With their backs against the wall and facing what was definitely the game with the highest stakes of the season, Bridgeport High School baseball Coach Robert Shields knew whose hands to put the ball. And the hands belonged to standout pitcher Brayden Lesher.

 

After blowing a 5-1 lead in what turned out to be a 13-6 loss to Elkins in the sectional championship bracket, both teams had one chance to win. Lesher made sure that didn’t happen.

 

The senior right hander dominated with a gem as the Indians took a 3-1 victory in a winner take all sectional championship game Wednesday at the BHS complex.

 

Bridgeport, 23-10, now remains alive to try and get back to the state tournament in Charleston and continue making history. The Indians hope to have a chance to win an unprecedented fifth straight state title.

 

Just how dominant was Lesher? He not only sent the distance, but allowed just one hit and two walks, while striking out 10 in going the distance. Lesher actually had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning.

 

“It was good to know that you have your ace waiting in case something happened. In that situation, it was winner take all and to have our ace available was big,” said Shields. “I felt really comfortable handing him the ball, but he had thrown a lot five days earlier so you just don’t know. You could tell early he had it and his arm was ready.”

 

For good measure, he was also 2-for-2 at the plate. One of those hits drove in one of the Tribe’s three runs.

 

“He was big at the plate too,” said Shields. “Honestly, he’s been solid all year offensive.”

 

And the Indians’ defense was big as well. Bridgeport had just one error behind Lesher while he was on the mound.

 

“The defense was just about perfect behind him. You can always do better, but it makes it a lot easier on whoever is pitching if the defense is ready,” said Shields. “They were ready in that game.”

 

Despite the dominance, Bridgeport actually trailed in the game. In the fourth inning, Lesher faced control problems for the only time in the contest and walked a pair of Elkins batters. An error on a pickoff attempt and a fielder’s choice plated what would prove to be the Tigers’ only run of the game.

 

Whatever momentum gained by the visitors was lost in the bottom of the same inning. Singles by Brice Haines and Lesher and a walk to Nick Stalnaker loaded the bases. Although EHS would manage to get two outs, a Trey Pancake grounder proved too hot to handle and led to an error that scored Haines and Lesher’s courtesy runner Nate Paulsen.

 

BHS added an insurance run in the fifth courtesy of Lesher who drove home Tyler Pitzer. Pitzer singled and moved up to second on a passed ball to be in position to score.

 

Now looming is Lewis County. Prior to the sectional loss to Elkins, The Minutemen were the only Class AA team to beat the Tribe this season. BHS’s other eight losses have come to Class AAA foes or opponents from outside of West Virginia.

 

Bridgeport split a twinbill with LCHS earlier this month. Those contests were played in Weston.

 

This time the teams will embark on a best of three series for a regional crown and a trip to the Class AA state tournament. The first game is set for Monday at BHS, while the second is slated for Lewis County on Tuesday. A third game, if necessary, would be back at Bridgeport.

 

“Lewis County is a big threat because they’re solid at the plate one through nine, they hit the ball, they can bunt and they have guys that can run,” said Shields. “What really makes them difficult is they don’t hurt themselves with mistakes. Add to that a good pitching rotation and we’re going to have our hands full.”

 

Shields said LCHS has a stacked deck of pitchers. Cole Barker, Will Hunt, Connor Johnson, Nick Gould and Luke White can all bring it. White, who Shields said was injured in their earlier appearance just down Interstate 79, could be available to throw. Shields said they have others that can bring it as well.

 

“That pitching staff is more than just a little dangerous. They’re deep,” said Shields.

 

Shields said he plans on bringing out Lesher for game one. After that, he’s not sure who’ll he’ll go with, but he said he has a full roster of pitchers available. Tim Via, Chapin Murphy, Nate Cole, Pitzer, Mark Lavezza, Ryan Goff and relief pitcher Koby Kiefer will all be candidates to pitch in the series.

 

Bridgeport played a game against Morgantown Friday. Teams still alive in the postseason that aren’t playing one another can add to their regular season slate during an off day.

 

All games next week against Lewis County are set for 6 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.