Pirates fall in Class 4A quarterfinal

The Braden River High baseball team saw its season come to an unexpected end in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal May 5. 

After winning their second consecutive district title, the Pirates were heavily favored heading into the regional tournament — only Braden River wasn’t fully prepared for the accuracy of Lake Wales pitcher Justin Shafer.

Shafer pitched his second no-hitter of the season, leading the Highlanders to a 1-0 victory over the Pirates.

The Pirates (23-4) and Highlanders (11-8) remained scoreless through five innings before a throwing error by first baseman Ryan Grant in the top of the sixth inning allowed Lake Wales’ Ryne Knuth to score the game’s only run.

Marc Monroe pitched a complete game for the Pirates, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out eight.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].