BOMBS AWAY
Local team wins runner-up title
Special to the Banner

The Bullard Bombers, along with their coaches, celebrate their runner-up status at the recent state championship game. Photo courtesy of Jim Hill

The Bullard Bombers made two improbable runs through the loser's brackets during the playoffs to make it to the State Championship game.

After winning nine elimination games, they finished as the 2007 Jr. Midget State Runners-Up.

"We take great pride in the fact that we are still the only boys' team in Bullard baseball to take a newly drafted team to the State Championship and we have done it twice now," said head coach Jim Hill.

The Bombers went to state two years ago, as well.

Their journey began in the district playoffs after winning the central division of the TTAB Smith County Association League with a 13-2 record.

The playoff draw was unkind to the Bombers.

After winning the opening game 2-1 over the Lindale Marlins at the district playoffs the Bombers had to turn right around and play the Lindale Aggies.

Unfortunately, the Bombers made one too many mistakes against a great team and lost a close game 7-5. The Bombers were now faced with the daunting task of having to win three consecutive games in the loser's bracket to advance to the State Tournament.

The first of those games came against a hometown rival, the Bullard Raiders.

The Bombers turned in solid pitching and hitting performances to win 13-2 and advance to the next round.

Next up was the Troup Rattlers, the only undefeated team during regular season league play. The Bombers were looking to avenge an earlier season 5-3 loss to the Rattlers.

The Bombers turned in a great pitching performance and shut out the Rattlers 8-0.

Ryan Walls pitched a great game only allowing one hit and striking out 13.

Now one game away from a berth to state, and the Bombers had to face another hometown rival and fellow division champion, the Bullard Texans.

The Bombers lived up to their name as the bats came alive.

They scored early and often.

"I think they threw in every pitcher they had but it was just our night at the plate," Hill said.

The game was called early as the Bombers won 26-6. The Bombers had earned a berth to State but still had to play the District Championship game.

The Lindale Aggies were once again waiting to play the Bombers.

The Bombers bats stayed alive as they won the game 17- 2. Jared Fagan pitched a great game for the Bombers. Both teams now had one loss, requiring an "if" game. The Bombers top pitchers were out of innings and the Aggies pitched their ace.

Despite the circumstances, it was a hard fought game with the Lindale Aggies finally winning 5-3.

The State tournament in Athens would provide even more drama as the Bombers faced another tough draw.

"We came out a little flat and lost to a very good Athens Cardinals' team 6-2." Hill said. "I told our kids to battle back through one game at a time."