notre dame 2, Bridgeport 1 (11 innings)

Often a big game between two quality opponents does not live up to its billing. Such was not the case on May 7 as Notre Dame and Bridgeport battled, clawed and waited for light to decide a winner in eleven innings. Ultimately the Irish were able to plate a two-out run in the bottom of the 11th to earn a hard fought 2-1 victory.

Both teams entered the late season contest ranked in the Prep Baseball Elite Eight team rankings. Notre Dame (20-6) came in as the No. 2 team in Class A while Bridgeport (24-4) arrived with the No. 2 ranking in Class 2A. An opportunity to gear up for the following week's section tournament and local bragging rights made this contest one of the more anticipated games on the statewide schedule during the final week of the regular season and it certainly didn't disappoint.

Notre Dame struck for a run in the bottom of the first when Chris Petrucci singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by DJ Murphy. Hunter Mann made a spectacular diving catch on Murphy's line drive to left field or the sacrifice fly would have been at the very least a run scoring double.

The Indians scored their lone run in the top of the 3rd inning when Hunter Mann singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Tyler Skidmore.

Jordan Miller (6.2 IP/1R/7H/5K) and Logan Smith (7IP/1R/4H/3K) put up goose eggs from the 3rd inning on. T.J. McKinsey worked 2.1 innings in relief and gave way to Petrucci who logged the final two innings for the win.

The game began 30 minutes late due to Bridgeport being a bit tardy arriving after beating Lincoln 16-2 in a makeup game to start their evening. The game was also delayed for 25 minutes following the 9th inning when the lights in the stadium went dark as Notre Dame began to take the field.

The deciding 11th inning began with a one out double by Josh Baker (right). Following a Spencer Harlow infield single McKinsey lined out to right field on what appeared to be a game winning hit off the bat. An infield error loaded the bases and a wild pitch allowed Baker to scamper home with the winning run and a mobbing from teammates at home plate.

+ See the West Virginia Scout Blog for measureables and scouting notes on Miller, Baker, Spencer Harlow, Mann, Smith and Dante Bonamico.

Top Stories of 2014: #5 - Bridgeport and Notre Dame Battle Late Into the Night

notre dame 2, Bridgeport 1 (11 innings)