Hart splits with Ludington and Mason County Central as Spartans win the Briggs True Hardware Tournament

LocalSportsJournal.com

SCOTTVILLE — Playing with a chip on their shoulder, and great determination, the Hart Pirates upset tournament favorites Ludington by a 2-1 score in the opening round of the Briggs True Value tournament in Scottville on Saturday.

The Pirates won the game in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the seventh inning.

A throwing error allowed Ty Schlukebir to reach base, taking second on the play.

Hart senior Brandon VanderZanden had the at-bat of his career, taking the count full (three balls, two strikes) by fouling off a few tough fastballs.

One of those dropped just foul down the rightfield line. VanderZanden finally got hold of one and stroked a line drive to left to score the winning run.

Unfortunately, the Pirates ran out of steam in the championship game and fell, 15-0 to Mason County Central.

“Granted, we got smacked in the final, (but) I am very proud of the way we played baseball in the win against Ludington,” said Pirates head coach Dave Riley. “The boys decided they could, and wanted to win a big game.”