz. They lost their edge gained from scoring first and started to press, never giving up or giving in but too big of a challenge to overcome against a solid Chiles club.

BHS playing the role of visitors batted first and scored first on Kevin Krupp's RBI single to left. They didn't score again until the seventh when Phoenix Sanders singled to right driving in Chris Byrd.

Derek Vail started for Buchholz. He was relieved by David Lee and Andrew Griffin pitched the last inning and a 3rd.

It was a frustrating loss for the Bobcats but they are a resilent bunch and the season is not over. Playing in the district final insured them a place in the regionals and another opportunity.

BHS STARTS DISTRICT PLAY WITH A VICTORY OVER LINCOLN IN TALLAHASSEE 4-1

The Bobcats split the regular season series with Lincoln H. S., the most recent game an outstanding 1-0 shutout courtesy of Phoenix Sanders.

Sanders took the mound for the Bobcats and again kept the Trojans in check, pitching a solid 7 inning complete game.

This time he got a little more help from his "friends" and Buchholz's played one of its best games of the year. 

Both teams were held scoreless until the 3rd when Lincoln got on the board. 

After 2 outs a Trojan runner reached base on an error and scored the games first run when Lincoln followed with 2 singles.

The Trojans were looking to add to their lead in the top of the 4th when their cleanup hitter singled to start the frame. He was quickly picked off but the next 2 batters singled to put 2 on with 1 out. However, Sanders refocused and struck out the next two batters to escape the inning unscathed. The close call seemed to energize the Cats offense and Sanders.

Weston Clarke got things going, reaching base, with 1 out, after being drilled in the back with a fastball. Brooks Morgan worked a walk. Kevin Krupp followed with a run scoring double to the wall in left center. Mike McKivigan knocked in the go ahead run with a ground ball to deep 2nd. 

Sanders pitching with the lead sent the Trojans down in order to begin the 5th and BHS added to their lead in the bottom of the inning.

Dakota Turner laced a 1 out double into the gap in right center and moved to 3rd on a WP. Phoenix Sanders caught the Lincoln defense by surprise when he laid down a bunt just to the left of the mound that neither the 3rd basemen or pitcher could field cleanly as Turner came home. 

Now leading by 2, Sanders again got the Host team in order and Buchholz added another insurance run.

Krupp, who was 2 for 3 on the night and had a solid performance behind the plate, singled thru the box to start the 6th. The Cats loaded the bases on walks to Quinlan Washington and Fowler Brown. After Krupp was forced at the plate, Turner drove in the 4th run on a single.

Sanders had the ball to start the 7th and for the 3rd inning in a row sent the Trojans down in order. He got the last 11 Lincoln batters. His numbers on the evening were 9 strike outs, no walks, 6 hits and 1 unearned run.  

The Bobcats continue district play with a game against Chiles at Lincoln on Thursday, the 26th at 7:00pm  

BOBCATS TOP GHS ON VAIL'S 7 SHUTOUT INNINGS, 1-0 

Derek  Vail Scattered 5 hits and made an unearned run stand up for the Cats.

Buchholz could only muster two hits but scored a run in the 3rd. 

With two outs Chris Stinson reached on an error and raced to 3rd on a single off the bat of Dakota Turner. Stinson trotted home on a WP for the game's only run. 

Vail's solid night, no walks and 4 K's, coupled with a little D kept the visitor's off the board. The Bobcats ended the 3rd with a DP started by Brooks Morgan and finished the 5th with a SO, throw out. 

The victory was the 19th on the year for BHS and ended the regular season. Their record from preason was 19-7-1.

Their next game is in Tallahassee on Tuesday the 24th at 7:00pm 

BUCHHOLZ FALL TO THE COLTS FROM NORTH MARION 3-2 

BHS ROLLS LATE, BEATS KEYSTONE H.S. 8-4 ON 5TH INNING  RALLY

BOBCATS GET EVEN WITH CHILES, WIN ROAD GAME IN TALLAHASSEE 6-4

Quinlan Washington's 3 run blast in the top of the 6th propelled BHS to their most important victory of the season just 3 nights after the Cats had suffered their worst loss of the season to the same team.

VARSITY CATS STRUGGLE AGAINST CHILES AT HOME, DROP DISTRICT GAME 11-0

It is something that happens to every team, good teams too, a blow out loss.

The Bobcats were never in this game. All the other losses were games that could have been won. Most were by 1 run but not this one.

A succession of four pitchers took to the mound for Buchholz. Everything they threw, Chiles hit. Everything Chiles hit fell in.

The visiting Timberwolves scored 4 in the 2nd, added 2 in the 3rd and 5 in the 4th. In the meantime the Cats could not mount any offense at all. They compiled only 4 hits on the evening.

The reality of the situation is, it is a loss no different than 1-0. More importantly, how do you respond. BHS has fought hard all season, don't expected anything less when they travel to Tallahassee for a rematch on Friday.  

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BHS COMES UP FLAT AGAINST BRIMFIELD, VARSITY DROPS SPRING BREAK FINALE 4-3

BHS Cook HotDogs From Georgia, 12-4. Jeff Loses Battle With Grassy Knoll

The game began and ended under gray skies and rain. It was a battle against the elements as much as a battle against Eagles Landing Christian Academy from Georgia. The team from the Atlanta area was comprised of MLB last names and a little league attitude.

The Bobcats batted first and jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Dakota Turner and Weston Clarke walked to open the game. Kevin Krupp's bunt single loaded the bases. All 3 scored as a result of walks to Brooks Morgan, Phoenix Sanders and Fowler Brown. Mike McKivigan singled to drive in another and the 5th run scored on a FC's off the bat of Quinlan Washington. Buchholz rounded out the scoring on Chris Stinson's basehit.

BHS added 3 more runs in the 3rd inning after a Mike Mckivigan 1 out single, a walk to Quinlin Washington, Chris Stinson  smashed a base clearing triple and came home himself on a throwing error. Buchholz tacked on another in the 4th.

Kevin Krupp was hit by a pitch to start the 4th and he scored on Fowler Brown's double into the gap in left center. The Cats led 10-0 before the Chargers from McDonough, Ga finally got on the board in the bottom half of the inning.

Phoenix Sanders started for the Bobcats and held Eagles Landing's in check the first 3 innings allowing a lone runner on a single that was cut down trying to steal. The Chargers began the 4th with back to back singles and scored on a subsequent ground out. The 5th saw both teams scoring again.

