bartlesville bruins face elimination game in class 6a regionals
Bartlesville High School’s Barrett Merciez (7) leaps for a ball at second base during an earlier season game. The Bruins face Sapulpa on Friday in a Class 6 A playoff regional elimination game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
May 9, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School’s baseball team had to endure a painful loss and a no-fun win in Thursday’s opening day of the Class 6A regionals.
The Bruins (20-16) started out the day at Stillwater by falling to Sapulpa, 6-1. Sapulpa erupted for five runs in the third inning and suppressed the Bruins’ efforts at a comeback.
The Bruins left multiple potential big innings smoldering in the dust. Cooper Swaim drove in the team’s only run.
In the loser’s bracket game Saturday evening, Bartlesville blasted U.S. Grant, 22-0, which also carried the Bruins to their 20th season win.
Swaim, Pierce Hindman and Justin Swart took turns pitching. Hindman struck out the side in the second inning.
Braxton Loudermilk and Hindman were among the Bruin batters that belted two-or-more hits. Liam Buchanan added a double.
This is the fourth time in five seasons since 2021 the Bruins have achieved the 20-win mark.
The Bruins next return Friday to Stillwater to face Sapulpa in a 2 p.m. elimination game. The winner will turn around and play Stillwater in the regional finals’ round. Should Stillwater lose that game, an ‘if’ contest to determine the champion will be played Saturday.