P.K. Yonge senior pitcher Micah Gratto (2) starts his delivery. [Megan Treutlein]

Late-Inning Fireworks Push P.K. Yonge Baseball Past Bradford

Quinn Hitchcock March 9, 2025 Baseball, Bradford High School, High School Sports, PK Yonge High School 97 Views

The P.K. Yonge Blue Wave defeated the Bradford Tornadoes 12-8 Friday night at Bobby Hawkins Field. P.K. Yonge (6-3) was able to overcome multiple deficits against Bradford (6-4) to secure a hard-fought baseball win.

Back-And-Forth Start

The top of the first inning was a bit of an adventure for the Blue Wave. Three consecutive walks, a pitching change, another walk and finally a balk gave Bradford an early 2-0 lead. But P.K. Yonge responded quickly, scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the inning to tie the score at 2-all.

Back to back RBI singles for PK players #4 Charlie Tumminia and #15 Josh Davis. End of first inning 2-2 pic.twitter.com/OmsgT8Kj5M

— Lily Perkins (@LilyPerkins1633) March 8, 2025

It was a similar story in the second, when the teams added a run to even the score at 3-3. For the Blue Wave, Darius Medley showcased his speed, legging out an infield single before swiping both second and third base (two of his four stolen bases on the night). Nico Wheeler then brought him home with a clutch RBI single to keep P.K. Yonge in step with Bradford.

After back to back steals by #13 Darius Medley, #29 Nico Wheeler hits an RBI single up the middle. Score is 3-3 heading into the 3rd inning pic.twitter.com/A0AtYban4H

— Lily Perkins (@LilyPerkins1633) March 8, 2025

In the third, Bradford tacked on another run, but the real highlight of the inning came from P.K. Yonge center fielder Noah Grogan, who delivered a spectacular outfield assist to cut down a runner at home to prevent a second run from scoring.

RBI single for #11 Taylor Bice, but PK Yonge CF #2 Micah Gratto makes a spectacular throw to stop another run at home plate pic.twitter.com/KhmFnDoG5d

— Lily Perkins (@LilyPerkins1633) March 8, 2025

Big Fifth Inning

After once again evening the score in the fourth, the Blue Wave surrendered four runs in the top of the fifth, putting them in a tough spot. However, a five-run outburst in the bottom half of the inning turned the tide, shifting the momentum back in P.K. Yonge’s favor. The Blue Wave took advantage of a two-out, bases-loaded error by the Bradford right fielder to extending the inning and allow them to regain control of the game.

PK Yonge scores 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th, taking their first lead of the night. Score is 9-8 heading into the 6th. pic.twitter.com/PXzZNF2uIE

— Lily Perkins (@LilyPerkins1633) March 8, 2025

P.K. Yonge added three more runs in the sixth inning to extend the lead to four. Colt Kramer (2-0) earned the win by closing out the game with an impressive 2.2 innings of scoreless relief pitching. Medley (2 runs, 2 hits, 2 RBI, 4 stolen bases), Josh Davis (2 singles, RBI) and Charlie Tumminia (2 singles, run, 2 RBI) led the way at the plate for the Blue Wave.

The Blue Wave’s offensive surge continued a season-long trend, as all six of their wins have come when scoring 10 or more runs.

Up Next

P.K. Yonge will aim for its third consecutive win when it hosts the Ocala Christian Crusaders (0-7) at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Blue Wave defeated the Crusaders 15-0 in four innings in Ocala on Feb. 25.

Meanwhile, Bradford will look to bounce back against the Baker County Wildcats (5-6) in Starke on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.