Putting up 15 runs on just a half dozen hits, Bradley Central has claimed the District 6-4A lead with back-to-back wins over East Hamilton.
After notching a 3-1 win on just two hits Tuesday in Cleveland, the Bears needed just four hits to go with 16 free passes and a trio of Hurricane errors for a 12-1 "mercy-rule" win Wednesday, in Ooltewah.
Weather permitting, the teams will square off in the series finale Thursday evening, in Ooltewah.
Both teams are just a game over .500 on the season with Bradley at 11-10-1, topping the district race with a 4-1 mark, while East Ham is 12-11, with a 3-2 league mark. Ooltewah (14-8-1) is 4-2 in league play after sweeping a doubleheader from Howard Wednesday.
Bradley used half of its hits for a trio of runs in Wednesday's opening at bat.
Cleveland State signee Jaxon Humble became the first of a half dozen Bears to be "plunked" to open the game.
After Jaden Griffey bunted him to second, Tuesday's hero Tyler Cook "walked the line" before Shane Bristol sent a rocket to right for a single to jam the bags.
Nathan Thompson delivered a two-out double to center field a few moments later to clear the sacks for a 3-0 edge.
The host Hurricanes were able to pick up a solo score in the bottom of the first when Peyton Harris singled and later scored on passed ball.
That would be the last East Ham batter to get past first base as Bear hurler Bronson Stone struck out five and gave up just three hits, with no "freebies," needing just 63 pitches to set down 18 Hurricane batsmen.
Bradley picked up a single score in the top of the third without benefit of a hit as Thompson "took one for the team" and later scored on a 'Cane error.
The visitors exploded for seven runs in the top of the fourth on just one hit.
Humble drew a base on balls and Griffey was hit by a pitch to get the rally start. After a strike out, Bristol loaded the bases by reaching on an error. Stott singled home Humble, while Thompson, Stone and Landon Rogers each drew RBI-walks.
Thompson came home on a wild pitch before Jonathan Alomar brought in another run when his fly ball to left field was booted. Humble lifted a sac fly to plate Rogers wo cap the rally.
Bryson Kent provided the game's final run in the top of the fifth with a two-out double to bring around Carter Bohklen, who had walked.
Carson Davis and Grayson Maddox had the other two East Ham hits.
GAME SUMMARY
District 6-4A
Wednesday, April 9
at Ooltewah
Bradley Central 301 71 — 12 4 0
East Hamilton 100 00 — 1 3 3
WP: Bronson Stone 5 IP, 5 Ks, 0 BB, 3 hits, 1 ER. LP: Liam Hughes 3 IP, 4 Ks, 4 BB, 4 HBP, 2 hits, 5 ER. 2B: Nathan Thompson, Bryson Kent (BC). RBI: Thompson 4, Jaxon Humble, Colby Stott, Stone, Kent (BC). RECORDS: Bradley Central 11-10-1, 4-1 District 6-4A; East Hamilton 12-11, 3-2 District 6-4A.