Richmond High School Baseball Advances with Five-Run Inning in Regional Semifinal

YALE — A pivotal inning propelled the Richmond High School baseball team to a decisive victory, allowing them to continue their postseason journey. The Blue Devils triumphed over Goodrich with a score of 7-0 in the MHSAA Division 2 regional semifinal held at Yale High School on Wednesday, June 3.

With this win, Richmond improved their impressive season record to 24-2 and secured a spot in the regional final against Frankenmuth. "It was a pressure game," remarked Richmond coach Scott Evans. He noted that early on, the team exhibited some unusual play, stating, "We gave away more at-bats today than we have all year ... but when we started getting some decent at-bats, we started swinging at strikes and attacking strikes."

The third inning proved to be a game-changer for Richmond, breaking the scoreless deadlock when Dominic Bonnetti connected for an RBI single, sending Logan Evans home. Shortly after, Bonnetti’s steal of second base set the stage for Jaxon Distelrath, who hit a double down the right-field line, bringing Bonnetti across the plate.

Richmond's offensive momentum continued as Joey Joudi earned a bases-loaded walk for the team's third run. John Swamba added a bunt single, and Cam Sutherland scored on a fielder's choice, capping the inning with a total of five runs. "We're a very gritty team," commented Joudi. "We knew, if we stick to (the right approach at the plate), it would eventually be our inning to come around. We stuck to our guns and it worked out."

On the mound, starting pitcher Cameron Murray delivered a stellar performance, expressing confidence in his abilities. "I felt amazing (on the mound today)," he said. "Coming into this game, I knew it was going to be a difficult one to win. But, if I got my best stuff, then (it gives us a chance). So, that's what I stuck with."

The Blue Devils will face off against Frankenmuth in the regional final, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Sanborn Park in Port Huron.