Telegraph Staff Writer
A three-run third inning by host Palatka proved to be the difference as the Bradford High School baseball team lost 7-4 on March 6.
The Tornadoes (1-5) took the lead on an RBI double by Foster Smith. Bradford fell behind 2-1, but tied the score in the top of the third when Luke Stucky, who reached on a two-out single, scored on a wild pitch.
In the bottom of the third, Palatka scored two runs on wild pitches and another run on a passed ball.
Kevin Crawford and Kacen Thomassen each had an RBI single to make it a 5-4 game before the Panthers scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Smith and Ryland Rike each went 2 for 3, while Stucky went 2 for 4.
Bradford entered the game off a 14-5 loss at Baker County on Feb. 28.
The Wildcats scored eight runs in the first inning off six hits (including three doubles), a bases-loaded walk and an error.
Rike drove in two runs when he drew a bases-loaded walk in the second and was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the fifth.
Smith and Jeffrey Brugh each went 3 for 4, with Smith hitting an RBI single in the third.
Blake Wynn had an RBI as well.
The Tornadoes travel to play Union County on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. They return home to play Hamilton County on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. and Belleview on Wednesday, March 15, at 6 p.m.
