Marietta, GA — The Buster\’s Brewers didn\’t exactly get the start they wanted in their first game at the nationals, but they they did end up with the desired result — a win.
The Wabash (IN) Elks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning after ripping Buster\’s starter Jerk Watson for 2 homeruns. Sterling defensive plays by outfielders Kevin Billotte and Brian Barr, robbing Wabash of 2 more homeruns in the first, kept the Brewers from being blown out early.
Momentum started to shift Buster\’s way in the home half of the first, as Billotte laced a triple to cut the Wabash lead to 3-2. Billotte tied the score when he advanced on a fielder\’s choice.
Down 4-3 heading into the bottom of the 4th inning, Buster\’s had the big inning they needed. Gutty Wallace and Andy Squires opened the inning with walks. Travis Henry and Brent Thomas followed with bunt basehits to score 1 run and load the bases. Brian Barr had a single to score 2 runs and give Buster\’s their first lead of the game. Barr later scored on a \”punch and Judy\” by Todd Schickling.
Up 7-3, Jerk Watson found his groove over the last 3 innings and held Wabash scoreless to advance Buster\’s in the winner\’s bracket of the 42 team tourney.
Buster\’s will continue their quest for a national title on Friday at 11:00 AM against either Fat City, NV or the Memphis Dawgs.