Indians rolling back to state, stun No. 1 seed SS Bee Branch in comeback victory 4-3 at regionals
CONNER EARNS VICTORY ON THE MOUND, CROSBY AND HUNTER POWER OFFENSE WITH KEY HITS
SOUTH SIDE BEE BRANCH — The No. 4 seed Poyen Indians are back dancing to the Class
2A state tournament and once again pulled off the upset victory and knocked off the No. 1 seed South Side Bee Branch Hornets 4-3 for an intense first round battle in the 2A Central Regional Baseball Tournament Thursday hosted in South Side Bee Branch.
The Indians overcame the home field advantage on the road and rallied back from a 1-0 deficit through the fourth inning and tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fifth.
The Indians surged to a 4-1 lead in the top of the seventh, and utilized their defense to keep the Hornets from a strong comeback in the bottom of the seventh—holding the host team to only two runs scored.
As a result, the Indians celebrated their return to state for a consecutive season igniting another historic victory in their baseball program.
The Indians tallied four runs on two hits while defensively held the Hornets to three runs scored on one hit.
Indians’ Landon Crosby (a double) and Hunter Woods led the offensive execution in the frame and each powered a key hit apiece. Woods drove in one run for the only RBI and scored a run.
Crosby sparked the scoring attack and scored two runs while Ryan Ray scored a key run that led to the one-run victory and a return trip to the big dance on dirt at state.
On the mound, the Indians’ standout pitcher Kullen Conner earned the victory and pitched six and one-thirds innings, allowed one hit, one earned run and struck out five batters and threw 57 strikes—hayden Murray pitched one-thirds of an inning, allowed no runs, no hits and struck out one batter and threw five strikes while launching five pitches.
UP NEXT
The Indians will finish up regional tournament play in South Side Bee Branch this weekend, then prepare for their quest in the state tournament next week May 9-11 in Palestine-wheatley.