BRADFORD - Warren Boys Majors Nationals all-star coach Jeff Irwin said it best.
"(Hitting) is contagious."
After spotting the Bradford Nationals a 5-2 lead through three innings, the Nationals (2-1) exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning and 13 more in the fifth of a 25-5 victory Saturday at Callahan Park in Bradford.
The highlights from Warren were few and far between during the first three innings. That all changed when the visitors came to bat in the fourth. Chris White had a two-run single, Evan Tremblay a three-run double, Aaron Morris a two-run single and Chase Elmquist an RBI triple as the Warren team turned a three-run deficit into a seven-run lead.
After shutting down Bradford in the bottom of the fourth, the Nationals went right back to pounding the ball in the fifth. Tremblay provided another two-run single and Morris had an RBI double. Before the inning was over, Andrew Davidson cracked a two-run homer over the fence and -not to be outdone - Adam Irwin hit a three-run bomb later in the inning.
Kolten Johnson, Mitchell Bryant, Elmquist and Tremblay all had two hits for the winners. Tremblay's incredible outing wrapped up with seven RBI and teammate Irwin finished with four. Morris was responsible for driving in three runs.
Fact Box
Warren Nationals 101 (10)(13) - 25 16
Bradford Nationals 500 00 - 5 4
2b-Evan Tremblay (W), Adam Pascuzzi (W), Aaron Morris (W), Kolten Johnson (W), Mitchell Bryant (W). 3b-Chase Elmquist (W), Johnson (W), Nick York (B). HR-Adam Irwin (W), Andrew Davidson (W). WP-Davidson. LP-Brett Kennedy.
Still alive in all-star play, the Nationals return to the diamond Monday when they host Cameron County in a 6 p.m. elimination game at Betts-Jackson Field in Warren.