Bartow’s return trip to the 8A semifinals resulted in smiles this time.

A year after coming up a game short of the state title game, the Yellow Jackets bats awoke to defeat Strawberry Crest 12-2 on Friday afternoon in Vero Beach.

The Chargers took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a Bartow error but would fail to score again until the 6th inning.

Ashton Owens broke a 1-1 time in the top of the 4th inning on an infield bloop single scoring two runs.

Bartow scored in every inning following the 4th, highlighted by a 4-spot they put on the board in the top of the 6th. Alex Mace and Haley Albert each drove in a run, while Bayli Robinson brought in two with a double.

The Yellow Jackets will face Countryside who downed St. Thomas Aquinas 2-0.
The Cougars entered the bottom of the 6th all knotted at zero but were primed to score some runs.

Christa Ward’s double gave Countryside the first run of the game. Two batters later Kayla Sanchez provided an insurance run on an RBI single.

Stella Preston, who gave up only 4 hits in 7 innings, closed out the game in the circle to secure the win.

The title game will be carried LIVE on BHSN (Channel 47/HD 1147) Saturday at 5:30 p.m.