BC seeks revenge on Bulldogs

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BC seeks revenge on Bulldogs

By Gabriel Pruett

Southeast Texas News Group

BRIDGE CITY — Jasper could be the exact opponent Bridge City needed to face in the Class 3A Region III Regional Finals this weekend at Lamar University’s Vincent Beck Stadium.

Fresh off a two-game sweep of previously unbeaten Carthage, the Cardinals (27-6-1) meet the Bulldogs (30-6) starting at 7 p.m. Thursday in Game 1. Game 2 is slated for 7 p.m. Friday at LU while Game 3 is at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Bulldogs downed the Cardinals twice this season, 3-2 and 10-8, to take away Bridge City’s District 21-3A title. That gives the Redbirds a lot to play for.

“We definitely want a little revenge,†Bridge City senior Phillip Meeks said. “It feels great to get another shot at them because we want to prove we can beat them.â€

Bridge City center fielder Johnny Dishon agreed with Meeks and is excited about the opportunity of taking out Jasper to reach the state tournament in Austin.

“It’s nice to have played them before because we know we can play with those guys,†Dishon said. “In the first two games our defense was not in too good of shape. It has become a lot better through the playoffs, because we have been working hard and we are becoming closer as a team.â€

Bridge City’s path through the playoffs has seen some battles along the way which have made the Cardinals very battle-tested.

The Cardinals first took out Splendora 6-0 in the bi-district round before knocking out Wharton 4-0, 3-5 and 9-2. Bridge City then ousted Needville 3-4, 8-5 and 6-3 in the regional quarterfinals before beating up on Carthage 6-2 and 4-2 in the regional semi-finals.

Jasper’s road started in the area round with a 3-0 and 5-3 two-game sweep of La Grange. Jasper then took out Bellville 14-11 and 7-3 in the regional quarterfinals before ousting Lufkin Hudson 3-1 and 18-1 in the regional semi-finals to set up the all-District 21-3A regional final.

“We want to show we are a better team than we were before,†Dishon added. “We have gotten better but so have they. The main thing we have to have happen is no errors, none whatsoever.â€

Meeks said the Cardinals are not sporting big-heads after handing the Carthage Bulldogs their first losses of the season.

“We were confident even before Carthage,†Meeks added. “We knew that series would be tough but we all worked hard and went out and earned it. We were No. 1 last year and went out and got beat. It is good our opponent this week is Jasper. That gives us something to play for because they took our district title.

“We have to maintain our pitching and not walk any of their batters. Then our defense and offense has to keep up its intensity levels.â€

Both Meeks and Dishon expect nice-sized crowds at Vincent Beck to cheer on the Cardinals.

“I grew up in Nederland so I am sure there will be some support out there,†Meeks said. “We have all played with a lot of these guys in the area so hopefully they will come out and root for us. I am just glad it is not an hour or two hours away. It starts at Lamar on Thursday and we are not going to stop now.â€