Washington and Chris Stinson walked to open the 5th. Washington came home on a Weston Clarke double and Stinson scored on a sac fly off the bat of Krupp. Eagles Landing mounted their only real offense in the bottom of the frame. 

The Chargers scored 3 times on 2 singles, a double, a fielder's choice and sac fly. Buchholz led 12-4 after 5.

Fowler Brown relieved Sanders to start the home half of the 6th. Brown, a sharp contrast to Sander's deceptive fastball, relies on control, keeping the ball low and good movement. The change in pitchers brought life to the downtrodden Charger bench during warm up.

Eagles Landing showed a little of their personality earlier in the game when Chris Stinson had to field a pop up in foul territory near the Charger bench, overcoming calls for him to drop it.  

The Chargers bench was on edge after the lead off batter lined out hard to center. But things erupted after their clean up hitter, with MLB heritage, struck out looking on a good curve ball. He walked back to the dugout prompting some yelling from the 3rd base coach and a warning from the umpire. The Eagles Landing dugout continued to hoot and holler and only calmed done slightly in the midst of a warning from the umpire. Brown struck out the next batter as well to end the 6th.

The 7th saw more of the same from the Chargers, led on by their "leader", the first strike out victim from the previous inning, sitting on a bucket. The little league chatter continued until Brown completed his 3rd shut out inning of the week.   

It was a nice victory for the Bobcats. All victories are nice but this one just felt better than most.

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VARSITY CATS MAKE QUICK WORK OF QUEENS GRANT, 11-0

When you score 9 runs in the first inning and win going away one would think the game was all about offense not pitching. Not so, BHS played Queens Grant High School from Charlotte, North Carolina and they scored early and often but pitching set the tempo.

Andrew Griffin started for Buchholz, the home team for the 2nd straight game, and worked out of an early jam setting the stage for the Bobcat offense.

Griffin got the first out of the game on a fly ball but gave up back to back singles and the Stallions were threatening. However, Griffin re-focused and struck out the next two batters setting the table for his offense.

Dakota Turner opened the game for the Varsity Cats with a single and Kevin Krupp walked. Brooks Morgan knocked in the first run  with base hit. Quinlan Washington, running for Krupp, scored on a WP.  Following a free pass to Mike McKivigan, Morgan touched home on a single by Phoenix Sanders. Buchholz led 3-0 but were far from finished.

Fowler Brown walked to load the bases and Adam Koff made the score 5-0 with a single. Chris Stinson kept things going with another single and Dakota Turner made it 7-0 with a triple. Turner scored on Krupps fly ball to right center that was mis-played by the Queens Grant outfielder. Weston Clarke, topping things off, brought in pinch runner Washington with a double. When the first inning was over the Bobcats had scored 9 times on 7 hits.

Griffin, watching his teammates jump out to the big lead, had been sitting a long time. He stayed hot though and sent the Stallions back to the dugout 1-2-3 in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. Buchholz wasn't finished and continued to chip away.

The Cats made it 10-0 in the 3rd on singles by Chris Stinson, Kevin krupp and a RBI base hit off the bat of Brooks Morgan. They also scored in the 4th on a walk to Adam Koff, a single by Stinson and a RBI hit by Washington but not before Griffin preserved the shutout in the top of the inning.

After getting two quick outs Griffin gave up a couple singles but he kept the Stallions off the board getting the 3rd out on a pick off. Fowler Brown relieved Griffin to begin the 5th.

Brown making his first pitching appearance of the season started strong by getting the first two batters he faced on strikes. The next batter reached on an error, the only one of the game for BHS, but Brown got the next hitter for the final out of the inning and the game.    

BOBCATS START SLOWLY, OVERWHELM THE CHARGERS FROM ETOWAH, TN. 12-2 

Buchholz began their spring break holidays with an afternoon game against the McMinn Central Chargers hailing from Eastern Tennessee. 

BHS jumped out to an early lead only to see the Chargers tie the game in the 3rd.

David Lee started for the Bobcats and got the visitors out in order the first two innings. He struck out 3 and picked off the only runner to reach base in the first after he hit the #3 batter. Lee hit 3 batters during his 2 2/3 innings of work. However, he did keep McMinn Central in check allowing the Cats to gain an early lead before they tied the game.

Dakota Turner opened the game for Buchholz with a walk but was cut down trying to steal. Kevin Krupp followed with a single and Quinlan Washington, running for Krupp, made it to 3rd after Weston Clarke reached on an error. The Chargers helped the Bobcats with 5 errors. Brooks Morgan drove home Washington with the game's first run on a ground out to the right side. BHS made it 2-0 adding another run in the second.

Phoenix Sanders and Fowler Brown reached base when each was hit by a pitch. Adam Koff sacrificed the runners to 2nd and 3rd with Sanders coming home on Chris Stinson's ground ball to 2nd. The Cats loaded the bases after walks to Turner and Krupp but failed to score and held a slim 2-0 lead heading into the 3rd.

The top of the 3rd saw the Chargers tie the game. They started with a lead off walk, a hit batter and a WP moved both runners up one base. The first run scored on the lone error of the game for Buchholz. McMinn tied the game on the only hit of the inning, a single up the middle. The tie game lasted only to the Bobcats next at bat.

BHS scored in every inning and retook the lead in their half of the third. Mike McKivigan stroked a 1 out single and scored after the next two batters reached on errors. The Cats led 3-2 after 3.

Derek Vail, who got the last out of the 3rd inning for Buchholz, shut down the Tennesseans in the 4th and the Cats came alive.

Dakota Turner led off the 4th with a triple and came home on sharp single to center by Krupp. Washington, again running for Krupp, stole 2nd and 3rd and scored the 5th run on Phoenix Sanders single.

In the 5th, holding a 5-2 lead Vail sent the Chargers down in order and the Bobcats took control adding a couple more runs.

The bottom of the 5th began with consecutive singles by Folwer Brown and pinch hitter Chris Byrd. Stinson sacrificed the runners and both crossed the plate on Krupp's triple that went just inside the bag at first and caromed around in the corner in right.

Vail quickly got the Bobcats back up to bat with a 1-2-3 inning. BHS took advantage of the momentum and ended the game early scoring 5 times in their half of the 6th.

