Branford grinds out district win against Chiefland

Published 3:50 pm Thursday, April 12, 2018

Tyler Sapp, who went 2-2 with two RBIs, dives headfirst into home for Branford’s final run of the game. 

BRANFORD, Fla. — Good teams will find a way to win even when they’re not at their best.   

That was the case for Branford on Wednesday as the Buccaneers fought for a 6-4 district win against Chiefland (5-7, 3-3). 

Branford (11-4, 8-2), which hasn’t lost consecutive games all season, kept that streak alive, pulling out a close game despite making four errors and allowing nine walks. Tyler Whitfield worked around some of those walks to pitch five strong innings in relief and get the win.

BHS coach Alex O’Quinn turned to Whitfield in a difficult spot early in the game. Whitfield took the mound in the top of the third inning with the bases loaded, no outs and the score tied at 2. He retired three straight hitters without allowing a run. 

“Tyler Whitfield getting us out of that inning — that’s huge for us,” O’Quinn said. “One of our veteran pitchers and he really got us out of a jam. 

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“Last district game we play and to get a win it gives our guys confidence. We don’t know how everything is going to shake out, but most likely we’ll face them (Chiefland) in the tournament.”

Branford finished the regular season with an 8-2 mark in District 7-1A, its only losses coming to Trenton. 

Rylee McKenzie went 4-4 in the leadoff spot and Tyler Sapp pounded a two-RBI double in the fourth inning that gave Branford the lead for good.

Sapp’s double came during a three-run inning in which the Buccaneers batted around. Branford was helped out by two Chiefland errors and Sapp made them pay with his bases-loaded hit.

“Sapp hit the ball hit extremely well,” O’Quinn said. “When we get in a clutch situation, it’s nice to see him step in the box.”

UP NEXT: Branford hosts St. Francis on Thursday, April 19.

Box score

               
Chiefland  
Branford   –  6

McKenzie — 4-4, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases

Whitfield — 1-4, 2 runs, 1 stolen base — 5 innings pitched, 2 hits, 0 earned runs

Tyler Sapp — 2-2, 2 BB, double, 2 RBIs, 1 run

Trey Sapp — 1-3, BB

Heiderman — 0-3, BB, 2 RBIs

Kelley — 0-3, sac fly, RBI — 2 innings pitched, 2 hits, 1 earned run