DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
DECATUR – Bellmont pushed across eleven runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back Wednesday night, crushing the Marion Giants 22-2 in the sectional opener in just five innings.
The Braves broke the will of the Giants in the early going, putting the first eight batters on base and forcing starter Aaron Mauller out of the game before he could record an out. Mauller gave up five hits and three walks and was charged with eight runs.
Oliver Werling doubled and scored in that opening rally to lead the home team’s efforts.
Ben Mills greeted Izaiah Freshwater with an RBI single and the next three Braves followed with RBI, with Beau Baker driving in two with a hit to make it 10-0.
Matt Bleeke pitched two shutout innings for the Braves, striking out four in a start that was shortened because of the lopsided score. The coaching staff elected to save all the established arms in the Bellmont bullpen for a run at the sectional championship.
Isaac Baker came into the game in the third inning and finished out the fourth, allowing a pair of runs.
Easton Baker pitched the final inning for Bellmont with a slew of freshman classmates and sophomores behind him defensively, with the Braves clearing the bench in the 20-run game.
Oliver Werling led off the fourth inning with a solo shot that landed on the road past the left field fence.
Layne LeMaster (see gallery above) finished 4-for-4 from the leadoff spot, while Dan Selking and Beau Baker drove in four runs apiece.
Kasey Teeter added a pinch-hit double and Ben Mills scored three runs.
The Braves will play rival Heritage in Thursday’s semifinal at 5 p.m.
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