Stone Bridge senior Ty Weaver (33) went 6 1/3 innings in a 2-1 win over visiting Madison on Wednesday.
Content Editor, DigitalSports.comIt's fair to say that Stone Bridge's match-up with Madison on Wednesday night was the biggest game in the Bulldogs' short history. Undefeated for the first time in Liberty District play -- and back-to-back winners over Langley and W.T. Woodson -- left the Bulldogs poised to beat Madison for the first time in school history.
Stone Bridge Coach Scott Plank got two early runs, strong defense and a great pitching performance from senior
Tyler Weaver to make that history a reality, defeating the Warhawks, 2-1, at home.
With one out in the bottom of the first inning, senior
Matt Irwin singled to left field. Junior
Johnny Bladel followed with a driving double to right/center field to score Irwin from first base. After advancing to third on a passed ball, Bladel scored on a fielders' choice to give the Bulldogs a two-run lead after one inning of play.
Madison starting pitcher
Andrew Shrock, a senior, went the whole game, striking out 10 batters to keep his team within striking distance throughout.
The Warhawks mounted a threat in the sixth inning when senior
Brig Tison led off with a single and later scored on a fielders' choice. But Madison proved unable to score again on Weaver or closer
Mike Palmer, who came in and recored the games' final two outs for the save.
"Palmer is our closer," said Plank when asked about pulling Weaver. "I have so much faith in him. He is one of the most vital parts to our team and when I gave him the ball tonight I told him we believe in him."
Weaver allowed only four hits while striking three.
Stone Bridge improved to 7-0 in Liberty District play and will host Mclean Friday night. Madison is at home on Friday against Marshall.
R H E
Stone Bridge 2 5 0
Madison 1 4 2