Bruins sweep Stevenson, lose play-in game

“These two wins set us up for a winner to districts, loser out play-in game vs. Elma on Friday,” Coach William Gross said. “It was a pitcher’s duel, as Kai Brasuell started on the mound, going six innings, giving up three unearned runs and striking out seven.”

Elma scored its three runs in the third inning, as both teams had three hits. Columbia’s safeties came from Kellen Olson, Wyatt Stelma and Brody Lundgren.

Gross said: “Jaden Wang pitched the final inning. We didn’t quite have enough offense against a talented Elma pitcher and team.”

Columbia had plenty of offense against Stevenson. In Game 1, Brasuell pitched 41/3 innings, giving up one earned run while striking out 11 batters. He also hit his first career varsity home run - a grand slam in the top of the fifth inning. Other offensive highlights were Jaden Wang and Kellen Olson, both adding three hits and combining for 4 RBI.

In Game 2, which was senior Night, Wang pitched three innings, giving up no hits and no runs while striking out three. Olson and Stelma both pitched an inning in relief to finish the game, and the shutout. Offensive highlights included Brasuell (three hits, three runs) and Seth White (four hits). Landgren, Dylan Landgren, and Wang combined for 11 RBI.

Columbia finished 8-12 overall and 7-7 in the Trico. Gross said the senior group “meant the world to me and were a huge contributor in the growth we’ve made in the last two seasons.”

“We improved in every stat category and won more games than a season ago,” the coach added. “This group made it clear that they wanted to be a part of changing the culture and history of our program and I think it’s safe to say that they kickstarted that this season. Incredibly proud of this group and will miss them big time.”