Leigh defeated Branham 4-1 last Tuesday in the third game between the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mount Hamilton rivals this season.
Both teams had already clinched a Central Coast Section playoff spot, but the rivalry still spiced up what would have ordinarily been an ordinary end-of-season game.
Leigh jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the top of the second inning. Branham senior pitcher Andrew Cooper yielded a solo home run to senior pitcher Sam Delaplane, igniting the big Longhorn rally.
Delaplane also shined on the mound, striking out nine in the game and giving up only two hits.
Leigh added a run in the fourth on Austin Vierra's run-scoring hit, dimming Branham hopes.
However the Bruins managed a run in the bottom of the seventh to ruin the shutout.
Said Branham senior outfielder Nate Delia: "It's unfortunate to lose to our rivals, but they’re a solid team. I am proud of our effort and we need to look forward to CCS because that’s our goal.”
Leigh won all three games against Branham this season in similar fashion and by similar scores, winning 5-1, 4-1 and 4-1.
Branham (16-11, 11-10) is seeded No. 10 in the Division II playoffs and will meet host Monterey (16-11) at 4 p.m. Thursday at Solicito Park. Leigh (15-12, 13-8) is seeded No. 6 and will host Soledad at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
BVAL-MH champion Westmont (19-8, 16-5) is seeded No. 1 in Division II and will host No. 16 Mills (13-11).
