By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Bronco baseball team pulled off two great games against Quanah over spring break. The Broncos’ eighth inning, first win was posted in the first half of double-header as they took a 4-3 win over the Indians at home on Friday.
According to coach Brad Elam, a big third inning was crucial in their win.
“We made a few mistakes early, but settled down,” Elam said. “Our pitchers threw well. Chance McAnear started and pitched three good innings. Bryce Hatley came on to finish the game and closed it out.”
The Bronco defense stepped up and made some big plays in the win. But the third inning was big.
“Taylon Knorpp got things started after one out with a single followed by a double by Israel Osburn,” Elam said.
“Clay Koetting walked to load the bases and Hatley singled in two runs. Caleb Cobb walk was followed by a McAnear triple to score the last two (runs). We were able to get the last out of the game with the tying run on third.”
The Broncos defeated Quanah 6-5 in game two of the double-header with Cobb on the mound.
“It was an exciting game for the fans,” Elam said. “We got behind but were able to claw our way back and win it in extra innings. Defensively, we struggled early, but made plays when we needed to.”
Osburn was able to pick off two Quanah runners trying to steal bases and Elam knew that hurt their opponent.
“Offensively, we were not able to get much going until late in the game,” Elam said. “We scored one in the first, but were not able to score again until the fifth. Our big inning came in the sixth when we scored three to take a 5-4 lead.”
Elam said Osburn singled followed by a Brandon Miller bunt single. McAnear then followed with another bunt single to load the bases and all three runners were able to score. The Indians then added a run in the seventh to tie and extra innings were needed.
“In the eighth inning, Cobb reached base on an error,” Elam said. “JoJo Cartwright doubled to right center to bring runners to second and third with no one out. Koetting followed with a bloop single to dive in Cobb to win the game.”
On March 13, the Broncos lost 1-11 at Hale Center. According to Elam, the Broncos had a bad game.
“We were really disappointed in the way we played,” Elam said. “We didn’t hit the ball or make plays when we needed to. I thought Zack LaRoe and Chance Lockhart pitched well. Nick Shadle knocked in the only run when he singled in Charles Mason. Mason had walked and stolen second.”
The Broncos play Claude at home on Friday, March 21, at 4:00 p.m.
They will travel to Gruver on Tuesday, March 25, and play at 4:30 p.m.
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