Braves Softball Season Ends in County Semi-Finals
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 11, 2018
SUBMITTED BY BRIDEPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL COACH BILLY ESTOK
After defeating Washington Irving Tuesday, Bridgeport Middle School earned the right to play Lincoln in a semi-final game for the 2018 Harrison County Middle School Softball Championship. Entering this year’s tournament, Lincoln Middle School was the number one seed, while the Lady Braves were the number four seed. As the higher seed, the game was played on the Lady Wildcat’s home field.
Unfortunately, the hosts proved to be too much in taking an 8-0 win. The setback ended the Braves' season.
In the top of the first, Gabby Reep started the game with a walk off of LMS’s starting pitcher Delaney Haller. Reep then stole second base. 
One out later, Reep advanced to third on a bunt single by Rachel Mason. Mason then stole second. However, the Lady Braves were unable to score as the next two batters were retired in order.
One out later, Reep advanced to third on a bunt single by Rachel Mason. Mason then stole second. However, the Lady Braves were unable to score as the next two batters were retired in order.
With one out in the bottom of the first, a BMS infield error, a walk, and batter hit by a pitch loaded the bases for Lincoln. The next batter hit a ground ball to second baseman Mackenzi Matheny who tagged Haller going by, but her relay to first was not in time to complete the double play. On the play, the Lady Wildcats scored their initial run of the game.
The Lady Wildcats extended their lead to 4-0 by scoring three time in their half of the second inning. A single, three walks, and three wild pitches contributed to the scoring.
Lincoln increased its lead to 6-0 in the fourth inning. Three singles, a walk, and a pair of infield ground outs resulted in two runs for LMS.
In the top of the fifth, BMS had another scoring opportunity. Maci Cook started the inning with a single. Cook then stole second. One out later, Cook advanced to third on a wild pitch and Abbey Clifton worked out a walk. Clifton then stole second to put two runners in scoring position. BMS was unable to bring the runs across the plate as Haller retired the next two batters on strikes.
LMS tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to complete the scoring. The game was over via the eight-run rule.
Haller and Makenna Smith, the starting pitcher for the Lady Braves, pitched a complete game for both of their respective teams. Haller was credited with the pitching win while Smith was tagged with the loss.
With the win, the Lady Wildcats advanced to play for the 2018 middle school softball championship.
The loss brought an end to the Lady Braves 2018 season and their efforts to claim a fourth consecutive softball championship.
The BMS coaches would like to thank the BMS administration and the parents of the players for their support throughout the 2018 season.
