Pirates Ends Brahmas' Great Season

The Hallettsville Brahmas' incredible run through the playoffs ended with a 5-2 loss to No. 1 ranked and defending state champion Corpus Christi London Thursday in 3A regional semifinal game at Joe Gully Park Thursday.

The first inning may have been a key to the game. The Brahmas had runners on first and third with no outs after Brock Bludau ground a single through the left side of the infield to lead off the frame. Bludau advanced to second on a wild pitch and moves to third on Brandt Trilicek's bunt single. However, things went bad on a double steal attempt. Trilicek was thrown out at second and courtesy runner Dawson Smith at home plate to end the threat.

Brock Bludau (5-2) took the loss and worked five plus innings. The sophomore right-hander surrendered 6 hits, 3 runs ealked 3 and struck out 4.

Jorian Wilson gave up 2 runs, 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 1,

Coming in, the Brahmas (23-12) knew they had to play errorless ball. They accomplished that, but could not solve the Pirates' pitching. 

Blayne Lyne, (10-0) started for the Pirates and also worked  five-plus innings. He ceded two unearned runs, 4 hits, walked 2 and recorded 5 strikeouts.

Lyne was relieved by Blake Watters who gave up 2 hits, and struck out 3.

The Pirates jumped on Bludau for 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Mason Jacob drove in the both runs with a double to the deepest part of centerfield.

The Pirates made it 3-0 in the third inning on a two-out single by Christian Olivarez.

Hallettsville's runs came in the sixth inning with the help of two Pirate errors. Wildon led off with a single prior to Monte Thigpen reaching on an error. Following an infield hit by Josh Griffin. Thigpen scored on an error.

Wilson hit a two-out double to deep right field with two outs in the seventh inning before a strikeout ended the game.

Wilson and Bludau both went 2-for-4.

London (30-3-1) will meet district rival Santa Gertrudis in the state quarterfinals.