Brooks Morgan led off with a single and reached 2nd on an error. The Cats had two on after Washington reached on an error. Robbie Reed drove in the first run with a base hit. Adam Koff knocked in two more with a triple. Chris Stinson brought Koff home with a base hit and after a walk to Turner, Krupp knocked in his 3rd RBI with a single. Weston Clarke ended the game early on a run rule with a double to the gap.

After starting slowly, a ten run victory provided a good start for the Bobcats and set the tone for the next game.

Ocala Forest Ends BHS's 5 Game Win Streak, Bobcats Drop Road Game 1-0

Friday's rematch in Ocala between the Forest Wildcats and BHS was very similar to Tuesday's 1-0 Bobcat victory. It was a game dominated by fine pitching and sparse offense. However, BHS could not quite match its defensive effort from Tuesday and it proved to be their downfall.

Dakota Turner started Friday's contest much like he did the previous game when he doubled to begin the game for the Cats offense. This time he looped a single over the 3rd baseman but was quickly cut down in a DP. The Wildcats tried to mount a little offense of their own in the 1rst.

The home team had two on and 2 outs after a single and a walk. They looked to score when the 5 hole hitter drove a shot to the right centerfield gap that Turner grabbed at his waist on a fine running catch. Turner had 2 of the 4 Bobcat hits on the evening, which saw the BHS out hit the Wildcats 4 to 3.

For the next 5 innings only 1 Forest batter reached base on Bobcat starter Phoenix Sanders. That was on an error and he was cut down trying to steal by the catcher Krupp.

Sanders, who missed his last start due to a strained knee, pitch very well. Well enough to earn the victory. Using good control on his fastball and curve, he kept the Ocala team in check. His numbers on the night were 6 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 bb and 7 K’s. While the Forest offense struggled so did BHS's

The Bobcats got runners in scoring position twice in the game. In the 3rd Quinlan Washington, who reached on a fielder’s choice, stole 2nd, but he was left stranded. The best opportunity may have been in the 6th. After 2 outs, Turner and Mike McKivigan singled. The next batter, Krupp, hit a shot, unfortunately right at a perfectly positioned shortstop to end the inning.

When the Bobcats went out in order in the 7th and the way Sanders was pitching it looked like the game was earmarked for extra innings.

Forest's lead off batter in the 7th singled, only the 2nd hit of the night for the home team. Sanders got the next 2 batters on a SO and a short fly to shortstop Brooks Morgan, Morgan who has been solid in the field all year long, had a fine night making some nice plays. With 2 outs it looked as if Buchholz might escape but the next batter reached on an error putting 2 on, which ended Sanders night.

The next batter greeted reliever Derek Vail with a single and a fielding error insured the winning run would score

Lee And Vail Change Roles, Beat  Ocala Forest 1-0 On 2 Hitter

David Lee, Buchholz's sophomore hurler, who has pitch very solid this year but always in a relieving role, made his first start. With an ailing Phoenix Sanders missing a start, Lee got his opportunity and he made the most of the 1 run he was given in the first inning.

Dakota Turner led the game off with a double and moved to third on a Phoenix Sanders sac bunt. The next batter, Kevin Krupp, drove a single thru the right side for the first and only run of the game. With the way the Bobcats pitched it was all they needed.

Lee pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up 2 hits, 3BB and SO 4. The visiting Wildcats struggled to get anything going against the Cat starter who kept them in check with a nice fastball and a tight curve. The Bobcat defense played its most complete game of the year to support the fine pitching.

 The defense shined; highlighted by two fine plays from 3rd baseman Fowler Brown who snared a potential double at the bag in the 2nd and grabbed a slow roller in front of the shortstop to end the 5th. BHS made all the plays all night, including some fine running catches by the 3 outfielders. But, the best defensive play of the night was the job by reliever Derek Vail.

Forest mounted their only threat of the game with one out in the 6th. After a walk and a single the Wildcats had runners on the corners. Vail took the ball from Lee and proceeded to strike out the next two batters ending the threat. He struck out 2 of 3 the next inning ending the game and giving Buchholz their 2nd district win and a chance to sweep Forest this Friday in Ocala.   

It was a familiar formula the Cats used to win their 13th game of the year. Great pitching, backed by good defense and timely hitting works very well for these boys. 

BHS Varsity Takes Care of Business, Beats GHS 5-2

It was not a district game but it was a big rivalry game with a playoff atmosphere and bragging rights on the line. There was a big crowd, with a lot of chatter. Tension filled the air. The visiting Buchholz Bobcats aimed not to disappoint, getting off to a fast start.

Dakota Turner led the game off right where he ended the Ft. White game, stroking the baseball. Turner drove the 3rd pitch of the night over the right centerfield wall for a quick 1-0 lead. One out later Kevin Krupp smacked a ball off the top of fence in right for a double. He moved to 3rd on a single by Weston Clarke and came home on Brook Morgan's sac fly to stake the Cats to an early 2-0 lead. 

The Hurricanes got a run back in the bottom of the first off starter Derek Vail with the help of some questionable umpire calls. The game stayed 2-1 until the 4th.

Brooks Morgan started the inning with a single and was sacrificed to 2nd by Fowler Brown. An infield hit by Chris Byrd gave the Cats men on first and 3rd. Morgan scored on Mike McKivigan's sharp single to center. Again after a Bobcat score GHS got a run back.

The home team scored with out the aid of hit on two walks, Vail's only free passes in some time, plus a sacrifice and a ground out to the right side. But BHS scored twice in the 6th for a little breathing room.

Quinlan Washington stroked a 1 out single, stole 2nd and after a walk to Turner both runners moved up on a WP. A Phoenix Sanders single brought in Washington. The Bobcats lead increased to 3 when Krupp brought Turner home on a ground out to 2nd. 

Phoenix Sanders relieved Vail to begin the 6th. Vail earned the victory and kept the Hurricanes from mounting anything substantial. He fought the umpire's eratic strike zone as much as the GHS batters. He gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, plus a couple walks and a HB, while striking out 4 in 5 innings.

Sanders completed the last two innings and got out of a couple jams.

After 2 outs in the 6th the Hurricanes put together back to back singles and were looking to score. Sanders ended the scoring chance when he picked off the runner at 2nd to end the frame. He also loaded the bases in the seventh after two were out but got the last batter on a strike out his 3rd of the inning.

It was a very good game that the Bobcats wanted badly and set up an interesting rematch next month at home for the Cats

Andrew Griffin Leads Road Win, BHS Varsity Topples Ft. White 14-1

Andy Griffin started his first game of the year and may very well have earned another opportunity with his solid performance.

