Boston College stayed alive in the Athens Regional despite a late rally by Long Island. The Eagles advanced with an 8-4 win and will next face either host Georgia or a rematch against Liberty.
Despite leading 8-1 late, Boston College coach Todd Interdonato lit into his team before the seventh inning. The Eagles gathered around Interdonato as he shouted and gestured for about a minute before hitters resumed taking practice swings.
“Welcome to birdball,” Interdonato said postgame in reference to the exchange. “That’s how we talk.”
“Birdball” is Boston College’s brand of toughness and resilience that Interdonato preaches daily. BC previously released a video narrated by Cubs broadcaster Jon Sciambi describing the grit associated with playing “birdball.”
Starting pitcher Tyler Mudd embodied that mentality Saturday. Mudd pitched 7 1/3 innings, struck out 10 and did not issue a walk. Though his line was blemished by a three-run homer from Long Island shortstop Ryan Rivera, Mudd delivered a standout performance with Boston College facing elimination.
“I thought the story of the game was Tyler,” Interdonato said afterward.
“We got out to an early lead, so it made my job very easy,” Mudd said.
Boston College was stunned by a late rally from Liberty in its regional opener Friday and briefly appeared vulnerable to another collapse. After Rivera’s three-run homer, Long Island put two more runners on base in the eighth inning, bringing the tying run to the on-deck circle. Reliever Chase Hartsell was removed after facing one batter because of control issues.
Kyle Kipp entered from the bullpen and recorded a crucial strikeout to end the threat. He also handled the ninth inning and, despite allowing a leadoff double, struck out two more batters and did not allow a run over 1 2/3 innings. Birdball lived to see another day.
Long Island’s season ended with a 30-22 record. The Sharks were routed by Georgia in a game that was suspended because of rain and were forced to complete a game and a half Saturday. The demanding schedule added another challenge for the Northeast Conference representative.
“We don’t use that as an excuse, but it’s not easy,” Long Island coach Dan Pirillo said.
“Once you watch them on the field, you understand why Long Island represents the NEC so often,” Interdonato said.
Georgia and Liberty were scheduled to play later Saturday in the winners bracket game. The winner will clinch a spot in the regional final. The loser will have to face birdball again.
