Dateline: May 27, 2004

Broncs beat Nazareth to advance to semi-finals 

By Sandy Anderberg, Clarendon Enterprise

When baseball made its debut at Clarendon High School four short years ago, few knew what direction the new sport would take.  Some are still wondering.  But the players and fans of Bronco baseball were confident in the days leading up to the semi-finals. 

Continuing their successful year, the Broncos defeated Nazareth in two straight games last week. 

The first game ended 17-10 after the Broncos kept the Swifts from regaining any momentum in the final innings.  The Broncos began the game slowly as they allowed the Swifts the early lead, but a big third inning gave the Broncos a slight edge. 

The fourth inning was crucial for the Broncos as they slammed in five runs and held Nazareth scoreless.  The Swifts scored two more runs in the sixth inning, but the Broncos already had the game well under control.

“We started off slow again,” coach Brad Elam said.  “We gave up seven runs, and five of our six errors were in the first two innings. Defensively, we settled down after that and made some plays.”

Elam was pleased with the pitching effort of Quentin West and noted that the defensive play of senior Jeremy Howard was crucial in the fourth inning. 

“We put a lot of pressure on Nazareth, and they had a hard time making plays, and we took advantage of it,” Elam said. 

“We took the lead in the third inning and never looked back.  We need to find a way to start better, but we never get down when the other team has a lead.  This team keeps fighting back.”

The second game in the series went the Broncos’ way as well, but not without on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense.  It wasn’t until the sixth inning was over that the Broncos took the lead for the first time in the game. 

An enormous fifth inning for the Swifts appeared to be the end of the Broncos’ attempt to win.  But just as they have all season, the Broncos wouldn’t be denied and fought their way back to get the win and the trophy. 

“This was another close game for the Broncos,” Elam said.  “As usual we got off to a slow start and had to fight our way back.”

Again it was West on the mound, and he threw good strikes at crucial times in the ball game.  Several players made critical plays when the Broncos needed them most. 

Elam knows his team has the ability to defeat opponents but feels they are not working alone. 

“I do not think it is a coincidence that we have been able to pull wins out,” Elam said.  “We are getting some divine help.”

The Broncos faced Hamlin Tuesday night in Vernon. Complete results of that game will be printed next week.