APRIL 26, 2011 - BRADFORD
The Covington Buccaneers received a solid pitching performance from Steven Blei, an error-free defensive effort and two big home runs to spark a 6-2 victory over rival Bradford on Tuesday.

"We got good pitching and played good defense tonight," said Covington coach Mitch Hirsch. "Steven threw well after the first inning and we gave him the help he needed behind him."

Blei went the distance to pick up the win. He struck out nine and walked just two batters.

Aaron Yohey picked up the loss in a solid effort on the mound for the Railroaders. He also went all seven innings.

"It was a quick game," Hirsch said. "Both pitchers threw well and when we were up to bat we were swinging. There wasn't too many at bats that went deep into the count."

Covington opened with a run in the top of the first, but the host Railroaders took the momentum back in the bottom half of the inning with two runs on RBI singles by Brandon Wysong and Aaron Yohey.

The Buccaneers responded in the top of the second as Ryan Craft reached base on a single and freshman Justin Williams followed with a two-run home run over the left field fence.

"What a start to hit one out on your first varsity pitch," chucked Hirsch of William's home run. "We moved him up tonight (from junior varsity ball) and he took the first pitch thrown to him and lined it over the left field fence."

It got Covington rolling as it scored another run in the third inning on an RBI triple by Ben Wilson to make the score 4-2.

The Buccs kept the pressure on with a run in the top of the fourth and then capped the scoring with a solo home run by Kellen Woloch in the top of the sixth.

In all, Covington racked up nine hits in the contest.

"We had the big hits by Justin, Ben and Kellen, but we're still not being patient enough at the plate," Hirsch explained. "We're swinging at too many pitches out of the strike zone. We need to do a better job of working the count."

The victory improves Covington's record to 4-9 overall and 4-2 in the CCC. The Buccs host Twin Valley South tomorrow in a make-up game.

SCORING BY INNINGS:
Covington ...........1..2..1..1..1..1..0..0 - 6 - 9 - 0
Bradford ..............2..0..0..0..0..0..0..0 - 2 - 5 - 0