Bluff Dale BB overcomes early deficit to beat Bryson, 16-10

BRYSON – In the district opener for both schools Friday, Bryson jumped out to a 9-1 first-inning lead but it wouldn’t stick. Visiting Bluff Dale scored in all five innings, including a seven-run final at-bat, to post a 16-10 win.

Cowboys senior Zander Tinney gave up a run without a hit in the first on the mound but struck out the last two batters to strand a pair in scoring position. A non-run first opened with Tinney and Landon Stephens drawing walks to put runners in scoring position with one out.

A wild pitch tied the game at one with Stephens coming home on a catcher’s error for a 2-1 lead. Jack Eberle reached on a catcher’s error with Justin Justus getting hit by a pitch and Ragen Register getting a walk to load the sacks.

A two-out passed ball plated Eberle while Isaiah Garcia and Colton Hughes walked for a 4-1 lead. Tinney stroked a two-run single for a 6-1 lead with a catcher’s error making the score 7-1. Grayson Allen was Hit by a pitch with Tinney singled home by Stephens.

Eberle drew a walk to load the sacks. A free pass to Justus brought home the final run of the inning as the next hitter struck out.

The Bobcats scored four times in the second, taking advantage of three errors to cut the lead to 9-5. Bryson picked up its final run in the bottom of the frame. Garcia drew a one-out walk with Tinney picking up a two-out single and swiping second. Allen’s groundout plated Garcia for a 10-5 lead.

Two-run third and fourth innings brought the visitors within 10-9, the fourth ending with the bases loaded. Bryson had hits in each inning, getting a Justus single in the third and Tinney’s third hit, a two-out double in the fourth.

A seven-run fifth, which came about with no hits was enough to secure the victory.

Two games were supposed to be played but the first took 3:27 and was called on darkness. The second game should be played after the regular season is completed as there is an extra week, according to Bryson Coach Slade Egan.