By Teresa Flores
Managing Editor
A grand slam by Cory Duran and a pitching performance that included a complete game shutout by Pittsburg-native Brandon Colbert helped keep the Eagles’ playoff hopes alive. After losing to Blinn College (5-3) on Saturday night, the Eagles faced Galveston in their third playoff game in search of a much-needed victory.
With dominating pitching on the mound for both teams, the first six innings went scoreless as the Eagles and Whitecaps struggled to put runs on the board. The Eagles bats came to life with a double by Carlos Roman. After advancing to third on a balk by Galveston’s pitcher, Dayne Sommer’s single to center field brought Roman home. Players Sommer and Austin Griffin advanced to second and third, and a walk by Garrett Douglas loaded up all three bases. Standing at the plate with a full count, Duran’s grand slam strengthened the Eagles lead 5-0.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Galveston Whitecaps weren’t able get a run on the board with Colbert on the mound.
At the top of the eighth, Eagles Tristan Graham scored the final run of the game after a throwing error by the Whitecaps’ shortstop.
Colbert’s complete game shutout, solid hitting, and a strong defense secured the Eagles win. In hopes to “#BringItBack,” the Northeast Eagles will face San Jacinto today at 8:00 P.M. in the Region XIV Tournament as they look to reclaim the National Championship title once more.