By Keith Dunlap
Special for MHSAA.com
JUNE 17, 2023–EAST LANSING – Bridgman ended the season 33-9, with the last win a 7-1 victory over No. 1-ranked Algonac in the MHSAA Division 3 Final on Saturday at Michigan State University’s McLane Stadium.
The title was Bridgman baseball’s first since 1987.
Bridgman head coach Justin Hahaj
“This is a miracle what happened with this group. It’s just a testament to what happens when people play for each other.”
It was the second time Hahaj had coached Bridgman in the Final game, with the first being in 2013 when the Bees lost to Madison Heights Bishop Foley.
Bridgman hadn’t been beyond the District round of the MHSAA Tournament since, with hurdles such as 2022 Division 3 champion Buchanan and Niles Brandywine always standing in the way during the opening week.
In a District Final this year the ‘miracle’ took place when Bridgman used an incredible comeback against Niles Brandywine when the Bees rallied from a 9-1 deficit to beat Brandywine in 10 innings, 10-9.
Bridgman then recorded one-run wins in a Regional Final (4-3 over Grass Lake), Quarterfinal (4-3 over Ottawa Lake Whiteford in nine innings) and Semifinal (3-2 over Standish-Sterling) to earn a shot at Algonac.
Bridgman completed its long tournament run thanks to the pitching of sophomore Charlie Pagel. Today Pagel picked up the win over Algonac tossing a 3-hitter, striking out 5 and walking just 1.
Bridgman’s Charlie Pagel delivers a pitch. (Photos by John Castine/Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)
Making its first appearance in a Final, Algonac finished 38-4.
Pagel, Gloe, Roberts and junior Alec MacMartin each had two hits to lead the 10-hit attack for Bridgman.
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