Whether Bridgeport High School’s baseball team will win a record fifth-straight Class AA state title is unknown. What is knows, is that they still have a chance.

 

On Wednesday, Bridgeport captured the Class AA, Region II title with a 7-0 shutout victory to earn a sweep of Lewis County in the best 2-out-of-3 series in the Region II championship bracket. The win moves BHS back to Charleston next week for the ‘AA’ semifinals.

 

So how did the Tribe get there?

 

While there were plenty of factors, a solid pitching effort by Tim Via is at or near the top of the list. Via went the distance and pretty much hrew strikes the entire night.  He scatted six hits, walked two and struck out one in the complete game shutout.

 

“I thought he did a great job. His strike to ball ratio was just great and the defense was tough behind with just one error. We needed to shore up our defense if we wanted to reach our goal this year and we’ve done that and now we’re making some plays as well,” said veteran Coach Robert Shields. “Timmy and (third baseman) Chapin Murphy both made outstanding plays for us and the rest of the team did their part, particularly when they tried to take advantage of some bunts.”

 

Bridgeport would give Via all the offense he would need in the top of the first inning. The Tribe struck for three runs to essentially put the game away early.

 

The visitors added to their advantage in the third with three more runs. One thing was a constant in both big offensive outbursts – Murphy. The senior third baseman had RBI hits in both frames, including a double in the third as part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate.

 

What may have made Murphy’s effort the biggest of the day is that fact that his clutch showing came on a day when the standout was dealing personal loss. Shields said Murphy’s grandfather, the highly respected John Book who coached many kids in the area, had just passed away.

 

“I was very happy with his mindset because of what he was going through and because of that I was happy to see him come up big,” said Shields. “Chapin played with a heavy heart with his grandfather passing away. John Book was good to him and so many around here that it had to be hard on that young man. The way he responded after losing someone so dear and close to him makes me extremely proud of Chapin.”

 

The Indians would add an insurance run in the fifth to give Via more comfort on the mound. All told, BHS collected 11 hits off of three Minutemen pitchers.

 

Koby Kiefer and Brice Haines both had two hits in the win. Kiefer’s total included a double. The game also saw the return of Cooper Hineman, a regular as a junior, who had not played all season due to a torn labrum he suffered as a member of the BHS wrestling team. Hineman’s return was a success as he got a base hit in his plate appearance.

 

The Class AA state tournament kicks off Friday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. The Indians go into the contest with a 26-10 record.

 

Bridgeport will know its opponent, and where it is seeded, following the completion of the rest of the regional tournaments. Shields said some of the regionals may not be decided until this weekend if weather cooperates.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of Tim Via. Photo by Matthew DeMaria of www.benqueenphotography.com.