The Junction City Brigade ( 3-0 ) rallied from a four-run deficit after two-and-a-half innings to defeat the Baldwin City Blues 10-5 in game of a doubleheader at Rathert Field. In game two the Brigade broke open a tight game by scoring six runs in the fifth inning enroute to a 10-2 victory over the Blues.

The wins for Junction City came on the home opening night for the Brigade at Rathert Field.

Junction City coach Seth Wheeler said in game one the Brigade defense let them down early as they trailed 5-1. “But I’m really, really proud of our offense. There was never any panic, there was never any let’s do too much. They stuck with the plan, and that’s have good A-B’s ( at-bats ), be hard fought back up the middle. We worked our walks, and then got big hits when we needed to.”

The wins came before a big crowd….estimated at roughly 887 people. Many attended the Junction City Junior Baseball Association opening night ceremonies which were featured between games of the Brigade doubleheader with Baldwin City.

Players on Junior Baseball Association teams had a chance to walk the base paths, and be introduced to the large crowd at Rathert Field. The family of the late Mark Ervin was recognized during the ceremony, and his son Will Ervin threw out the first pitch.   Mark Ervin passed away this past spring unexpectedly. He had been involved in youth baseball for many years in the community.