By Drew Terhall

DailyAdvocate.com

DAYTON — Bradford High School softball will defend their Division IV title in Akron. On May 28, the Railroaders won 3-1 against Russia High School at Wright State to punch their ticket to the state final four.

Head coach Shon Schaffer said this year’s win feels different than last year’s.

“This one feels better than the first one. I don’t think anybody thought we could [reach state semifinals],” Schaffer said.

Russia started the scoring in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs, Russia got a runner on first. Junior Reese Goubeaux scored the runner with a two-out double to take the 1-0 lead.

Bradford tried to respond. Bases were loaded with two outs in the top of the fourth. The Railroaders couldn’t get one in to tie it. However, Bradford didn’t waste any time in the top of the fifth. WOAC Softball Player of the Year Austy Miller hit a triple after the leadoff batter got on base. Despite a runner on third base and no outs, the Railroaders couldn’t take the lead.

However, the run gave the Railroaders the life they needed to start putting runs on the board.

“I knew we were going to roll. We’re one of those teams where once we get rolling, we score in bunches,” Schaffer said. “She [Russia pitcher Makena Hoying] did a really good job of keeping us off-balance. We couldn’t score a ton, but we scored enough.”

Bradford took the lead in the next inning. Junior Izzy Hamilton, a member of the All-WOAC Second Team, hit a two-out RBI single to take the lead, 2-1.

Russia had multiple chances to extend or tie the game. The Raiders had runners in scoring position in the fourth through the sixth inning. First Team All-WOAC member senior Nylani Beireis kept getting out of those jams with the help of her defense.

“I had to make sure I was throwing my spots. If I didn’t I knew I had a great defense behind me,” Beireis said.

Schaffer said he was proud of his pitcher to get out of those jams. It’s something she has done all season.

The Railroaders scored an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Senior Lex Barhorst hit an RBI single to dead center, extending Bradford’s lead, 3-1.

Beireis finished the job with a strikeout to end Russia’s season. She finished the game with two strikeouts and allowed six hits.

The Railroaders will now prepare for the state semifinals. They will play in the first game of the state semifinals on June 3. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. at Firestone Stadium.

Contact Daily Advocate Sports Editor Drew Terhall at [email protected].