Bellefonte 10Us tough out strong win over scrappy Big Valley squad

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: June 28, 2023

By Kenny Varner

BELLEVILLE – Just less than a day after topping State College in a 13-10 two-day contest, the Bellefonte 10U All-Stars were back on the field and as they took to the road at Big Valley.

Big Valley, who came off a win against Bald Eagle Area on Monday.

Both were looking to add another win in All-Star competition.

After trailing 1-0, the Bellefonte offense rallied back to take the Wednesday contest 8-1.

Taking to the mound for Big Valley was hurler Carter Long while Bellefonte retaliated with pitcher Brycen Mingle.

Despite having the home field advantage, Bellefonte won the toss making Big Valley the visitors.

Leadoff hitter, Koby Scheffel reached on a Bellefonte miscue. He moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt by Carter Long and then stole third. Scheffel completed his way around the bases scoring on a wild pitch.

With two outs, Micah Mathews hustled out an infield hit.

But the drive would end there, leading 1-0.

In the bottom of the inning, Mingle walked with one out.

He stole second, putting him into scoring position.

Teammate Frank Albright walked. Both moved up a base on a double steal.

With two outs, Brandon McClelland walked to load the bases.

Jack Heron was patient at the plate walking to bring in Mingle, tying the contest at one.

But Long struck out the following batter, keeping the score tied going into the second.

Bellefonte’s defense held tough in the second.

Offensively, Bellefonte started things off quickly as Owen Fletamaker and Elliot Bressler both walked.

David Anderson loaded the bases as he was hit by a pitch.

But reliever Brooks Drukenmiller came in and struck out two and then the defense held, going into the third still tied at one.

Mingle and company sent Big Valley down with two quick outs.

Chase Yoder kept the inning alive as he walked. But the Bellefonte defense forced a third out, stranding Yoder.

Mingle tried to help his own cause again in the third, walking to lead off the third for Bellefonte.

Albright picked up the first Bellefonte hit, sending a shit into left, putting runners on first and second, with no outs.

Both scored as Cody Bodle sent a shot into centerfield ending in an 2-RBI triple.

McClelland sent Bodle home on a soft grounder to right, upping the lead to 4-1.

Bellefonte loaded the bases later in the inning, but Bressler added a run to its tally ground into an RBI fielders choice, making it a 5-1 contest.

Drukenmiller struck out his third strike out of the day and keeping his team within striking distance.

Big Valley got consecutive two out hits by Mathews and Andrew Toddes to give Big Valley some momentum in the fourth. But much like the previous three innings, the Bellefonte defense shut down the potential rally.

Bellefonte added three more runs in the bottom of the inning and was able to take home the victory.