Berkshire splits season series with Chagrin Falls

Berkshire used a timely third-inning surge and steady pitching to earn a 4-1 win.

After a quiet start offensively, the Badgers broke through in the top of the third. An error put a runner in scoring position, and they capitalized from there. A hit-by-pitch and aggressive baserunning helped set the table before Christopher Brancel delivered an RBI single to bring home the game’s first run. Holden Hedrick followed with another clutch hit, pushing the lead to 2-0 by the end of the inning.

On the mound, Berkshire got a strong performance from C. Brancel, who worked out of early traffic and kept the opposition off the board through the first three innings. The only run allowed came in the fourth, when a double and a two-out single trimmed the lead to 2-1.

Berkshire answered right back in the fifth. Chase Bajzel and Sam Barcikoski reached with back-to-back singles, and after a defensive miscue ended a potential rally, Hedrick came through again with an RBI single to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Badgers added an insurance run in the sixth without the benefit of a hit. Three walks loaded the bases before Nolan Morris lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Oliver Miller and making it 4-1.

From there, the pitching staff shut the door. Brancel and the defense navigated a few late baserunners but kept the opponent from mounting any serious threat over the final three innings.

Hedrick led the way offensively with multiple RBIs, while C. Brancel added a key hit and a solid outing on the mound. Berkshire also showed patience at the plate, drawing several walks and taking advantage of scoring opportunities to secure the win.