Bringman helps Woodmore earn league victory over Lake

MILLBURY – Baseball doesn't care what a player deserves.

Connor Bringman, however, helped make sure Tristan Roth earned a victory on the mound Monday as Woodmore defeated Lake 2-1 in the Northern Buckeye Conference.

Roth struck out seven and walked none while allowing two hits in seven innings.

"It changed as the game went on," Roth said of his plan of attack. "At the beginning of the game, it was my curve. I get loose as the game goes on. I established the curve early and then started going to my fastball and change-up more."

The Flyers' only run came as Chris Serra reached on a strikeout to lead off the bottom of the third. Pinch-runner George West was sacrificed to second, went to third on a passed ball and scored on a wild pitch.

"Outstanding," Wildcats coach Jake Huss said of Roth. "He got ahead and commanded all his pitches. He threw his curve ball for strikes and located his fastball. Seventy-five pitches in seven innings says it all."

Roth doubled and went to third on a throw to lead off the top of the seventh.

"I really only had one thought — see a strike and hit it," Roth said. "I try not to make it too complicated. React and hit."

Bringman followed with a single to drive in the go-ahead run.

"Tristan made it easy," Bringman said. "He got to third to start the inning. The game plan is to put it in play. I got a pitch I liked and put a good swing on it."

Dillon Williams was safe at third on Ross Wolford's fielder's choice bunt after Williams doubled to lead off the sixth. Wolford advanced to third as Woodmore's lead runner was picked off and scored on an error with two outs.

Roth tries to focus on his job, rather than the score.

"I don't get too high or too low," he said. "We were swinging the bats. I knew things would start dropping and we'd start scoring. You stay calm and do what you've done. Guys can make it stressful.

"Take a deep breath and relax. You've done it a million times — pound the zone."

Jordan Bekier also deserved a little run support as he struck out eight and walked none while allowing four hits in seven innings. Mason Beachler singled in the first but Bekier retired 14 of the first 15 batters he faced and pitched to the minimum through five.

"He threw strikes and got ahead early," Bringman said. "He had good offspeed he worked in well and when he got ahead he had a lot he could throw at us."

Woodmore (10-4) has won three of four games in conference play.

"Our kids battled," Huss said. "We faced a nice pitcher who kept us off balance. We didn't get down. We keep preaching one game at a time. One pitch at a time.

"Don't get ahead of ourselves and play our game."

mhorn@gannett.com

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Twitter: @MatthewHornNH