Bulls Baseball is going to NCS Division V Finals!

On May 24, Branson (third seed) defeated Fremont Christian (second seed) 12-2 in NCS D5 semi-finals. In the top of the third inning, Branson loaded the bases with a double by Brayden Mathews, an error on a pop fly by Will Ashley, and an intentional walk to Jaiden Arcuri. Liam Parrot broke the game open with a bases-clearing double, a first-pitch rip to left-center gap that made it 3-0.

Senior Acuri then showcased his centerfield defense and made all three outs in the bottom of the third inning, including a diving catch in shallow centerfield that prevented Fremont from scoring.

Branson scored twice more in the fourth, chasing the starter, and three more runs in the fifth.

When Fremont got some momentum after scoring two points in the sixth, senior shortstop Mathews made a spectacular diving stop of a hard-hit grounder, then popped up and threw the runner out at first base, to shut down the Warriors offense for the night.

Noam AuYeung pitched five scoreless innings, and Ashley closed the game with three strikeouts. The Bulls collected six hits and eight walks; the Warriors wore out and committed seven errors.

Branson will play Berean Christian (first seed) in the NCS Finals title game on Friday, May 27, at 5pm, at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Come out and support your Branson Bulls Baseball Team!