Buffalo Gap loses 2-0 to Eastside in state semifinals

With the game tied 0-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Eastside junior hit a two-run single to propel the Eastside Spartans to victory over Buffalo Gap.

That was the difference in a 2-0 victory that sent the team into Saturday’s title game at 1 p.m. against rival Rye Cove. Eastside has won four of the previous five meetings with the Eagles.

“I was praying to Jesus before I came to the plate,” Day said. “There were two outs and I knew I couldn’t let my team down.”

Day directed an inside fastball over the second baseman’s head.

“It’s great to stand out when my team needs me,” Day said. “It’s probably the biggest success I’ve had.”

Eastside junior pitcher Braelyn Hall allowed just one hit and struck out 10 with no walks through the first five innings.

Sophomore Emma Sartin relieved Hall in the sixth inning. As Buffalo Gap hitters attempted to adjust to a different delivery and pitching sequence, Sartin did not allow a base runner while striking out five.

“Braelyn and Emma are such a good team because they complement each other so well and are so positive,” Eastside coach Suzi Atwood said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to have two pitchers who like to share time in the circle. The opposing team has to adapt to change and it worked for us today.

There were no hits in the game until the fifth inning when Hannah Coffman singled to put the Bison up 18-4.

Eastside junior Jada Jordan led off the sixth inning with a single. After advancing to second on a sacrifice by Haley Frazier, Jordan moved to third on a single by Maddie Compton.

That’s when Day delivered his heroic hit.

“I knew Haley could do it,” Hall said. “She has won so many times this year. Honestly, he was the one I wanted at the plate in this situation.

Hall kept Buffalo Gap hitters off balance with a two-seam fastball and a drop ball.

“I play for my seniors. It’s their senior year and we’re going to come out strong together,” Hall said.

The Spartans left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning against Buffalo Gap senior pitcher Caroline Alger, who finished with seven strikeouts against four walks in three batters.

How does Atwood feel about facing Rye Cove again?

“We can’t worry about the results of our other games against them,” Atwood said. “Rye Cove is a great team and Eden (Muncy) is a good pitcher. You just have to put the ball in play.”

Buffalo Gap 000 000 0-0 1 2

Algiers and Talley. Hall, Sartin (6) and Compton. W-Sartin. L-Algiers. RH-none.