Game one was tied 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh when Marshall Tolifson delivered the game winning single on a 2-0 count.  Caden Spilde was the winning pitcher, coming on in relief and finishing the game with 1.2 innings on the mound, allowing one hit, striking out two and walking one.  Border West pitchers recorded ten strikeouts in the game.  Starting pitcher Jake Volker lasted five innings, allowing 3 hits and one run, while striking out seven.  Brody Nachbor led the Buccaneers with two hits in four at bats.

The loss went to Dezmond White (2IP, R, 4H, 2K).  White, Brady Perleberg and Tyler Bitzan all had one hit for B-E and the Chargers were flawless in the field.

“We couldn’t be happier with Tyler Bitzan’s performance on the mound,” said Head Coach Brian Perleberg.  “He gave us five strong innings and probably could have kept going.  He looked comfortable and in control, which is exciting to see under the circumstances everyone has been facing with the weather this spring.  We definitely had chances in the game as we left ten runners on base, so that will be a point of emphasis moving forward, but we’re not going to dwell on it because it was just great to finally be outside playing baseball again.”

Brady Perleberg delivered a dramatic RBI double in the bottom of the sixth inning in game two, providing the Chargers with a 4-2 win.  Jayden Hoidahl (6IP, 3H, 2R, 6K) was the winning pitcher and Caden Spilde (2IP, 2H, 2R) took the loss for Border West.  Spilde also had a run scoring double for the Buccaneers.  Justin Villarreal started on the mound for Border West and allowed three hits and two runs over three-and-a-third innings, striking out three batters.  Dezmond White went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead B-E’s attack.

“This game was much like the first game of the double header with both teams pitching well and making it hard to score runs,” noted Coach Perleberg.  “It was a tight game all along and we learned a lot about ourselves and the things we need to work on.  All in all, I’m very happy with the grit and determination the kids showed today and how well they kept their composure in some difficult situations.  I really thought Jayden Hoidahl had a solid 2022 debut, going six innings and only giving up two runs.  He worked out of a couple jams and his defense played well behind him.  It’s not very often you see both games of an opening day double header end with walk-off hits, but that’s exactly what happened today.  It really made for an exciting day of baseball for the fans who were in attendance.”