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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Bruin Wright sets the tone for the Steers on the mound Thursday, April 17 against the Stephenville Yellow Jackets. Wright didn’t surrender a single run against Stephenville in the contest. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Colter Johnson warms up at first base for the Steers in their matchup Thursday, April 17 against the Stephenville Yellow Jackets. Johnson proved to be a big impact in this game. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Harison Brockway attempts a pickoff at second base for the Steers in their matchup Thursday, April 17 against the Stephenville Yellow Jackets. Brockway has been the everyday starter at shortstop for the Steers.
The Steers showed grit and toughness in their matchup Thursday against the Stephenville Yellow Jackets.
The team picked up a huge 2-0 victory in the biggest stretch of their season.
Right from the jump, the Steers showed a different level of focus set by pitcher Bruin Wright. The senior was the anchor the team leaned on during this performance as he didn’t allow a single run.
After surrendering a leadoff double to left field in the top of the first, the infield defense picked him up with key plays to end the frame. After the top of the first Wright settled in forcing soft contact and picking up key strikeouts.
The true standout moment for Wright came in the top of the third. He was in a high pressure situation with the bases loaded on a two out walk. When Wright was on the hot seat, he was as cool as a cucumber, throwing a perfect sweeper to strike out the Stephenville batter and get his team out of the jam.
“Bruin just came out and shoved right off the bat,” Head coach Allen McGee said.
The Steers broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth. Mike Garcia took charge by hitting a single and stealing second base. Tanner Hurford brought Garcia one step closer by lining a single into left field.
Garcia then flashed his baserunning skills again stealing home on a wild pitch to give Graham the lead 1-0.
The team padded their lead further in the bottom of the fifth inning. Colter Johnson reached base safely after being hit by a pitch.
After being bunted over to second base, Ryder Taylor finished the job by driving Johnson in on a base hit to center field.
The insurance run would give the Steers a 2-0 lead over the Yellow Jackets.
“We’ve got some momentum now, nothing is clinched yet, we still probably have to win our way in. So we’ll definitely have some motivation to get to the playoffs,” McGee said.”
The Steers will fight for their playoff lives this week against Glen Rose.
After taking them on in the series opener Tuesday, they’ll pick things up for their final game of the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25.
