Sayreville and Woodbridge square off in the GMC Tournament quarterfinals at North Brunswick Community Park on May 8, 2024. (Photo: Alec Crouthamel)
In Tim Ballard’s first season leading the tenth-seeded Sayreville Bombers, he was looking to make a big impact to start his tenure.
Now? His team is headed to the Greater Middlesex County Tournament semifinals after a thrilling 4-3 upset victory over second-seeded Sayreville. It came on the backs of timely hitting and strong pitching.
After four strong innings by senior Moe Hedderman with a 3-1 lead, sophomore Logan Kaufman came in and allowed the tying runs immediately. He eventually settled down, however, and shut down the Barrons’ strong lineup to close the door, including a fastball that painted the outside corner to seal the Bombers’ victory.
Sayreville took the lead back in the top of the seventh, kicked off by a double, walk, and single to load the bases with nobody out. Sophomore Justin Maher drew a four-pitch walk to give his team a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Drew Lukachyk went five innings for Woodbridge, striking out seven while allowing three runs while also hitting a double and scoring the tying run in the fifth. Tim Deignan opened the scoring with a solo home run to lead off the second inning.
Sayreville finally got revenge on the Barrons, who won the first two matchups between the teams this season. The Bombers will move on to the GMC Semifinals on Saturday, where they will face third-seed Old Bridge at noon at Ray Cipperly Field in East Brunswick.
The Bombers will me seeking their first trip to the GMC final since 2015; they have never won it.
Click below to hear Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Alec Crouthamel talk with Sayreville head coach Tim Ballard and pitcher Logan Kaufman (with all of his teammates) about the win:
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