Griffin pitched 5 innings gave up 1 run in the 2^nd when the Indians scratched out a score on an error and a infield hit surrounding a sacrifice.

He kept the game close, prevented Ft. White from gaining any momentum, which allowed the Bobcat offense to get in gear.

BHS tied the game at 1 in the top of the 3rd after Dakota Turner led off with a double; Turner had 4 hits on the night which included 2 two baggers. He scored the tying run when the Indian 2^nd baseman could not handle a Kevin Krupp grounder into the hole between first and second.

While Griffin kept the home team in check, the Cats took control in the top of the 5^th after Turner started with a 1 out double. Following a PB and a BB to Mike McKivigan the Bobcats had runners at the corners and got a break when the Tiger pitcher speared a hard grounder headed up the middle off the bat of Krupp. He turned towards 2nd to attempt a DP and threw the ball into centerfield. Turner trotted home with the lead run and the flood gates opened.

BHS scored 3 more times in the inning. McKivigan came home on a WP. Krupp scored on Weston Clarke’s single. Clarke gave the Cats a comfortable 5-1 lead when he scored after a Brooks Morgan single and a ground out to the right side of the infield.

The visitors blew the game open in the next frame when they increased their lead to 8-1. Adam Koff began the inning with a walk. Quinlan Washington reached after being hit in the head with a pitch. Both runners advanced on a WP and Koff scored on a sac fly off the bat of Chris Byrd. Krupp worked a walk. Washington and Krupp both scored on Clarke’s blast off the top of the fence in left. However, BHS was not quite done yet.

The Bobcats loaded the bases in the 7^th on singles by Sanders and Koff plus a walk to Robbie Reed. A run scored after Washington reached on an error. Two more followed on Turner’s single. Another two came home via Krupp’s double. Clarke rounded out the scoring knocking in Krupp with a single.The score would seem to indicate an offensive barrage that overwhelmed the home team but in reality this was close game for four innings with the Cats pitching very well.

Griffin, in 5 innings, had 1 run on 1 hit with no walks. David Lee finished the game efficiently walking only one, with no hits, in his two innings of work. Lee has been very effective finishing games all year long.

BHS VARSITY TAKES TWO FROM COLUMBIA, BEAT THE TIGERS 11-4 

Varsity Cats Come From Behind, Beat Columbia 3-2 In Eight Innings 

The Bobcats last 3 opponents have been somewhat unknowns, no history, no sense of familiarity. The only acquaintance based on baseball chatter and online stats. That was not the case tonight. 

The Cats began a home and home series with their up North rivals The Tigers from Columbia High School. There is no unknown with these boys and these two teams. Most of the players have grown up playing ball against each other and many of the past games have been close, competitive, hard fought games. Tonight would be no different and would only continue with that good baseball trend. 

 Phoenix Sanders started for Buchholz and began right where he left off last Friday, mowing down the opposing batters. Sanders got the Tigers in order in the first. He gave up his lone run in the 2^nd A lead off single in the 2^nd was followed up with a double and Columbia led 1-0 after an inning and a ½. Sanders only gave up 1 more hit for the remainder of the night and added another stellar outing to his season. The final line on Sanders was 5 IP, 1 run on 4 hits, 1BB and 9 strike outs. 

The score was still 1-0 when Columbia added another run in the top of the 6^th on a massive HR by their big first baseman. But the 6^th was when the Bobcats finally got on the board. The Cats only had a Krupp single on the game when they came to bat in the bottom of 6. 

With 1 out Dakota Turner reached on an error and went to 2^nd courtesy of passed ball. He was standing on 3^rd following a Mike Mckivigan single and scampered home with the first run of the game for Buchholz via a WP. 

The Cats tied the score and looked to end the game in their half of the seventh. Brooks Morgan started off the inning with a hard single to get things rolling. Walks to Fowler Brown and pinch hitter Phoenix Sanders loaded the bases. Chris Byrd, also pinch hitting, walked as well driving in the tying run. Each free pass was anything but; all were multi pitch battles with the hard throwing Tiger reliever. Buchholz hoping to end the game right there came up empty after Turner flew out to right and Kevin Alverez was thrown out at the plate trying to score from third,  sending the game into extra innings.

Brooks Morgan relieved David Lee, who pitched an inning and a 1/3. Morgan retired Columbia without any damage and set up the Cats with another opportunity to end it. 

Krupp, after 1 out, singled off the glove of a diving 2^nd baseman. He stole 2^nd and was at 3^rd following walks to Weston Clarke and Morgan. For the 2^nd consecutive inning BHS had the bases loaded with less than 2 outs. With the infield in, Chris Stinson rapped a single passed a diving shortstop to score Krupp from 3^rd with the winning run

Bobcats Top North Florida Christian 6-0 On Vail's 6 Shutout Innings

BHS’s much anticipated make up game with North Florida Christian was billed as a huge challenge for the Cats. After all, the Eagles, who hail from the Tallahassee area, won their state championship last year and it was reasonable to assume they would be strong again this year.

The Eagles were a solid team but it is safe to say the Bobcats may be building a little advanced reputation of their own. The rep might be that the team from Gainesville can pitch, play defense and score. So you will have to play solid if you want to come out on top. BHS did nothing tonight to dispel their growing legacy.

Derek Vail took to mound for BHS and quickly got 2 outs before giving up a single to the #3 hitter. Vail scattered 6 hits on the night and got out of the first when the runner was cut down trying to steal by the catcher Krupp. Basically 3 up 3 down for Vail in the first set the tempo for the night.

He averaged just over 10 pitches an inning, walked none, struck out 2 and got 9 ground ball outs. He gave the Eagles their only threat in the 2^nd. North Florida started the inning with two singles and looked to score with a couple of runners on and no outs. But the Cats have a bit of a “bulldog” on the mound and the inning ended on pop ups to the pitcher, shortstop Morgan and Clarke got the final out of the inning on a nice catch in short right. It was vintage Vail add some D, score a few runs and you probably will win the game.

BHS committed only one error on the night, a tough play but a play that gets made 9 out of ten times. The offense set some tempo of their own when they scored two runs in the first.

Dakota Turner reached base on a HB batter to start the game and went to 2^nd on a walk to Sanders. Krupp sacrificed the runners to second and third and Clarke came thru with another timely hit to score the games first run. Brooks Morgan staked the Bobcats to an early 2 run lead when he grounded out to 2^nd.

