BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Bridgeport’s Austin Mann tossed five shutout innings, yielding just three singles and effectively pitching to contact against Hebert Hoover in the McDonald’s Classic.
But that only told part of the story for the Indians, who got production throughout the lineup and a grand slam from pinch hitter Drew Bailey to roll past the Huskies, 13-0.
“Drew Bailey had a really nice hit and it was good those guys came in and produced some runs,” BHS coach Robert Shields said. “But the big thing was Austin Mann kept them off balance with his pitching and we made some nice plays behind him in the field.”
The Indians (15-2) went ahead for good in the home half of the second inning, getting a two-RBI single to left from Frank Why, while an error on the play allowed a third run to score. Ryan Goff’s single to left later in the inning brought Why home for a 4-0 lead.
After Mann worked around his only base-on-balls in the third, BHS added to its advantage with three more runs in the bottom of the inning. Aiden Paulsen’s single scored Trent Haines, while Cam Cole’s fielder’s choice allowed Drew Hogue to score. One of four errors from Herbert Hoover (9-7) enabled Paulsen to cross the plate for the third run of the inning and a 7-0 BHS lead.
“We didn’t do anything well today and that’s the result,” Hoover coach JR Oliver said.
Bridgeport’s six-run fourth featured Anthony Dixon’s RBI double and a Max Harbert sacrifice fly, before Bailey made the most of his pinch-hit appearance and belted a grand slam over the left field fence.
“The plate appearances are big and good, quality at bats is what we’re trying to stress,” Shields said.
The Tribe finished with 10 hits and drew five walks, tagging Hoover starter Matthew Toops for seven runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.
Mann retired the side in order in the fifth to end the game. Mann struck out two, though he was around the strike zone throughout the contest.
“If we play to our abilities and play the way we know how to play, we can play with anybody and that’s proven,” Oliver said. “Today, we weren’t very good.”
Dixon finished 3-for-3, while Phil Reed and Why each had a pair of hits in the victory.
The Indians did not allow a run in a pair of victories Friday, as they began their day with a 4-0 win over Logan.
“That’s a plus. Those are two quality Double-A teams there,” Shields said. “We really did a good job overall on that.”