Bruins Rally For State Title
Western Branch claimed their first championship since 2004 with a come-from-behind 6-4 win over the Chantilly Chargers. The Bruins claimed the State 6A championship by scoring three runs in the 5th inning after losing the lead in the top half of the inning.
Trailing 4-3 after a 4-run inning from Chantilly, Western Branch sent Chantilly starter Austin Margarida to the showers with three straight singles. Alex Abbey opened with a single and advanced to third on a hit-and-run check swing single from Devon Fischer. Shortstop Kyle McPherson then singled in Abbey tying the game at 4-4. It was second RBI for McPherson who leadoff the 4th inning with a solo blast over the left field fence.
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Senior Kyle Butler singled past the 3rd baseman scoring two to give the Bruins a 2-run lead. Butler finished 2 for 3 with two RBI and he was 4 for 5 with three extra base hits during the 2-day State finals. Sophomore Corek Klak was credited with the win after sitting down 6 of the 7 batters he faced. Colin Selby pitched four scoreless innings before a rough 5th inning ended his day on the mound.
The Chargers scored all their runs in the 5th inning to take a 4-3 lead. The big blow was a 2-run double from senior Colby Ryan. Chantilly's first run came on a throwing error which allowed Tommy Vance to score from second. Aaron Osborne singled scoring Ryan who beat the throw at home.
Senior Mike Sciorra made two outstanding plays early in the game when he threw out Justin Hayes at home plate in the 1st inning and running down a sure hit in the second inning. University of Virginia recruit Devon Fischer ended the 1st inning by throwing out a baserunner and Justin Hayes needed his afterburners to track down a potential extra-base hit in the sixth inning.
Game MVP - Kyle McPherson Western Branch
McPherson finished 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and a homerun. The James Madison recruit was upset by a second inning error but he more than made up for the miscue with a double play to end the fourth inning and with his blast over the left field fence to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead.