The home team added another run in the 2^nd when Mike Mckivigan, who reached on a fielder’s choice, scored after singles by Quinlan Washington and Phoenix Sanders. McKivigan got things going in the 4^th with a single and the Bobcats loaded the bases on free pass to Sanders plus a HB to catcher Krupp.  A walk to Clarke made it 4-0. BHS rounded out the scoring in the 5^th.

Chris Stinson started with a single, was on 3^rd after McKivigan’s 2^nd hit of the night and scored when Robbie Reed reached base on an error. Dakota Turner drove in the final run on a ground out to the right side.  

Varsity Cats Can't Keep Up With Holy Innocent, Drop Saturday Matinee 5-2

As the Bobcats inch toward the mid-way point of the spring season, they have learned some things about themselves and a couple lessons.

Its clear BHS has the talent and desire to beat anyone on their schedule. When they pitch the way they have consistently pitched, execute in the field,  battle mentally and physically at the plate they are a difficult team to beat. However, when they give good teams unearned opportunities they can't blast their way to victory. Plus it is difficult to come back and play soon after an emotional victory.

Saturday's game was proof.

The Cats appeared to be a little out of sync after their draining victory the night before, allowing the visiting Bears, from Atlanta, Georgia, to jump out to a 2 run lead in the first.

BHS got on track in their half of the 2nd. Kevin Krupp led off with a single. He was sacrificed to 2nd by Chris Stinson and came home on Fowler Brown's single.

Unfortunately, the Bobcats gave that run right back in the top of third. With one out, a Holy Innocent batter reached on an error and after 2 singles and a walk he scored giving the Bears a 3-1 lead.

The Cats, who never quit, continued to pressure the vistors with a run of their own. Dakota Turner led off with a single and was was sacrificed to 2nd by Sanders. The next batter, Weston Clarke, rolled a ball to the shortstop who tried to cut down Turner heading to 3rd. The ball hit Turner in the back and caromed away, allowing Turner to score.

The Bears added two more runs in the 4th when they loaded the bases on 2 singles and walk. Two runs scored with a sac fly coupled with an error, providing the final margin of victory.

BHS threatened a couple more times but could not get the hit they needed.

Saturday's game depicted everthing learned to this point. Most importantly, like their two other loses, this was a game they could of won. Errors contributed to the opponents victory. But, they scrapped, created scoring chances and pitched effectively.

Andrew Griffin shut the Bears down in the 2nd on 2 pop outs and a ground out after inheriting a tough 2 on no out situation. Also, the visitors were held scoreless the final three innings. David Lee striking out the two final batters in the 5th and Derek Vail striking out 5 of the last 6 batters he faced.

BHS Varsity Ride Sanders Complete Game Gem, Nip Lincoln High 1-0

Phoenix Sanders was a one man wrecking crew propelling the Bobcats to a much needed 7A District victory. After Tuesday's controversial loss to the Trojans in Tallahassee the Bobcats needed a little boost and they got it from their junior hurler.

Sanders gave up 3 hits in his 7 innings of work, walking 1 and striking out 6. The only hitch in his "giddy up" was  4 HB but no one touched home plate and that was the most important stat. Lincoln High got runners in scoring position twice, with a 5th inning threat providing the biggest challenge.

After one out the Trojans put a man on 2nd with a double to the gap in right center. Following an error, the visitors had runners on the corners and only one out. Sanders struck out the next hitter and followed up with a hit batter to load the bases. But the Cats got the ground ball they needed and 2nd baseman Fowler Brown threw out the speedy runner from Lincoln ending the threat. BHS got the only offense they would need in their half of the 5th.

Dakota Turner started things with a 2 out single and swiped 2nd. He had two on the night. With Turner running on contact, Sanders hit a single to center, driving in Turner with the evenings only run. As crucial as Sander's single was it could not compare to his night on the mound.

Tonight was the 3rd solid outing in a row for Sanders. Like the 2 previous games he kept the visitors off balance with a deceptive fastball and nicely moving curve. When the last out of the game dropped into centerfielder Turner's glove the crowd sighed in relief and the Cats forgot all about the previous game.

**********************************************

Bobcats Drop District Opener In Tallahassee To Lincoln H S, Lose 5-4

BHS traveled to Tallahassee on Tuesday not knowing much about their new district opponent but the goal was to start the 7A season with a victory. With Vail on the mound and jumping out to a quick lead things looked pretty good for the visitors.

The Cats scored a couple fast runs in the 1rst. Dakota Turner worked a 1 out walk and Weston Clarke moved him to 3rd on a single over the 2nd baseman. With runners on the corners, Clarke took off for 2nd forcing an errant throw to 2nd by the Trojan catcher. Turner scored and Clarke moved to 3rd. Clarke came home on a sac fly by Kevin Krupp and the Bobcats had an early 2-0 lead. However, the home team came right back in their half of the first. 

Lincoln tied the game on 3 singles sandwiched around an error. The game stayed that way until the 4th when the Cats jumped out in front again.

Brooks Morgan worked a lead off walk after getting down in the count 0-2. Phoenix Sanders followed with a bunt down toward 3rd that the Trojans could not handle cleanly and BHS had runners on 1rst & 3rd with no outs. Fowler Brown loaded the bases on another bunt single. The visitors seemed poised to break the game open and took the lead on Mike McKivigan's FC to the right side. The Cats made it 4-2 on Quinlan Washington's sac fly to right.

The Trojans got a run back in the bottom of the 4th on a single and an error. BHS had 3 errors on the night and they were a major factor in the outcome but no more frustrating than the umpiring mistake that provided the home team with the winning margin.

Lincoln came to bat in the bottom of the 6th trailing 4-3. A lead off double, followed by a single tied the game and ended starting pitcher Vail's evening. Vail pitch well enough to keep the Bobcats in the game but was undone by unearned runs. David Lee relieved Vail and got the next batter on a ground out which moved the runner to 2nd. The Trojan shortstop followed with a drive to the gap in right. The runner on 2nd stepped off the bag and headed toward 3rd. He was standing on the bag at 3rd when right fielder Mike McKivigan threw the ball back into the infield after making a great diving catch. With the visitor's players and fans yelling the Bobcats touched 2nd thinking they had a double play but the umpire completely missed the play calling the runner safe to the shock of everyone. The next Lincoln batter rolled a ball thru the left side giving the home the lead and the eventual victory.

