Drifton – The Buster’s Brewers once again represented the Old Town Softball League (OTSL) very well at the state championships this year by placing third in the ASA Class C-1 Fast-pitch Division.
For the first time ever the Class C ranking was split into two categories, with Buster’s being placed in the upper class based on their past performance. The split made for a smaller, but much more competitive, state championships.
After placing fourth in 2005 and second in 2006, the Brew Crew was mired in a two year funk without winning more than two games in either 2007 or 2008.
2009 was a different story as the Brewers won five games versus two losses to bring home the third place trophy.
In the first game Saturday morning Jeff Tomb’s strong pitching performance led a 4-1 win over Memorial. Tomb was aided offensively by Rick \”Super Stew\” Stewart’s double and single. Brandon Billotte and Andy Squires each added extra base hits in the all-important first round victory.
With Blue Lake, one of the pre-tournament favorites, due up in the quarter finals Buster’s turned the ball over to OTSL stud Bob Culp. Culp was pitching in the Class C tournament for the first time in several years after a successful run in the higher classes of fast-pitch softball. Blue Lake, however, was able to plate five runs with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning and held on for a 5-4 win. Dean Malone, Brandon Billotte, and Chris Peacock all had multi-hit games in the losing cause.
With a long road ahead in the consolation bracket, Buster’s turned to Bill Kazlavac to face perennial state participant New Holland. Buster’s offense showed up as they had their best offensive output of the weekend in a 9-2 blow out. Steve Terry blasted a home run, while \”Super Stew\” tripled and Brent Thomas doubled. Multi-hit games were turned in by Brian Barr and Todd Stiner.
Bob Culp returned to form in the next round game, throwing a gem in a 2-1 nail biter over Bob Hoffman. Steve Terry provided the game winner with an RBI triple.
Game one winner Jeff Tomb returned to the circle and threw his second strong game of the tourney by once again allowing only one run in a 4-1 victory over the Dawg House. Todd Stiner and Dave Giblin each slashed two singles to help the cause.
After a three game win streak through the consy bracket Buster’s was once again set to face off with Blue Lake and with this time a berth in the consy finals on the line. Wily veteran Kazlavac had enough juice left to hold off the young group of Mennonites 7-3. Chris Peacock had a three hit game to lead the way, while Andy Squires ripped a home run. Also contributing to the revenge win with multi-hit games were Brent Thomas, Todd Stiner, and Dean Malone.
With a berth in the championship finals against the championship bracket winner Bedford Merchants going to the winner, Coach Brian Barr turned the ball over to Culp once again.
Pitching in his third game of the tournament took its toll as Culp and the Brewers were handed a 7-2 loss to Condo’s to be eliminated and earn their third place finish off of their 5-2 record.
Bedford easily handled Condo’s to claim the Class C-1 State Championship title.
