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Starting Bridgeport pitcher Collin Benson threw hard for five innings, giving up four runs on six hits, which Hurricane coach Trevor Miller and the Redskins were prepared for, he said.

�����Ƶ�We have a coach that throws about 60-65 mph because we knew Bridgeport was going to throw heat," Miller said. "Bridgeport breeds good pitchers and is known for producing these hard-throwing pitchers. Our players pounded the ball in today�����Ƶ�s batting practice better than they have all year. So, we knew we were going to come out hitting. We just did not get the hits when we needed them.�����Ƶ�

Hurricane�����Ƶ�s Avery Mason started the game off with a single and Nate Smith got on base with a fielder�����Ƶ�s choice, but Mason was tagged out by the Bridgeport second baseman. Jack Lutsy then hit a single with a line drive over the shortstop, advancing Smith to third.

After Lutsy stole second base, cleanup hitter Cale Gohlmann faced a full count and smacked a line drive over the second baseman�����Ƶ�s head for a two-run single.

Bridgeport answered with one run in the bottom of the first after Cam Nicewarner and Parker Tuttle walked, bringing Benson up to bat. He scored Nicewarner with a line drive to left-center, narrowing the Redskin lead to 2-1.

Haven Guess got on base to start the second inning after being hit by a pitch. He then stole second and third and scored on a passed ball, extending Hurricane's lead to 3-1.

The Redskins scored another run in the top of the third inning after Nate Smith got on base with a single and advanced to second on a fielder�����Ƶ�s choice. Gohlmann drove in his third RBI of the game as he hit the ball down the right-field line, scoring Smith for a 4-1 lead.

Bridgeport loaded the bases with no outs  in the bottom of the third and Benson helped his cause again with a sacrifice. After Brock Thompson walked to load the bases again, Parker Johnson walked, scoring Riley Haddix and making the score 4-3.

Bridgeport held the Redskins scoreless in the top of the fourth, then exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth.

Ty Koon hit a dying quail to center field for a single. Reed Hurst singled up the middle, and Koon scored on an error to tie the game 4-4.

Haddix then hit an RBI single to give Bridgeport the lead. Nicewarner then smacked an RBI double to left-center. Tuttle drove in two more runs on a single to left field for an 8-4 advantage.

After both teams exchanged runs, Benson was replaced by Haddix to start the top of the sixth inning and he retired the side, giving Bridgeport the state championship and making a special moment for himself and Bridgeport coach Heath Haddix, who is his dad.

�����Ƶ�It is a special memory for sure," Heath Haddix said. �����Ƶ�We were fortunate to time our pitchers out, so we had our aces pitching yesterday and today. Collin threw a gem, throwing 85 pitches. We have been down three of the five games, so we are used to getting down early and battling back. We put the bat on the ball, did not have many errors and did not walk kids, which made it a heck of game.�����Ƶ�

In spite of the loss, Miller was extremely proud of his team and is very excited to see them continue their careers for Hurricane schools.

�����Ƶ�The boys every day in practice rose to the challenge," he said. "Hurricane is known for mental toughness, and Hurricane is known for producing players who know how to win championships, and this year is no different. After seeing this season, there is no doubt there will be several championships in their middle school seasons and in high school. They gave 100% effort and they had a great attitude.�����Ƶ