PHILIPPI, W.Va. — A four-run sixth inning lifted Philip Barbour to a regular season sweep of Elkins as the Colts prevailed 5-4 Thursday afternoon.
The Colts used a solo homer from Gage Bibey, a two-run single from Tanner Corder and an RBI single from Will Knight to take their first lead of the ball game after trailing 4-1 entering the sixth inning.
“The home run right there changed the momentum,” said Philip Barbour head coach Jonathon Carpenter. “One swing of the bat makes a big difference in this game at times. And then we were just able to carry the momentum on.”
Elkins used a three-run fifth inning to take a 4-1 lead. Matthew Gainer doubled in a pair of runs for the Tigers and Jerimiah Cogar added an RBI single.
Bibey picked up the win on the mound for the Colts. He tossed 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven batters. Bibey was pulled one out away from a complete game victory because he reached the pitch limit at 109 pitches.
“He’s a battler,” Carpenter said. “He’ll make sure he does what he needs to do. He was able to work the curve and slider away which got them to chase a few pitches. He is just level-headed and composed.”
Nicholas Hamrick stranded a pair of runners in the seventh to pick up the save. “Nick is our closer without a doubt,” Carpenter said. “He’ll come in and throw strikes and make them put it in play. They usually don’t square him up at all.”
Philip Barbour improved to 13-4 win the victory. In addition to sweeping the No. 7 Tigers (13-7), the Colts have victories over quality Class AA teams in Berkeley Springs, Fairmont Senior and Lincoln.
PB’s starting lineup features six sophomores. “Honestly, I would be lying to you if I said we were going to be where we are right now,” Carpenter said. “I knew the potential was there and the talent was there.”
“They have had phenomenal youth coaches and that made them mature so much quicker.”