After suffering their first division loss early last week, the Bruins came roaring back with a vengeance to grab two wins as the week closed out.

The loss came at the hands of Silver Creek, an easy 11-3 winner in a game in which the Bruins committed six errors. Silver Creek joins Branham at the top of the division in a tie for the lead.

"Silver Creek is a good team—not a team that you can make that many mistakes and expect to get back in the game," Branham coach Kirk Selfridge said. "We beat ourselves and left 10 runners on base."

The Bruins got back on track with a 16-4 shellacking of Piedmont Hills. Nick Kepler (2-1) pitched four solid innings, giving up only one run. Steve Lowrey came in to finish the final three.

A trio of hot bats led the way for the Bruins. Preston Ward, Nolan Roberson and Nick English each pounded out three hits on the day. Ward's total included his second homer of the year, a two-run shot over the left field fence. Roberson and English each drove in a couple of runs helping the Bruins to pad their lead. Eric Janssen also had a big day at the plate with a pair of singles that drove in three runs.

Branham closed out the week winning a seesaw battle with Lincoln that resulted in a very satisfying comeback victory. The Bruins fought their way to a 9-7 win over the Lions.

"It was an awesome team win," Selfridge said. "Everybody on the team got in and everybody did their job and did what they needed to do. To come back and get the win is even better."

Lincoln was holding onto a 6-4 lead as the sixth inning began and time was running out for the Bruins. Roberson pounded out three hits in the game but probably his most important contribution was a bunt. He successfully executed a squeeze bunt to bring the Bruins to 6-5. Janssen drilled a solid single to knock in the tying run. The Bruins were not done yet as Louie Sakoda showed he has a little pop in his bat, blasting one over the left-center field fence for a two-run blast putting Branham up 9-6.

Sakoda came on in relief and tossed two solid innings, giving up only one run before he nailed down his first save and a 9-7 win for Branham. Mitch Kanagaki started the game and got a no decision for his efforts. Sean Duff (1-0) took over in the fourth after two runs were in. He put out the fire and pitched two solid innings to earn his first win.

Branham returns to Santa Teresa Division action, hosting rival Pioneer on March 26, 3:30 p.m.