Bruins Survive McLean

Western Branch defeated Mclean 5-4 in a spirited affair to advance to the 6A championship game. A 2-run double by in the 6th inning by Kyle McPherson proved to be the game-winning run. Zach Rutherford pitched a complete game despite some rough spots in the final two innings.

Mclean jumped on the scoreboard first when a single by sophomore Conor Grammes was rewarded with a sacrifice fly by Jesse Jones.

The Bruins received big production from their bottom two hitters. The two combined to go 4 for 4 with two runs and two RBI. Kyle Butler scored two runs on a triple and a double, while Jordan Mason drove in two runs with a double and a single. Western Branch manufactured a run in the 2nd on a steal and they led 3-1 heading to the 6th inning.

McLean tied the game in the sixth after Grady Paine and Jesse Jones led off the inning with a double and single. Jonathan Clines grounded out scoring one run and Evan Blake reached on an error which scored Jones to tie the game. Matthew Bielamowicz followed with a single but Blake was tagged out at home trying to score after a perfect throw from Justin Hayes to Devon Fischer.

Two walks put batters at the corners and McPherson delivered with 2-outs. A 2-base error helped Mclean close the gap to 5-4 but Rutherford got two pop ups to end the game.