They’re a little more than an hour apart from one another on practically a straight shot down Interstate 79. They both have solid baseball programs and both find themselves still alive in the Class AA postseason.

 

And even though the two teams didn’t face one another in 2017’s regular season that doesn’t mean Bridgeport and Braxton County aren’t familiar with one another. Last year, the Indians and the Eagles met in the postseason for the first time during the campaign – at the state tournament semifinals.

 

The Tribe walked away with a 10-0 win that day at Appalachian Power Park. The used the savvy of senior pitcher Hunter Haddix to do in what Coach Robert Shields called a young BCHS squad.

 

The two teams will meet again in the postseason this year. This time, however, due to regional realignments it’s not in the state tournament, but for a right to Appalachian Power Park for a right to play for a state championship.

 

The Indians and Eagles, both with 20-plus wins on the year, will meet up in the Region II championship starting tomorrow. The new best-of-three format will see the Tribe host Braxton County at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the BHS complex.

 

On Wednesday, the Indians will visit BCHS in Flatwoods for the second game, which is also at 5 p.m. If necessary, the elimination game will be played Thursday at 5 p.m. and that would be back in Bridgeport.

 

“They’re a good team that has a whole of kids back from a team that was really good last year,” said Shields. “They hit the ball, they’re very aggressive at the plate and have kids that hit with power.

 

“The thing that is always concerning is we’re playing a confident team that believes in themselves,” Shields continued. “We’ve got to be able to keep them off balance, try to hold them down from producing runs and get on top of their pitchers. They’ve got some good pitching.”

 

Shields said senior Seth Backus, who play first when not on the mound, is one of their best hurlers with a “tall, lanky frame” that he said he puts to good use. Senior Braden Poling, who also plays the outfield, is another strong pitcher for the Eagles. Another pitcher is senior Ben Fincham, who like Poling, plays the outfield when not toeing the rubber.

 

“Those three are part of a group of I believe that are six very talented seniors. Regardless of the number, they can play,” Shields said. “There’s talent, including more talented pitchers, up and down the roster.”

 

Shields said the pitching staff benefits more from just having natural ability. He said senior catcher Troy McMillion is one of the better backstops he’s seen.

 

“We know what they’ve got, but we have to worry about what we do,” said Shields. “That’s been the case as long as I’ve been here no matter who we put out on the field.”

 

The group out on the field Tuesday will consist of catcher Drew Hefner, first baseman Brine Takahashi or Andrew Barker, second baseman Koby Kiefer, shortstop J.T. Harris, third baseman Chapin Murphy, left fielder Cooper Hineman, centerfielder Brayden Lesher or John Merica, and right fielder Gordon Swiger, who could also start on the mound. Seth Friel and Haden Miller could both be utilized as a designated hitter.

 

“We have a full staff of pitchers of available and right now we’re healthy,” said Shields. “When I say I’m not sure who’s starting, I’m not trying to be tight lipped. I usually have an idea either the day before or sometimes right before a game.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos of Bridgeport team and players by Joey Signorelli and photo of BCHS Pitcher Seth Backus and catcher Troy McMillion from last year's state tournament by Ben Queen. Both shot for www.benqueenphotography.com.