Drifton — Both Old Town Softball League (OTSL) representatives, Jim\’s Sports Center and Buster\’s Sports Bar, were eliminated in action Saturday at the Class C Level 1 Fast-pitch State Championships; as only the top four teams made it to Sunday\’s action.
In an opening round game, Buster\’s knocked Jim\’s in to the loser\’s bracket by a score of 11-1. Picking up the win for Buster\’s in the game that was shortened to five innings by the 8-run Mercy Rule was Bob Gearhart.
Leading the offensive onslaught for Buster\’s was Todd Schickling who knocked in four runs with a triple and homerun, and Steve Terry, who homered and doubled.
Jim\’s went on to win a consolation game, but was then eliminated with a 1-2 overall record.
Buster\’s did advance one round further in the championship bracket by knocking off a pre-tourney favorite, Landis Market, 5-4.
Kevin Billotte ripped a 3-run homerun in the 6th inning to give Buster\’s the come-from-behind victory. Brandon Billotte laced three hits, one a double. Picking up the win on the mound for Buster\’s was Jeff Tomb.
Buster\’s then couldn\’t hold a late game lead against Blue Lake, and was defeated 7-5.
Bob Gearhart was handed the loss in relief of starter Bill Kazlovic. Once again Buster\’s was led at the plate by Todd Schickling\’s two hits and a Kevin Billotte homerun.
To stave off tourney elimination Jeff Tomb turned in an outstanding pitching performance in a 6-1 win over Cornerstone Excavating. Kevin Billotte homered in his third consecutive game, while Shcickling once again had two hits to lead the offense.
Playing it\’s fifth game of the day, Buster\’s ran out of steam and was eliminated by New Holland 6-4.
Pitching in his third game, Jeff Tomb was handed the loss. Brandon Billotte slugged a homerun and a double.
For the second year in a row Buster\’s finished in the top 8.