Five-Run Sixth Fuels Busters Comeback Win
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 2 |
|
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0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | X | 8 | 12 | 2 |
Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics
GARDEN CITY, KS – Garden City Community College used a dominant sixth-inning surge to pull away and defeat Dodge City Community College 8-5 in the final game of a home doubleheader Saturday at Williams Stadium, earning a split of the series.
The Broncbusters (21-31, 11-17) responded after falling behind early, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to turn a one-run deficit into a commanding lead they would not relinquish.
Dodge City struck quickly in the opening frame, plating three runs on three hits to take early control. The Conquistadors added another run in the third and one more in the fifth to build a 5-1 advantage.
Garden City chipped away in the third inning when Mason Tafoya delivered an RBI single to score Cael Hamrick and get the Broncbusters on the board.
The Busters continued to close the gap in the fifth. Aiden Roberts singled to lead off the inning before advancing on a double by Tafoya. Roberts later scored on a wild pitch, and Sean Togher added an RBI groundout to trim the deficit to 5-3.
The game shifted decisively in the sixth inning. Garden City capitalized on walks, hit-by-pitches, and aggressive baserunning to plate five runs. Mason Tafoya drove in a run after being hit by a pitch, and Karson Evans delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run double to give the Broncbusters an 8-5 lead.
On the mound, Garden City settled in after a rocky start. Kaden Baete provided stability out of the bullpen, and Andrew Torres closed the door with three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits to secure the win.
Offensively, the Broncbusters finished with 13 hits, matching Dodge City's total. Mason Tafoya led the way with three hits and two RBI, while Karson Evans drove in three runs. Aiden Roberts, Sean Philpotts, and Will Togher each added multiple hits in the victory.
Key moment
Garden City's five-run sixth inning flipped a two-run deficit into a three-run lead, providing all the separation needed late.
Key stat
The Broncbusters scored five runs in the sixth inning despite recording just one hit in the frame, capitalizing on walks, hit batters, and aggressive baserunning.
Up next
The Broncbusters return to action Thursday, April 30th, hosting Hutchinson Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Williams Stadium.