3 minute read
Better lucky than good
Bushart’s squad limps into post-season
Kevin Reynolds / Roundup
The Pierce College baseball team’s playoff hopes have suffered severely after a heartbreaking defeat to Citrus College on Thursday, April 28.
The Brahmas who were in first place gong into the game with Citrus College will now have to go head to head with Citrus once again in a onegame playoff May 3 after losing 12 – 2 in the regular season’s last game.
Brahma pitcher Josh Derry, who has had a good year according to Head Coach John Bushart, was struggling on the mound but managed to hold Citrus scoreless until the 6th inning.
“Derry’s been great all year, but he’s tired,” said Bushart. “When you pitch as many innings as he has, it’s going to catch up to you.”
Citrus College pitcher Mikey Ramirez was on fire, pitching a shutout until the 8th inning and giving up only 2-runs for the game.
“I think I just had them off balance,” said Ramirez. “We just came together as a team.”
The playoff picture is still undetermined, accord ing to Bushart.
“We’re not out, but it’s up to a committee,” said Bushart immediately after the game. “Everything has to settle first. We need to see what the other teams did in conference; there are a lot of teams at the top.”
After the win, Citrus College left the field confident, practically a sure bet to go to the playoffs but remain unsure of what place they will finish in conference, according to Citrus College Head Coach Steve Gomez.
“The first round of the playoffs will be known on Friday,” said Gomez. “Depending on where we get in, the first playing day should be Tuesday.”
The Citrus ball club was right to feel good about what they had accomplished over the last week of the season. They came out of nowhere to make it to post-season play and now fate has them paired with the Brahmas.
“I don’t even want to talk about next season yet,” said Bushart. “This isn’t over yet, and I just want to stay focused on this season right now."
The Brahmas' hopes have been given life with the May 3 playoff at Citrus College at 2 p.m., but they will have to pull it together if they want a shot at the title.
