The Pierce College baseball team’s playoff dreams may have been snuffed out after a heartbreaking defeat to Citrus College on Thursday April 29.
The Brahmas who were in first place gong into the game with Citrus College fell into a playoff limbo with so many teams tied at the top after losing 12 – 2.
Brahma pitcher Josh Derry whose had a good year according to Head Coach Josh Bushart was struggling at the mound but managed not to give up a run until the 6thinning.
“Derry’s been great all year,” said Bushart. “But he’s tired, when you pitch as many innings as he has it’s going to catch up to you.”
Citrus College Pitcher Mikey Ramirez was on fire pitching a shut out until the 8thinning. Giving up only 2-runs for the game.
“I think I just had them off balance,” said Ramirez. “We just came together as a team.”
The playoff picture is as yet undetermined according to Bushart.
“We’re not out but it’s up to a committee,” said Bushart. “Every thing has to settle first. We need to see what the other teams did in conference, there are a lot of teams at the top.
After the win Citrus College is sure to go to playoffs but are unclear on what place they will finish in conference according to Citrus College Head Coach Steve Gomez.
“The first round of the Playoffs will be on Friday and depending on when we get in the first playing day should be Tuesday,” said Gomez.
With the playoff’s unsure the Brahmas are still focusing on this season refusing to give up hope until the decisions are final according to Bushart.
“I don’t even want to talk about next season yet,” said Bushart. “This isn’t over yet and I just want to stay focused on this season right now.”
Pierce?s Alex Gonzalez (#7) is tagged out by Citrus College shortstop Charles Ball while attempting to grab the extra base April 28 at Joe Kelly Field. (Joseph Kukuczka 2011)
Josh Derry walks from the mound during Pierce Colleges match up against Citrus College April 28, 2011 at Joe Kelly Field. (Joseph Kukuczka 2011)