Despite seventh-inning surge, Braden River falls to Niceville in Final Four
After winning four games last season, Braden River’s turnaround season ended against Niceville on Friday, May 22, in the Class 5A Final Four.
Head coach Kieth Jans recognizes all his team needs is one inning. Braden River scores in bunches, and one hit often rewires the Pirates. So, after junior outfielder Sarai Castro scored in the top of the seventh, Jans knew his team had a chance despite being down two runs since the second frame.
But the seventh-inning surge couldn't overcome an early deficit and Niceville’s bullpen. No. 4 Braden River fell to No.
1 Niceville 2-1 in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinal on Friday, May 22. The Pirates only recorded three hits against Niceville pitcher Chloe Bailey, with the last two coming in the final frame. Bailey struck out 10 batters.
Bailey worked to get ahead in the count, which Jans said put his hitters on edge. “I’m very proud of the girls,” Jans said. “I’m very proud of this team.