BHS did not help themselves with their untimely errors but the officiating error was hard to overcome and the final undoing for the boys from Buchholz. 

The ending left a bad taste and set up an important rematch on Friday night.    

BHS Varsity Overwhelms The Toothless Tigers From Orlando Jones, 25-0

Playing on a warm “Leap Year Evening” and without the backdrop of rain, the Bobcats unleashed the flood gates on the visiting Tigers. They rapped out 14 hits, quite an accomplishment considering barely that many pitches hit the strike zone. The Cats had at least an equal number of walks, coupled with numerous errors the game was a grueling 4 ½ inning, 2 hour marathon that tested the nerves and patience of everyone. 

Little did Buchholz head coach, Ron Brooks, know that the game he scheduled last November to fill the void left by a snafu would be over before The National Anthem? But he continued to coach the team reminding them to focus and make the most of the situation, concentrating on execution. However, the game was not without its highlights. 

During the 17 run 2^nd inning, Brooks Morgan hit the best pitch of the evening over the left centerfield wall for a grand slam. His blast was complimented by some nice hits from a supporting cast. Robbie Reed had 2 hits along with singles by Chris Byrd, Adam Koff, Kevin Alverez, and David Lee. The regulars who stayed and played contributed as well. Chris Stinson had a double to the wall in left, along with offensive contributions from McKivigan, Clarke and Fowler Brown. Each hit a testimony to the patience of the man at the plate due to the ever expanding strike zone. Several players returned to the dugout with a look of disbelieve at having been called out on strikes. As impressive as the 25 runs appeared, the most significant stat may have been from the defensive side of play for the Bobcats.  

Orlando Jones came to bat five times and the four Buchholz pitchers sent them down on strikes 14 times. The only out not recorded on a K was a throw out by catcher Kevin Krupp, cutting down a runner who had reached base on a walk. The visiting Tigers did not hit one ball in play and their only two swings resulting in a reaction was a foul fly on the right side that struck the metal roof of the newly built house bringing a roar from the crowd. And a foul ball that hit a player in the on deck circle that brought a groan from the player and the fans.

It was a long tedious night that was a struggle and quickly moved the Cats attention to next week's first district game at Lincoln High.

In A Heartbreaker, BHS Varsity Drops First Game Of The Season. 3-2 To The Haines City Hornets!

If there is such a thing as a good loss, this was it, because the game was so well played. The BHS coaching staff quickly confirmed that Friday's effort was the best so far this season. Considering it came against agruably the best pitcher the Cats have faced this season, lends credence to the coaching staff's claims.

During warm-ups the buzz began. The Hornets have a stud on the mound; a big right-hander who can throw in the 90's. Shortly before the game, when the area behind home plate became crowded with radar guns and note pads it was clear that the kid taking the mound for Haines City may be the "real deal" and the Bobcats were in for a huge challenge.

However, BHS would have to wait a half an inning to see how good the visitors' hurler was. Derek Vail started the game for the Bobcats and was met with a hornet's nest of aggressive hitters. Swinging at the first pitch, the top of the order rapped out 3 straight hits, including one off the wall in left-center that Turner retrieved quickly holding the batter to a single; they took to a 1 run lead. With runners on the corners and no outs, the Bobcat's appeared to be in some trouble. But the Cats had Vail on the mound, a pretty darn good pitcher himself. You can use a lot of adjectives to describe Vail, calm, unflappable, consistent and while all may be true his mental toughness is key to his success. Vail proceeded to get out of the jam by retiring the next 3 batters, giving up only one more run on a ground out. Vail's unassuming persona sometimes shadows his solid performances like the one he had this evening.

Vail pitched a complete game, aided by two DPs, he faced one over the minimum from the 2nd inning on. He walked none on the evening and gave up an unearned run in the 3rd to stake Haines City to a 3-0 lead before the Buchholz offense got on the board.

There was much anticipation in the crowd as to how the boys from Buchholz would fair against the Haines City pitcher. When his initial fastball came in at 93 mph, everyone knew that he had at least one pitch but by the end of the first it was clear he had 3 good pitches, a change and a curveball he used effectively when ahead in the count. The fastball, curveball tandem helped him tally 11 strikeouts on the complete game while walking 3. However, the Bobcat's had some good cuts in the first including a single by Dakota Turner. Buchholz's had 8 hits on the night and out hit the Hornets.  

BHS finally got on the board in the 3rd when Mike McKivigan, jumping on the first pitch, stroked a hard single to left. He was erased on a force at 2nd but Quinlan Washington, who had hit into the fielders choice, quickly stole 2nd and came home on a Dakota Turner single. The varsity Cats were looking to tie the game after Kevin Krupp followed with a double off the wall in left center to bring the game within one. But the Bobcats could not get Krupp home and the game remained 3-2.

BHS threatened in each of the last 4 innings pushing a runner to 2nd, but every opportunity was snuffed out by the solid senior from Haines City. His prowess evident all game but no inning more than the seventh when he seemed to step it up with the smell of victory.

The Hornet starter struck out the first two batters looking to begin the 7th but Krupp worked a walk and stole 2nd giving the home team a chance. The Buchholz's favorites were hoping for the best, but the big boy from down South reared back and got the final out as he had gotten the first two of the inning.

It was a disappointing loss for the Bobcats, disappointing because you could have won the game and did not. But the disappointment did not last long because, except for the final score, the Cats played a heck of a game.

EARLIER IN THE WEEK

VARSITY HOLDS OFF YULEE ON A SOGGY NIGHT, 10-7

Like a good novel the Bobcats game against the visiting Yulee Hornets was a "Tale of Two Games", one before the rain and one during the rain. Wednesday's game began like the majority of the games this season, under the threat of rain.

Phoenix Sanders started the game for BHS under dark skies getting two fast ground outs before giving up a single. The two out hit would be the only base runner Sanders would allow during his 5 innings of work. After one near miss on a pick off attempt, Sanders, who may have the best move to first on the squad, caught the Yulee runner on his next move and the inning was quickly done.

In the bottom of the first, Sanders led off and reached base on an error. Kevin Pinder running for the pitcher moved to 3rd on a Brooks Morgan single. He scored the first run of the game on Weston Clarke's, Saturday's hero, first of 4 hits on the night.

The Hornet's disappeared in order to begin the 2nd and the Cats went right back to work. Fowler Brown started the inning with a base hit. After a nice sacrifice by Mike McKivigan the Bobcats added two runs on 4 consecutive singles by Quinlan Washington, Sanders, Dakota Turner & Kevin Krupp to take 4-0 lead. Clarke added another on a single of his own. The home team led 5-0 after two.

