DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
DECATUR – Thursday’s home game against Concordia came at a strange time for the Bellmont Braves. Despite blowout victories against Bluffton and Garrett, the mood surrounding the team was somewhat off after a disappointing loss to Adams Central Monday. Already trying to make up for a loss that was simply tough to swallow against Jay County in the opener, there was no doubt that the Bellmont Braves had not yet found their stride in 2023.
Emily Bleke, the sparkplug of the team, found it in the bottom of the seventh Thursday night.
Bleke’s home run, a bomb towards the scoreboard in left center, was a classic walk-off and it came with two outs with some thoughts creeping into the team’s head about what happened the last time a game went to extra innings at home.
All that is behind them now and the team will instead enter Friday’s long road trip at Mississinewa with anticipation and energy as they try to continue to exact revenge against the Indians from a stunning sectional loss two years ago.
“What a way to end a ballgame,” said head coach Mindy Buuck with a smile afterwards. “It’s like all the movies you watch as a kid. Bottom of the 7th, two outs, and the crowd goes wild.”
While last year’s team did not find its stride until it endured a long losing streak, Buuck thinks this may just be the moment where the Braves realize who they are.
“I’m hoping this game is the catalyst we need to start finding our groove.”
The home team got another fine start from senior Piper Baker, who allowed four hits and one run in four innings of work. She faced just two over the minimum after walking none and picking off a runner at first to end the opening inning after allowing her only run.
Bellmont answered Concordia’s run in the first inning with a manufactured run of their own in the bottom half. After Emily Bleke led off with a hit up the middle, Sami Christen bunted her over and Baker knocked her in with two outs.
Bleke finished with three hits to lead the team, while Baker added a triple to her RBI single.
Mary Kate Scheumann pitched in relief, moving over from first base and mowing down the Cadets. The freshman struck out five and allowed just two hits.
Samantha Hoffman took the loss for the Cadets, throwing the whole game and giving up eight hits.
Bellmont did not strike out in the game. They hope to continue that Friday night in Gas City.