Broncos fall to a tough Hale Center team

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos lost 4-6 to Hale Center in the opening round of the playoffs on their home field. Despite playing a great game, the Broncos could not get the edge they needed to get the win.

“I am very proud of our effort and season,” coach Brad Elam said. “We had lost to them 1-11 early in the year, so we knew they would be tough.”

The Broncos jumped out to the early lead over their opponent.

“We scored early and had a lead going into the fourth inning,” Elam said. “Caleb Cobb had a long single in the first to drive in Chance McAnear and Bryce Hatley scored on a passed ball for a 2-0 lead in the first.”

Hale Center was able to add a run in the third to cut the Bronco lead, but Charles Mason scored on an error to get the Broncos going again. After Hale Center scored four runs in the fourth and another in the fifth, Hatley scored again on another passed ball in the fifth to cut the lead to two.

“Clay Koetting was hit by a pitch and Mason hit a pitch deep to left that almost went over the fence that would have tied the score,” Elam said.

“Caleb Cobb threw three good innings and McAnear came on in relief and did another great job. Our defense played their best game in a while making many plays including a diving catch by Brandon Miller in center. On offense, McAnear and Hatley reached base three times each and scored three of the four runs.”

Cobb also added a single and an rbi in the game.