By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Bishop Brossart advanced to the sectional round of the All “A” Classic baseball playoffs behind an impressive hitting performance that carried the Mustangs to the 10th Region championship on Saturday.
After knocking off Robertson County, 14-1, in a regional semifinal game, Brossart continued to produce at the plate in a 14-3 win over Bracken County in the championship final. In the two games, the Mustangs had a total of 30 hits, including four doubles and three homes runs.
Brossart players pose for a team photo after winning the 10th Region All “A” Classic.
Jacob Steffen went 6-for-10 with two doubles and four RBI in his team’s two victories. Nate Bezold hit a home run in each game and Brett Kremer blasted a grand slam home run in the fourth inning of championship final.
Brossart (11-5) will take a five-game winning streak into an All “A” Classic sectional playoff game against 9th Region champ Beechwood (16-0) at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Beechwood.
The winner of that game will advance to the eight-team state tournament April 27-28 at Chautauqua Park in Owensboro. Beechwood is the defending state champion. The Tigers also won the small-school state tournament in 2016, 2014 and 2006.
Walton-Verona won the 8th Region All “A” Classic baseball title with a 7-0 win over Williamstown in the title game. The Bearcats (10-3) will play 7th Region champion Kentucky Country Day (9-1) in the sectional playoffs at 5 p.m. Friday in Louisville with the winner getting a state tournament berth.
Travis Smith was Walton-Verona’s winning pitcher in the regional final. He went six innings, allowing one hit and posting 14 strikeouts. The sophomore also had two hits and two RBI for the Bearcats.
The All “A” Classic state softball tournament will be held April 27-28 at Jack Fisher Park in Owensboro. Holy Cross won the 9th Region championship to earn a berth in the 16-team field. After pool play is completed on April 27, eight teams will compete in a single elimination bracket on April 28.
Holy Cross has a 9-6 record that includes an 11-1 win over Beechwood in the 9th Region final. The Indians will be making their first appearance in the small-school state tournament.