Both teams went out in order in the 3rd as did the visitors in the 4th. Turner started things for BHS in the 4th when with one out he singled. Krupp followed with a walk. Turner scored after 2 WPs and Krupp came in on Clarke's 2B.

The 5th inning was quiet, each team returning to the dugout 1-2-3. After 5 the Bobcats held a comfortable lead, 7-0. Phoenix Sander’s evening was done, completing another strong outing. The line score on Sanders was no runs, 1 hit, no walks and 7 K's. Sanders and Vail have been quite a 1-2 punch for the varsity this spring.

Andrew Griffin took the mound in the 6th just as the rains started to slowly fall. When David Lee got the final out of the inning, the visitors had scored 5 runs on 3 hits, 1 bb, 3 errors and 2 rain delays.

The rain was still coming down in the bottom of the inning, when Krupp, with 2 outs sent a high fly ball into the rain soaked sky that the left fielder misplayed, allowing the home team an opportunity to get back some runs they had given up in the top of the frame. Morgan followed with a hit, Clarke, his 2nd 2B, a walk to Chris Stinson and a single by McKivigan gave the Cats a 10-5 lead heading to the 7th.

With the rain still coming down and Lee barely able to maintain footing on the mound the Cats held off the Hornets after giving up 2 more runs on 2 hits, 2 errors and 1 rain delay.

Varsity Cats Remain Undefeated on Walkoff HR In Bottom of 10th, Beat Cardinal Gibbons 3-1

Bobcat pitching has been hot lately and they were again today when a BHS trio held the visiting Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs to 1 run in 10 innings. But they were upstaged by "red hot" Weston Clarke, 7 hits in the last 3 games, none bigger than the one he launched in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the Chiefs. 

Today would have been a difficult game to lose for either team because it was well played with fine pitching. But it would have been especially painful for the Bobcats because they left runners in scoring position 3 times after Brooks Morgan got them on the board with a lead off home run, the first of the year for the Cats, to start the 2nd.  

Until the dramatic finish this was a game dominated by pitching. Clarke started the game and pitched 4 scoreless innings. He pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the fourth. With one out the Chiefs grounded to short and Morgan stepped on the bag at second, threw to first easily beating the runner to complete the Bobcats 1rst DP of the season.

David Lee relieved Clarke to begin the 5th and got the visitors out in order with the help of some fine "D". Clarke got the first out of the inning, snatching a foul ball from over the fence. Phoenix Sanders stayed on top of a bad hop to get the 2nd out. Lee gave himself a real boost when got to what looked like a perfect bunt and threw a strike to first just ahead of the batter. 

The visitors from Ft. Lauderdale tied the game and appeared to be destined to blow it open after beginning the 6th with 3 straight hits. But with 1 run in and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Lee showed great poise in striking out the next two batters and got the final out of the inning on a pop up. 

Derek Vail came in and pitched the last three innings for Buchholz and pitched like Vail usually pitches, good. He kept the Chief's off balance and kept the Bobcat's in the game setting up the 10th inning fireworks.

With one out Morgan reached base on an error and that brought Clarke to the plate to face the Cardinal Gibbon's lefty. He didn't wait long, jumping on the 2nd pitch and driving it over the wall in left center sending the home team into a wild celebration.

BHS Varsity Rides Familiar Formula To An 8-2 Victory Over The Paxon Eagles

The Bobcat's visit to Jacksonville started like the last two games, in the rain. Also, like the last game, pitching highlighted early and some timely hitting and defense sealed the victory for the visiting team.

In the 1rst, the Cat's went down on strikeouts setting up an early pitching challenge. But, BHS pitcher, Phoenix Sanders was more than up for the dual. He sent the Eagles down 1-2-3 with 2 strikeouts of his own. 

 The pitching dual continued in the 2nd when each pitcher sent the other team down in order on 2 ground outs and a strikeout. However, the Bobcats' changed things up to start the third.

With one out Quinlan Washington walked and an out later raced home on a double by Dakota Turner into the right centerfield gap. Turner's ball died in the wet grass but there was no hesitation from the 3rd base coach to send the speedy Washington home forcing a perfect throw that did not come.

In the bottom of the 3rd Sanders was not ready to give up the pitching dual he again sent the Eagles down in order with a couple of K's. The game started to open up in 4th after the Cat's added 2 more runs.

Kevin Krupp led off the inning with a single, Brooks Morgan walked and when Weston Clarke's sac bunt turned into a single the Bobcats were rolling with the bases juiced and no outs. Fowler Brown walked to force in the 1rst run and the lead went to 3-0 when the Eagle infielder failed to handle a Chris Stinson ground ball.   

Sanders took the mound in the bottom of the 4th having sent down the first 9 batters, 5 on strikeouts. He had 7 on the night and looked to be cruising towards another quick inning thanks to the defense flashing a little leather. The Eagles lead off batter hit a ground ball to the right of 2nd base that SS Morgan fielded smoothly, throwing the runner out by a step. The next batter hit a short fly ball, the first hit out of the infield on the evening that  Turner caught at his knees; but before BHS could get the 3rd out Paxon scored an unearned run on a BB, 1B and an error. 

Similar to Tuesday night the 5th inning saw the Bobcat's take control. Sanders led off with a single but after two quick outs it looked as if they would come up empty. But a walk to Morgan coupled with a towering fly ball by Clarke that fell behind the right fielder for a triple. Chris Stinson drove Clarke in with a sharp single to give BHS a comfortable 6-1 lead. 

Sanders energized by the cushion sent the Eagles down in order striking out 2. Paxon had trouble all night catching up to the Bobcat pitcher's fastball and he consistently kept them off balance with his curve.

The 6th brought a couple of more runs for BHS when with two outs they loaded the bases on a hit batter, an error and a couple walks topped off by a passed ball.    

When the Cat starter took the mound in the 6th the rain was coming down harder than it had all evening. It seemed to take a little steam out of Sanders and when he loaded the bases without an recording an out his evening was over. He left the field to a nice ovation from the visiting fans who appreciated his dominating performance. 

Andrew Griffin relieved Sanders and had his second solid 2 inning outing in the last week.

