“Extremely proud of the boys and how they bounced back today,” said Warren coach Andrew Morrison, whose Dragons are 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the region. “We knew the last two games were not indicative of the team we are or want to be. I think I can point to all 11 kids that played today and think of a big play they made, that’s the kind of team we want to be.”

Tied 1-1 in the bottom of the second, JT Blum singled hard to short to put Warren up 2-1. Eric Dippold’s bases loaded walk pushed that lead to 3-1, and the second catcher’s interference call of the inning gave the Dragons a 4-1 lead.

Warren led 5-1 after three innings and sophomore starting pitcher Brady Berdine allowed one hit and six walks over 5-2/3 innings to hold the Dragons’ lead. He struck out seven, allowing two runs.

“Brady was great again,” said Morrison. “He had a little bit of a rocky start command-wise in the first, but really settled in well after that. He only gave up one hit all day and it went about three feet. We’ve put a lot on his plate for a sophomore and he’s shown us it’s not too much.”

Warren head coach Andrew Morrison talks with third-place hitter Eric Dippold while General McLane has a mound visit in the Dragons’ 7-3 region win. Times Observer Photo by Jon Sitler

Junior Carson Farr threw the final 1-1/3 innings for the save.

“Carson has pitched in two big spots for us this year and has done a phenomenal job,” said Morrison. “We feel great for him because he has worked hard. He’s earned his shot and he’s taken advantage.

“We played a clean game defensively behind Brady and Carson, which is huge for their confidence. (Catcher Gio Elinsky) did a great job behind the plate. We have all the confidence in the world in him. Konnor Hoffman is another sophomore who has stepped up for us and is playing a tremendous shortstop.

“Anthony Errett has bailed us out a few times at first base and made a big play to cut a runner down at home today. We know if we are throwing strikes, we can make the necessary plays.”

JT Blum’s RBI single and Eric Dippold’s double scoring Blum gave Warren a 7-3 advantage.

Warren’s Konnor Hoffman steals second base in a 7-3 Region 5 victory over General McLane, Monday at Old Legion Field. Times Observer Photo by Jon Sitler

Offensively, Warren finished with 11 hits. JT Blum was 4-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.

“The top of our order really picked up the slack for us today,” said Morrison. “JT’s performance and leadership have been huge for us. We are lucky to have him. He got us started right away in the first and Owen (Blum) put a great swing on a curveball to get him in.

“We have stressed all year that we want to be aggressive on the base paths and we stuck with that today,” added Morrison. “We stole seven bases and we plan to continue to be aggressive when the situation calls for it.”

Errett finished 2-for-3 and Dippold and Owen Blum added two RBI each.