Bulls claim 6-5 win over Bulldogs in SK tourney
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@ournal-spectator.com

FLATONIA - Maybe it was in the cards for Wharton County rivals Boling and East Bernard's team to play each other on the diamond besides in district games this season.

The Brahmas scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to beat the Bulldogs 6-5 Friday afternoon at the Stanley-Krist Invitational Tournament in Flatonia.

"No. 1 it was a big win because of it being a county rival," said EB coach Doug Grigar.

"No. 2 our team is very young and very inexperienced, and for them to have a come-from-behind victory like this, it really helped our morale and confidence."

The Bulldog scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to go up 5-4. The game ended after five due to a tournament time limit rule.

Boling was scheduled to play Hallettsville Sacred Heart and East Bernard was slated to play Cuero on Thursday but rains canceled the games.

East Bernard played co-host Flatonia later on Friday and the Boling also played a second round contest.

Players braved gusty 40 mile per hour winds and temperatures in the low 50s as a cold front rolled into the area Thursday evening.

James Powell went the distance for the Brahmas, giving up three runs on five hits.

Koby Sanchez stared for Boling and Jacob Copeland finished the game.

Boling picked up an unearned run in the top of the first to go up 1-0 and East Bernard answered with three runs in the bottom half.

Chris Plunkett reached on an error and stole second. Aaron Alexander and Zach Rivera walked to load the bases.

Matt Stelzel, Louis Roldan and Bryce Koenig then drew free passes to force home runners.

The Brahmas made it 4-1 in the bottom of the third.

Orsak singled and stole second. He went to third when Stelzel reached on an error.

Orsak then scored on a sacrifice bunt by Roldan. Koenig singled and Stelzel was tagged out at the plate.

Boling's four-run fifth inning started when Kris Henson reached on an error. Trevor Archer walked. A single by Koby Sanchez scored Henson to make it 4-2.

Tanner Thompson then doubled home Archer and Sanchez. Copeland then singled home Thompson to tie the score.

The Brahma fifth started when Stelzel singled and Roldan walk.

After a strike out, Koenig bunted and Stelzel was forced at third.

Pinch hitter Clinton Graves then singled home Roldan. Koenig made it to third and he scored on a fly ball that was misplayed.

The two teams split district games last year. The Bulldogs won the first meeting to snap a long losing streak against the Brahmas.

They'll both play in the St. Paul Invitational Tournament beginning next Thursday at the Shiner Star Plex.

However they are in different pools but could possibly play in a trophy game on Saturday.

The teams will meet in district play on March 28 in Newgulf. The Brahmas then host the Bulldogs on April 15.