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Powerbuilt grabs state tourney berth
Bellefontaine drops Springfield in district championship game

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Zach Mosbarger scattered five hits in seven innings to get the win on the mound for Bellefontaine on Monday.

EXAMINER PHOTOS | MATT HAMMOND

By Matt Hammond
Examiner Sports Editor
07/15/08

After failing to make the Acme state tournament last summer, Bellefontaine Powerbuilt has been on a mission to get back to state this summer.

Powerbuilt accomplished that goal Monday, defeating Springfield 7-4 in the district championship game at Blue Jacket Park.

Bellefontaine opens state tourney action at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Coldwater. The opponent will be either Perrysburg or Tiffin Columbian.

“It is a nice achievement for the kids to win the district title and advance to the state tournament,” said Bellefontaine head coach Jeremy Burrey. “They have worked hard all summer to get to this level.”

Bellefontaine’s Josh Kauffman slides past the Springfield third baseman during the first inning of Monday’s Acme district championship game at Blue Jacket Park.

Bellefontaine breezed through sectional play and picked up a pair of comfortable wins to begin district play. However, Springfield provided a strong challenge Monday.

Springfield used a pair of hits to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Bellefontaine grabbed the momentum right back in the bottom of the first. Josh Kauffman led off the inning with a walk and eventually scored on a double steal. T.J. Garman also had an RBI single in the inning as Powerbuilt went ahead 2-1.

An RBI single from Jace Mills in the bottom of the third frame pushed Bellefontaine’s lead to 3-1.

Powerbuilt then took a commanding 7-1 advantage with a four-run fourth inning. Mills had a two-run single and Adam Skelly came through with a two-run triple. Both of those hits came with two outs.

Just when it appeared Bellefontaine was on the verge of a rout, Springfield came battling back. B.J. Bush belted a three-run home run in the fifth to make the score 7-4.

Bellefontaine pitcher Zach Mosbarger refused to let Springfield get any closer. Mosbarger scattered five hits and struck out five to get the win.

“Zach did a nice job on the mound,” said Burrey. “They were really aggressive with the bats and he was able to keep them off balance and hit his spots.”

Garman finished 3-3 with a double to lead the Powerbuilt offensive attack. Mills was 2-4 to aid the effort.

Bellefontaine takes a 29-5 record into the state tournament.