BETHANY — Bethany senior Levi Moore’s RBI-single broke a scoreless tie with Elk City in the eighth inning, giving the Bronchos a crucial 1-0 district win Friday (April 18).

Bethany’s rally in the eighth inning began with a double to center field by senior Charlie Tolle. Junior Karter Thomas was intentionally walked. Tolle moved to third base on an error and senior Joe Berry walked to load the bases.

Moore hit a 1-1 pitch just in front of Elk City first baseman Carsten Copeland. The ball bounced just inside the baseline, sending dirt flying in the air and skipped into right field to give the Bronchos the win as Tolle celebrated after sprinting across home plate.

“Levi Moore was clutch in the end with a big hit to win it,” Bethany coach Robert Lee said via text. “Couldn’t have happened to a better young man.”

Up to that point, Bethany had opportunities to score runs. The Bronchos left seven men on base and had baserunners in every inning but the seventh.

Bethany sophomore Cooper Willis limited the Elks chances to score. Willis scattered three hits and struck out three over six innings, earning a no-decision.

“Cooper Willis was great today,” Lee said. “Mixed his pitches well. His fastball location especially inside on their right handed hitters was awesome. I was really impressed with his composure. He’s really good for us now, and being just a sophomore. He’s only going to get better.”

Senior Brock Cross allowed a lone hit, walked a batter and struck out five batters in the remaining two innings to earn the win.

“Brock has been great for us all year,” Lee said. “Having a top quality reliever, especially one that’s left-handed is a blessing. Gave us a chance to win it in the end.”

Tolle was 2-for-4 with two doubles. Senior Andrew Taber added a 2-for-3 performance. Berry and Moore each had doubles and fellow senior Layton Reither had a single in the win.

Bethany improved to 20-5 and 8-2 in District 4A-4. The Bronchos are tied for second place with Weatherford. Elk City is in first place at 16-3 overall and 8-1 in district play.

The Elks have three district games remaining including two games with Weatherford April 21-22 and a single makeup game with Woodward April 23.

Weatherford’s two-game series with Elk City is all that remains in district play while Bethany has a two-game set with Bishop McGuinness. The Irish lurk just behind Bethany and Weatherford at 7-3 in district play.

UP NEXT

The Bronchos begin their final district series of the regular season at Bishop McGuinness Monday (April 21) at 5 p.m. The Fighting Irish (16-8, 7-3) fell to Bishop Kelley, 13-7, Thursday.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
Elk City (16-3, 8-1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1
Bethany (20-5, 8-2)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	7	0