The Brazos Valley Bombers staged a comeback Saturday night that fell just short of being historic… even for a team with a two-game history.
The Bombers rallied from a deficit of 6-1 entering the home half of the ninth inning against the McKinney Marshals and scored four runs with two outs to close to within 6-5. But with two runners on, the frenzied rally fell just short, giving the Bombers their first-ever loss at Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark.
Will Basom doubled with two outs in the ninth to kick off the rally. An error put Blake Walker on, then Kyle Sisney’s single scored the first run of the inning. A Ryan Weber single loaded the bases for Mark McGonigle, who walked to make the score 6-3.
Miller Aldrich, one year removed from earning all-district at A&M Consolidated High School, stepped to the plate and promptly drove a single to right, scoring a pair and closing the gap to 6-5. But Jake Holloway’s grounder couldn’t find the hole, and the defending champs escaped by the skin of their teeth with the victory.
On the game, Basom and Ryan Weber had a pair of hits apiece, and Chris Wallace reached base three times.
McKinney jumped out with single runs in the second and third off of Bombers starter Will Currier. Brazos Valley responded with a Doug Simmons RBI groundout in the fourth that scored McGonigle.
The Marshals chased Currier in the fifth when they extended the lead to 3-1. Brice Ary pitched three scoreless innings in relief, then handed the ball to Steven Mohr to finish off the game.
The Bombers Opening Weekend closes with the Colleyville LoneStars visiting the Bombers on Sunday for a Bomb Squad Kids Club day game, sponsored by Mix 104.7. The first 250 kids through the gates will receive a free koozie.
The Bombers are members of the nine-team Texas Collegiate League, one of the nation’s premier summer collegiate circuits. Teams like the Bombers bring minor league baseball-style entertainment to communities throughout the country, giving some of the best college players a chance to further their careers in wood bat leagues in front of Major League scouts. The Bombers 48-game inaugural season is underway and runs through early August, followed by league playoffs and a championship series. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Bombers ticket office at (979) 779-PLAY, visiting the Bombers office in Bryan, or logging on to the Bombers’ official web site at www.bvbombers.com.