By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The season opener was a roller coaster ride that ended badly for the Brandywine varsity baseball team Monday night.
After building a quick 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning and leading 7-3 heading into the seventh, things went south for the Bobcats and New Buffalo battled back for a 12-11 victory in nine innings.
A pair of costly errors allowed New Buffalo back in the game in the final two innings of regulation. Brandywine center fielder Billy Syrette dropped a routine fly ball that allowed three runs to score in the sixth. In the seventh, the Bobcats left first base uncovered on a bunt that loaded the bases, leading to a five-run inning for the Bison.
On the positive side, Brandywine had 10 hits by six different players. Casey Udell led the way with a solo home run and a three-RBI double.
Aaron Holy had three singles. Syrette added two singles while Matt Koller, Matt Wieger and Zach Bennett each hit one single.
Bennett took the loss after taking over in the seventh inning. Kory Bridges started the game and was relieved by Josh Atwood in the sixth.
Brandywine returns to action Friday at home against Niles.