Bardo vet clutch in pivotal matchup

Thursday night’s match up between the Holden Blue Jays and the Bardo Athetics was a huge game for both teams in that it would bring the Jays back up to .500 after going 1-3 in their last 4 games.It was yet another big game for the A’s as a win coupled with a Ryley loss would move them up into second place in the PBL.

 Holden would receive a much needed boost to their defence as their ace left Kyle Muzechka would get the start for only his 3 game with the Jays this year. On the other side of the field long time PBL vet Rob Berrecloth rose to the occasion after a mix of injuries, work, and other commitments left Bardo short of arms for the night.

 The game started out in Bardo’s favor with lead off hitter Joel Henricksen reaching base on an outfield error. Henricksen would immediately be hit in with a hard hit double by Rob Berrecloth. Berrecloth would eventually come across home to chalk the visitors up 2-0. Holden managed to score one in their half of the inning to cut the lead in half.

Bardo continued to string hits together scoring a run in each of the 2nd and 3rd inning.

Players were taking good quality long bats against the tough lefty who seemed to be tiring after the fourth and if not for a quick efficient 5th inning with a good ol’ fashion 3 up 3 down on only 7 pitches might have been pulled earlier. 

The Jays pulled it together in the 6th and strung together a few hits while cashing in 2 runs of their own making at a one run game going into the 7th inning.

Holden reliever had a few command issues walking the first 3 batters of the inning.

He then gave up a hard hit single just over the reach of the shortstop by Craig Neufeld to score one and keeping the bases loaded. He then followed up with a walk and gave up a 2 RBI single to OF Jeremy Copeman.

The inning would finish on a liner to the first baseman who doubled up the runner on 1st. But the damage was done giving the A’s a 5 run cushion for Berrecloth to finish with.

Holden got the first 2 runners on board but with a fielders choice, strikeout and ground out berrecloth came through with a complete game victory.

This put Bardo at 5-4 on the season and gives them the season series against Holden. They also have the edge on Ryley in that regards which very well may come into play later in the year when the playoff race heats up.