By Shane Ball
A week of stormy weather postponed three of the four games scheduled for the Alvirne Varsity Broncos Baseball team, but the Broncos made the most of the limited opportunities they had this week, securing their first win of the season against the Keene Blackbirds, who were previously 5-5 on the season.
Alvirne has been waiting patiently for their hits to translate to more runs. Things finally clicked for them in the bottom of the second inning when the Broncos took a 3-0 lead over the Blackbirds, kickstarted by a single from Broncos catcher Memphis Beach.
The Broncos held on to a 7-1 lead heading into the final inning of regulation. Some mental lapses by the Broncos, and a home run by Keene’s center fielder F. Hennessy gave the Blackbirds some life in the final inning, but they would ultimately fall short of a comeback to the Broncos in a 5-7 loss.
Alex Small took care of business on Thursday. He was at the mound for all seven innings for Alvirne, giving up five runs on four hits. Small didn’t give up a walk this game, and was pitching a no-hitter heading into the fifth inning.
Bergquist’s four strike outs through five innings was not enough to contain the Broncos. Keene pitchers Bergquist and Tinnin gave up eight total hits to Alvirne, allowing at least one hit to seven different Broncos players.
Broncos center fielder Charlie Crawford led the team with two hits. It took a strong effort on both sides of the ball, but the Broncos managed to put on a solid performance to secure their first win.
The Broncos take on Merrimack High School on Monday, who currently sit at 2-7. The Broncos will look to pick up back to back wins.