The Bombers took the field to defend their #1 rank against the Woodlands Strykers. After a slow first few innings the Strykers were able to get on the board first after Bomber pitcher Brad Vachon walked the leadoff hitter in the top of the third, which later allowed the Woodlands to score on a fielder’s choice by Anthony Lozano. As usual, the Bombers turned on the heat and answered by pulling ahead with three runs in the bottom of the inning. First, Patrick McLendon was able to hit home after an overthrown ball at first gave him the safe go-ahead. Later Herb Romero hit a sac fly that allowed another run to come in, followed by a dribbler from Matt Smith that brought in Graham McIntyre.
After the eventful third inning, the game remained quiet until the bottom of the sixth when McIntyre went yard with a 3-run homerun over the left centerfield fence. This increased the Bombers lead to 6-1. In the seventh the Bombers cushioned their lead even further when Brett Kauten got on base on an error and Blake Kopetsky brought him in with a RBI single. The game ended with the score of 7-1, allowing the Bombers to comfortably remain in the Texas Collegiate League’s top spot.
Pitcher Brad Vachon was named the Player of the Game after pitching 7 consecutive innings with only one error, five strikeouts, and one walk. Other pitchers for Brazos Valley included Jason Gareri, who handled the eighth inning, and Shay Maltese, who was able to close the game in the ninth with a swinging strikeout.
The Bombers play again tonight against the Woodlands at 7:05pm. The evening will also feature Distinguished Student-Athlete Awards for local high school athletes