Bakersfield Lions jumpstart spring season with 4 wins
Photo courtesy Bakersfield School Lions take first at Flippin tournament The Bakersfield Lions took first place at the Flippin (Arkansas) Wood Bat Tournament last week. Pictured (front row) from left, are Davin O’dell, Rhustyn Lovins, Eli Cotter, Tucker Keith, Alex Helms, Ty Cotter, Jake Summers; (back row) Ethan Cotter, Austin Durham, Cooper Massey, Bo Bean, Bodie Hardin, AJ Hensley, Emmett Farel, Johnny Everett and Tyson Bales.
The Bakersfield Lions baseball team, coached by Brandon Cotter, have four games under their belts and hold a spotless 4-0 record for the season so far.
The team routed Eminence 13-2 in the season opening road game on Tuesday, March 19, before heading to the Flippin Wood Bat Tournament where they beat Arkansas teams Viola, Flippin and Cotter to bring home the championship.
The Lions beat Viola 1-0 in the first round of the tournament on Thursday, March 21. “It was a pitching dual against two very good pitchers,” said BHS Coach Brandon Cotter. “Ethan Cotter got the win, going the distance and striking out 12 batters.” Ethan Cotter, Ty Cotter, Bodie Hardin, Bo Bean and Jake Summers had one hit each.
That evening, Bakersfield pulled out an extra inning 7-6 win over a tough Flippin team. Bo Bean was the winning pitcher. Ty Cotter, Bodie Hardin and AJ Hensley had two hits each. Ethan Cotter, Bo Bean and Eli Cotter each had one hit.
Bakersfield returned to Flippin on Friday where they dominated Cotter 12-0 to bring home the first-place tournament trophy. AJ Hensley was the inning pitcher, striking out eight batters. Henley also led the team with two hits.
The Lions have a string of home games ahead of them. The team hosted Thayer on Tuesday, March 26, and will host Koshkonong and Viola in doubleheader on Thursday, March 28, with games beginning at 3 p.m. On April 1, the Lions will host Gainesville.