BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — In a battle of 2021 state champions, Bridgeport blanked Logan 9-0 in the opening game of the annual McDonald’s Classic. The Indians are the defending champs in Class AAA while the Wildcats are the reigning Class AA title holders.
Bridgeport scored six runs in the second inning and three more in the fifth. Senior southpaw Ben McDougal pitched five innings to earn the victory. He allowed just three hits, walked three batters and struck out 11.
“He had a good outing against Hurricane [last Saturday] too before he got hit in the hand. He has had two really good outings so far. He is in control of all of his pitches. That’s what we need out of a senior like that,” said Bridgeport head coach Robert Shields.
McDougal also had a three-run double as part of the six-run uprising in the second inning. Christopher Harbert hit a solo home run in the fifth.
Andrew Bell and Dylan Duvall pitched scoreless innings in relief to secure the victory for the Indians (8-2). Entering Friday’s late contest against Southern Garrett, Md., BHS has won four consecutive games.
“We are getting more games in and as we go along we are seeing some of the things we need to improve on. It has always been a thing in the past that we always want to play a bunch in a row to keep things moving. Right now, we are starting to see some kids get a good feel for the game and feel confidence at the plate.”
Logan’s (10-1) 16-game winning streak dating back to last season came to an end. Garrett Williamson had two of Logan’s four hits. The Wildcats defeated Lincoln later in the afternoon, 10-9.