The previous playoff games that Clarendon played resulted in very favorable outcomes for the Broncos, but the Region I-1A semifinal turned out to be a thorn in their side as Miles spoiled their perfect post-season play.
After climbing back from trailing 2-9 to leading 10-9, the Broncos finally gave way to the Bulldogs and were defeated 13-11. Their great playoff run and remarkable season came to an end just a few games away from the state tournament, but it was recorded as a successful year.
“We started out slow and dug ourselves a deep hole,” head coach Brad Elam said.
Elam went onto say that pitcher Troy Chambless came in to relieve Gaines in the fifth inning and was plagued by the same error bug as Gaines.
“Both pitchers pitched well enough to win if we were making plays,” Elam said.
The Broncos were down 2-9 going into the fifth when the Broncos exploded for eight runs and the lead according to Elam.
“David Roberts doubled in Johnny Gaines, and Bradley Watson singled in Roberts,” Elam said. “Devin Noble drove in Derrick Shelton, who had singled; and Brayden Phillips walked to load the bases.”
With a Bronco on every bag, the Miles’ coach made a pitching change; and Alton Gaines doubled in all three on the first pitch he saw to cut the lead to 9-8, Elam said. After a J. Gaines’ walk and Roberts was put on due to an error, Alton Gaines scored to put the tying score on the board right before brother Johnny scored on a wild pitch to take the lead.
“Miles scored four in the bottom of the fifth for a 13-10 lead,” Elam said. “We had runners on in the sixth but couldn’t get them home. (Then) J. Gaines scored on a Derrick Shelton double in the seventh to cut the lead, and we had runners on second and third before we made the last out.
“We were almost able to duplicate our past comeback performances but just weren’t able to on this day. The guys showed a lot of heart coming from such a huge deficit late, and I was extremely proud of them. We had such a great season, and I am so proud of the effort we gave all season.”
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