The Dragons and Bombers did battle Tuesday in a double header.
Braham made the short trip to Pine City in hopes a grabbing an upset. But it wasn't the best of starts for the Bombers. After only putting one runner on in the top of the 1st, the Dragons were able to go out and grab 2 early runs to take the lead. Braham just couldn't figure out the pitcher Isaiah Hasz, which quickly put them back on defense. The Dragons continued to show the hot bats especially with 2 outs. But Jake Tepley gave a huge boost to the Bombers chances. There were a few spots where the bases were loaded and one swing of the bat would've busted the game wide open. But Tepley kept his composure and managed to hold off the runners in scoring position and keep the Dragon lead at 2. Pine City finally was able to score another run in the 4th, but the game was still well within reach for the Bombers. Braham managed to produce a hit a put a runner on base early. That base runner eventually made his way to third and would score on a wild pitch to make the score 3-1 still in Pine City's favor. The next batter would draw a walk and now the tying run was at the plate. But Nick Plasek who came in for Hasz would strike the batter out and seal the game one victory for Pine City. Hasz pitched 3 1/3 innings with 6 SOs.
Game two was a different tale. Pine City once again jumped out to an early lead scoring three in the 1st inning. They were able to make quick work off the Braham batters and get back to the plate. The Dragons added 2 more runs in the 2nd to push the lead 5-0. The Bombers did grab a run on an error in the same inning giving their team some momentum. Both teams were held without a run in the 3rd, but the 4th inning saw Pine City add 4 more runs to cushion their lead 9-1 entering the 5th. The Dragons added one more insurance run before heading into the bottom of the final inning. Braham had a lot of work ahead of them to try and win the game. With the leadoff batter down Logan Leniz was able to put himself on base with a double. The next batter grounded out to the shortstop but Leniz moved up to third base. Eli Belden wasted no time driving in the run from 3rd to extend the inning and give life to his bench. Dragon pitcher Bryce Erickson battled with the next Bomber batter Caleb Schusted, but ultimately won striking him out sealing the game two victory 10-2.
With the two wins on Tuesday Pine City clinched the Great River Conference title!
