BENTONVILLE (KFSM) - To say Saturday's win over Har-Ber in the state semi-finals was sweet may be an under statement for the Bentonville baseball team.
"It's absolutely amazing to be the first team in 13 years to make it," junior pitcher Kasey Ford said. "All of our hard work has paid off in the off-season, preseason, and during the season."
The Tigers have not been in a state final game since 2002. Last Saturday started out as if they weren't going to make it there again. But, a 6th inning comeback pushed this team ahead.
"There was a sense in the dug out that we're due, we're going to get an opportunity at some point," coach Todd Abbott said. "Where we capitalize, we won't know until we get there. But, when Brian [Gloeckler] stepped up and lead off with a double that was you know like, you kind of remove the lid off the bucket if you will."
"I was a little nervous," senior short stop Cody Scroggins said. "I mean you got the first two outs bang bang, and then we kind of started leaving the ball up a little bit. I mean it's baseball for you. But I have faith in our pitchers to get a ground ball or a pop-up in the last inning. I came clutch thank goodness, and made a play."
But next up, they'll face a Conway team who knocked off tog dog Fayetteville.
"Good hitters, good pitching good defense. We're expecting a very clean game. And we're not going to take advantage, we're not going to take them for granted. We're going to go out there and play our best," Ford said.
Pitching on both sides of Friday's game will be on point. Defense will be key.
"Runs will be at a premium. You're going to have to scratch and claw for every run that you get, and take advantage of any opportunities that the other team might give you," Abbott said.
They'll take to the field at Baum Stadium for the first time in 13 years Friday at 3 o'clock.