Region 1-2A: Freeport doubles up Vernon

FREEPORT - Freeport opened up Region 1-2A quarterfinal play with a 6-3 victory at home over Vernon in some cool, windy, and overall, far from ideal baseball weather.

“It’s good any time you can win at this juncture of the season,” Freeport coach Sean Arntz said. “It’s special to get a playoff victory at home in front of the home crowd.”

The Bulldogs (14-10) were led by their pitcher – and leadoff man – Michael Graziani. Graziani pitched a complete game, allowing three runs and striking out 14 while giving up just three hits and three walks.

“I just try and throw strikes,” Graziani said. “I know my teammates are going to back me up no matter what. I just throw strikes and my teammates give us a chance to win.”

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth, in-fact, only one hit was given up between both teams. But the Bulldogs opened things up in the bottom of the fourth.

Vernon (11-15) pitcher Shaun Herbert walked Dakota Davis and Brandon Head to open the inning. Collin Myrick reached first on a fielder’s choice play that saw Davis get forced out at third.

But Herbert continued to struggle with his control, walking Caleb McCormick to load the bases. After striking out Jake Fannin, Herbert walked J.R. Fannin (2-for-3, RBI, run) with the bases loaded to score Head. He followed that by hitting Nick Russell to score Myrick. Then Graziani (2-for-4, 3 RBI) ripped a single through the right side of the infield, scoring McCormick and Fannin to make it 4-0 in favor of Freeport.

Nick Russell scored on a wild pitch and to close the scoring, and the Bulldogs never looked back, even though Vernon answered with a three-run top of the fifth.

Graziani closed the scoring as he drove in J.R. Fannin in the bottom of the sixth to bring the score to 6-3.

The Bulldogs will move on to the next round to face the winner of Bozeman and Jay.