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TCL Brazos Valley Bombers

Bombers Clinch Playoff Spot on Final Firework Friday

July 30, 2021 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
Brazos Valley Bombers News Release


BRYAN, Texas - The Brazos Valley Bombers headed into Friday night's matchup with the Victoria Generals in a tight playoff race as they cling to a half game lead of second place in the TCL standings, needing just one win to clinch a playoff spot for a 15th consecutive season. The Bombers will host game 1 of the divisional series on Tuesday night at 7:05pm.

Edible Field felt like Blue Bell Park on Friday night as fans packed the stadium dressed in maroon, filling the grandstands and party decks to enjoy the final Firework Friday of the season. The organization held its annual Aggie Appreciation Night as Bombers players wore specialty maroon jerseys.

Third baseman Troy Viola got Bombers fans out of their seats early as he ripped a bases loaded double down the line, scoring Grayson Tatrow and Dylan Rock. Catcher Ryan Snell kept the two out rally going as he lifted a two-run single to center field scoring Zane Schmidt and Troy Viola, giving the Bombers a quick 4-1 lead after the first.

Despite an explosive start, the Bombers bats cooled down and couldn't bring any runs across for the rest of the game. The Bombers had opportunities with runners in scoring position but never could bring the runs across.

"We need to be able to hit. Point blank. We left a small army on the basepath tonight and we need to be able to drive those guys in. In the playoffs you may not get many opportunities with runners in scoring position so you need to be able to capitalize," said head coach James Dillard.

After a shaky start, the pitching of the Bombers kept them in the contest. The bullpen threw a collective six straight scoreless innings. Pitchers Jack Brinley, Carter Poulson, Jake Strimiska, and John Cheatwood all combined for six scoreless innings, striking out six batters, allowing zero runs and only two walks.

"Our pitchers did their thing tonight. Jack knocked some rust off and looked good, Carter was able to make his Bombers debut and Jake and John kept us in the game and set us up in a good position we just couldn't capitalize," said Dillard.

Even though the bats didn't light up the field, Bombers fans kept Edible Field alive as they enjoyed the final firework show of the season in the sixth inning as "oohs" and "ahhs" rang throughout the ballpark.

Ultimately, a five run third inning from Victoria gave them the lead as they walked away with a 5-4 win. Not all was lost for the Bombers, however, as a win by San Antonio over Amarillo officially clinched the Bombers a spot in the 2021 TCL playoffs keeping the playoff streak alive.

The Bombers will wrap up the regular season at Edible Field this weekend with a two game series against the Baton Rouge Rougarou on Saturday and Sunday at 7:05 p.m. as they look to clinch a top three seed in the TCL playoffs

For playoff tickets and updates on the Bombers 2021 season, fans are encouraged to call (979) 779-PLAY or visit https://bvbombers.com/ To follow all upcoming news and developments for the Brazos Valley Bombers, follow the team on facebook.com/bvbombers, Twitter: @bv_bombers and Instagram: @bvbombers.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 30, 2021


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