The Brazos Valley Bombers began their 2008 season in style, beating the TCL Champion Coppell Copperheads 2-1 in front of 250 fans. Jim McGonigle and Daniel Meadows combined for 11 strikeouts as the two pitchers stifled the Copperheads, who only managed six hits.

The Bombers got off to a quick start in the first inning and never looked back. After drawing a walk off Donald Williams, Nick Anders stole second base and scored on Trey Sperring’s single. Cliff Vaughn’s RBI double in the 5th inning was all the team needed, because the pitchers did the rest of the damage. Jim McGonigle pitched six strong innings, allowing just five hits and one run while striking out five Copperheads to collect the first win of the Bombers young season. Daniel Meadows was dominant in three innings of action, striking out six and only allowing one hit to get the save.

Tyler Huelsing, a junior outfielder from Memphis University, was 2-for-2 for the Bombers, who needed only five hits to beat the Copperheads. T.J. Mittelstaedt, who returns to Brazos Valley for his second summer with the team, also collected a hit while serving as the leadoff hitter.

It was the Bombers’ first opening-day win in their short history, although their official 2007 season opener was cancelled due to rain. The Bombers are set for a rematch with Coppell tomorrow at 7:05 pm before returning to Brazos Valley for their home opener on Thursday. Jason Zylstra of Jacksonville State will make the start for the Bombers tomorrow as they try to stay perfect in the early season. Don’t forget to tune into the Bombers games, which can be heard on bvbombers.com.