A Narrow Defeat in the State Tournament
The Back Mountain 9‑10‑11 all‑stars entered the state tournament with high hopes, only to see their championship dreams evaporate in an 11‑10 loss to Southern Lehigh. The game, played on a Friday evening, left the squad out of the winners’ bracket and forced them into an elimination match.
Earlier in the week, the team had been shut out 11‑1 by West Point, a setback that dropped them into the elimination bracket. Despite the earlier loss, the players regrouped and prepared for a rematch that would test their resolve.
Manager Jerry Brodginski praised the squad’s progress, noting that Friday’s performance showed marked improvement over Thursday’s effort. He pointed to better batting, tighter defense, and a more disciplined approach at the plate.
The turning point came in the top of the sixth inning when Back Mountain scored three runs, sparked by consecutive singles and key hits from Max Gannon, Marco Scatton and others. The rally brought the team within one run of tying the game.
Southern Lehigh answered with an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth, extending their lead to 11‑10. Back Mountain’s final attempt to equalize was denied, sealing the defeat.
Brodginski emphasized that the experience would serve as a valuable lesson, underscoring the team’s growth and resilience despite the loss.