BHS Varsity Rides Strong Pitching To A 10-2 Victory Over The Keystone High Indians

When the lead off batter for the Indians began the game with a sharp single thru the infield it looked as this might be a high scoring affair. But the runner was quickly cut down trying to steal by the catcher, Kevin Krupp, and starting pitcher Derek Vail got into a groove, finishing that inning off and cruising into the 5th.

Vail used great location and some solid defense to shut the Indians out for 5 innings. He struck out 7 and walked none during his time on the mound. The only threat he faced was in the 5th when Keystone High had runners at the corners with two outs. But that opportunity was snuffed out on a nice running catch by right fielder Mike McKivigan for the 3rd out.

David Lee took the mound relieving Vail in the 6th with a 10-0 lead. He pitched well enough to maintain the shutout but the Bobcat defense lost focus and gave up 2 unearned runs in the inning. Lee looked good in his two inning stint, striking out two. The solid pitching was complimented with eleven singles and good execution.

After going down in order in the 1st, the BHS got a run in the 2nd when Mike McKivigan singled to center with the bases loaded. They added runs in the 3rd and 4th on errors. In the 3rd Chris Stinson scored, after a leadoff single, Walking to open the 4th and stealing 2nd, Dakota Turner made the score 3-0.  

BHS took control of the game in the 5th scoring 3 runs. Brooks Morgan led off with a single, stole 2nd. He came home on a Fowler Brown single. Turner followed with a nice bunt single. McKivigan loaded bases on an error. Quinlan Washington got an RBI on a walk and the last run scored on the Indians 5th error of the game.

The 6th saw the varsity Cat's put the game away with 4 more runs. Morgan walked to start the inning and moved to 3rd on a well executed hit and run with Weston Clarke. Clarke had 3 singles on the night. Singles by Turner, Robbie Reed and 2 more errors gave BHS a 10-0 lead.  

ON A RAIN SOAKED EVENING, VARSITY CATS PLAY TO A 8-8 TIE WITH THE COLTS FROM NORTH MARION

The rains began with the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" and continued through out the night that saw the Colts jump out to a 2 run lead in the top of the 1st. The Cats scored 3 times in the bottom of the inning. The North Marion starter struggled with his control and footing as he gave up walks on 3 of the first 4 hitters. Weston Clarke plated BHS's first run on a fielder's choice and the Bobcats took the lead when Dakota Turner laced a double just inside the bag at third that ended up in the left field corner.

North Marion tied the game in their half of the 2nd as the lead off batter got to first on an error, the Cat's had 6 for the game, and came home on a double. However, BHS, who has shown a lot fight in their opening two games, grabbed the lead right back when Phoenix Sanders reached first on a single. Kevin Pinder came into run for the catcher, Krupp, who got to first on a fielder's choice, promptly stole 2nd, reached third on a PB and scored on a WP. It's clear that the Buchholz coaches plan on pressuring the other teams this year with their speed. The team has run the bases very well in the opening two games.

The lead held up until the top of the fourth when the Cat's defense faltered, allowing the Colt's to score four times on 3 errors, a single and a triple. But, the boy's from Buchholz were not down long. Washington started the inning with a walk went to 3rd on a Krupp single thru the right side and came home on another single by Brooks Morgan. Kevin Pinder, who again ran for Krupp, scored on a WP for the sixth run. Morgan tied the game at 7 when he scored on a single by Turner, his 3rd RBI of the night.

  The lead changed for the fourth time in the bottom of the 6th when the Bobcats jumped out in front. Clarke was hit by a pitch to start the inning and eventually came home on a single by Adam Koff. Koff, pinch hitting, battled the hard throwing right hander from North Marion for 9 pitches before he rapped a single thru the infield. 

When David Lee, who entered the game in the 5th and pitched solidly giving up a lone single, struck out the first batter to begin the seventh, it looked as if the home team might steal another late inning victory. Unfortunately, that was not to be. The Colt's 2nd batter doubled to left and got to 3rd on a WP. It was raining steadily as Lee got the 2nd out , striking out the hitter on a nifty curve ball. He got to 2 strikes on the next batter before he hit a little hopper into "no mans land" between home and third. Clarke playing third had no chance to make a play.

Even with the rain, it was a fun evening and "The Preseason Classic" was an enjoyable start to the year.

Earlier in the day, the Columbia Tiger's bested the Williston Red Devils 13-8 in a marathon lasting almost 3 hours. The game was highlighted by a 9 run 3rd for the Tiger's who hit 3 HRs in the inning, 2 grand slams. 

BHS VARSITY BEGINS SEASON WITH SOME LATE INNING HEROICS........EDGE WILLISTON 5-4

The Varsity cats opened the 2012 spring season against the Red Devils from Williston. Each team began with their ace on the mound. Derek Vail started for BHS and Max White took the mound for Williston

After a scoreless first inning the Red Devils grabbed a 1-0 lead when they scratched out a run with 4 singles. That lead lasted until the bottom of the 3rd.

Chris Stinson reached first base on an error to start the inning. He quickly stole 2nd and went to third on  Quinlan Washington's sacrifice to the right side of the infield. Stinson tied the game on a Phoenix Sanders sac fly. With the bases empty and 2 outs Kevin Krupp got things going again with a bunt single past the mound. Kevin Pinder running for Krupp stole 2nd and came home on a hard single by Brooks Morgan. The lead lasted only to the next inning.

The top of the fourth saw the visitors from Williston score 3 runs when they sandwiched 2 doubles around a HR.  It was the last runs they would score and 3 innings of solid relief, 2 from Andrew Griffin and 1 from Brooks Morgan gave Buchholz an opportunity for some late inning drama.

The Bobcats almost tied the game in the 6th when Weston Clarke walked to start the inning. Dakota Turner forced Clarke at 2nd but beat the relay on a nice hustle play. After a walk to Fowler Brown, Chris Byrd was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Chris Stinson hit a high chopper to 2nd base that he beat out for a single and brought the Cats within 1. With 1 out Quinlan Washington hit a hard grounder that the Red Devils turned into a double play. It appeared from the booth that Washington had beaten the throw to first.

Williston went 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th setting the stage for an exciting finish. After a lead off SO, Kevin Krupp's double got the crowd on the edge of their seats. Brooks Morgan followed with a double of his own to tie the game. Weston Clarke finished off Williston with a single that scored Morgan.  

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The day started with a pitching dual between North Marion and the Tiger's from Columbia HS. North Marion scored the game's first run in the top of the sixth but the Tiger's came back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the inning to win the game 3-1.  

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