Broncbusters Battle in Opener, Barton Claims Both in Great Bend

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Great Bend, KS – The Garden City Community College Broncbusters dropped both games of a conference doubleheader on the road against No. 24 Barton Community College on Thursday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs Field. The Cougars used timely hitting and big innings to take both contests, including a walk-off win in the opener.

Game 1: Barton 3, Garden City 2

The opener was a tightly contested pitcher's duel that came down to the final inning.

Garden City struck first with a two-run third inning, highlighted by RBI from Aiden Roberts and Sean Togher. The Broncbusters finished with nine hits, led by Roberts and Sean Philpotts, who each collected three hits at the top of the lineup.

On the mound, Sean Togher delivered a strong outing, allowing just five hits and three runs over 6.2 innings while keeping the Barton offense in check.

Barton answered with two runs in the third to even the game before pushing across the winning run in the bottom of the seventh, securing the 3–2 walk-off victory.

Game 2: Barton 24, Garden City 3

In the nightcap, Barton's offense erupted with multiple big innings to take control early and never look back.

Garden City scored three runs in the sixth inning, with RBI from Sean Philpotts, Will Togher, and Roy Higinbotham. Sean Togher led the offense with three hits, while the Broncbusters totaled four hits in the contest.

The Cougars, ranked No. 24 in the NJCAA, tallied 18 hits and used a series of big innings, including an 11-run fifth, to secure the 24–3 victory.

Despite the results, the Broncbusters showed competitiveness in the opener against a ranked opponent before Barton's offense broke through in Game 2.

Next Up:
Garden City returns home to finish the four-game series against Barton Community College on Saturday, March 21 at Scooter's Coffee Field at Williams Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.