Bloomingdale Overcomes Early Deficit to Defeat Defending State Champs, Plant City

Valrico, FL - This game got started quickly, as the top of the first saw Plant City plate the game's first run, thanks to 2 early errors by the Bulls. The Raiders would go on to add to that lead in the top of the 3rd, after a Cole Cothren (2020 grad) sac-fly allowed for Tre Ragan (2020 grad) to tag and score after reaching on Bloomingdale’s third error of the game. Plant City seemed to be in control with a 3-0 lead, thanks in part to starting pitcher Tyler Dowdy (2020, West Florida commit) who fanned 5 of the first 9 he saw.

Tyler Dowdy (UWF commit) and Brock Wilken (Wake Forest commit) have awesome back and forth in Bottom 1 - resulting in Dowdy getting the better of Wilken for his 1st AB of the night. @plantcityhighBB pic.twitter.com/LVbbj4cI7G

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) February 21, 2020

However, after strikeouts number 4 and 5 to begin the bottom of the 3rd, Dowdy ran into trouble. A single by Drake Harman (2022), followed by two consecutive walks allowed for Clemson commit Colby Shelton (2022) to deliver for his team in a big way. Shelton roped a low line drive into left field that fell just short of a diving Brayden Crews, allowing the baseball to roll to the fence and Shelton to pull into third base with a 3 RBI triple. Shelton would then score on a Plant City error to push the Bulls newly found lead to 4-2.

A two out single, followed by back-to-back walks gives Colby Shelton a chance to tie the game.

Instead he gives the Bulls their first lead with a low line drive to LF, clearing the bases. @Bdalebullsbase1 lead 3-2.
B3, 2 out. Shelton on third. pic.twitter.com/UBPlb7ogbi

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) February 21, 2020

From there, the Bulls never looked back. They added two more runs in the following inning after Wake Forest commit Brock Wilken was intentionally walked to load the bases. This brought Dominic Gonnella (2020) to this plate, who tried to push a ball into right field past a diving Colin Shultz (2022), but Shultz was able to get a glove on it; however, Gonnella showcased exceptional speed as he beat out the play at first. The bang-bang play gave Coach Kris Wilken the opportunity to wave his runner from second home and increase their lead.

Plant City would attempt a response, after Chris Rodriguez’s (2020) lead-off double was followed by another defensive miscue for the Bulls, allowing Rodriguez to score.

The game would maintain the 6-3 score in favor of Bloomingdale, as they sealed their victory with two strikeouts and a fly out from their closer, Brock Wilken.

FINAL: After 2 K’s, Brock Wilken gets Cole Cothren to fly out to deep CF and secure the win. @Bdalebullsbase1 6-3 over @plantcityhighBB in tonight’s matchup. pic.twitter.com/H0LxM7cMXu

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) February 21, 2020

Keynote performances:

Demario Williams, Plant City, 2021: Williams led off for Plant City and was on base 3 of his 4 at bats. Williams speed is a huge part of his game - which he showcased both on the base paths, taking extra bases, and in the outfield, running down baseballs.