It was the only losses experienced by anyone involved with the Bridgeport High School baseball team this weekend, but it still proved to be a huge win for the players involved. On Sunday, less than 24 hours after taking part in Bridgeport’s fifth-straight Class AA state championship win there were two players still competing.

 

Bridgeport seniors Chapin Murphy and Tyler Pitzer were in Gilmer County Sunday. They were the Indians’ representatives in the annual West Virginia Baseball Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic held at the Sue Morris Sports Complex on the campus of Glenville State College.

 

Murphy and Pitzer represented the North squad. The South swept the doubleheader in a contest that saw Murphy get playing time at third base and Pitzer time at shortstop. Pitzer also pitched late in the second game and didn’t allow a hit or a run in the sixth inning of action.

 

The South won the first game 84. They came back and took a 9-8 win in the nightcap.

 

Even with the setbacks, veteran BHS Coach Robert Shields was proud to see his seniors get a chance to play yet another game. And he said both deserved to be there.

 

“Tyler getting a chance was definitely warranted. He had a great year for us and it’s ironic he played shortstop because he moved from shortstop this year to benefit the team because we needed him in the outfield,” said Shields. “He did a great job in batting in the number nine spot because if I needed him to take pitches, lay down a bunt or get a hit he usually came through. He just had a super year and he was deserving of inclusion in the game.”

 

Shields also had words of praise for Murphy.

 

“Chapin just did everything, and did it well, for us. He was steady as a rock at third base and was our cleanup hitter that came through with a ton of RBIs in the state tournament,” said Shields. “Even without that, his senior leadership alone made a huge difference for our team. Just like Tyler, he definitely earned the right to be part of the team.”

 

Murphy drove in five runners and collected three hits in the 17-15 title-clinching win against Wayne Saturday. Pitzer, who had a base hit and an RBI, managed to come in to the game to pitch in the seventh inning and get the final outs needed to secure the title.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Tyler Pitzer being introduced at the state tournament, while Chapin Murphy shows some emotion in the title game Saturday. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.