Bryson Burgess' no-hitter leads Sweetwater to Region 2-2A Championship berth

Bryson Burgess was in the zone Friday.

Sweetwater’s freshman dealt from the mound against CSAS in Jasper, tossing a no hitter in a 13-0 five inning win that saw the Wildcats storm to a second consecutive Region 2-2A championship berth.

“The most important thing that helped me was my team. They were very supportive and they helped me, especially my catcher, Cade Houser,” Burgess said.

Sweetwater’s offense did not slouch in the win, scoring 13 runs off 14 hits and totalling 10 RBIs.

Six of the nine starting lineup batters earned an RBI during the first two trips through the lineup.

Nolan Dacus and Jayden Richesin led Sweetwater (29-8) with two RBIs each while Burgess, Kai Correll, Houser, Caleb Powell, Lucas Rockholt and Brody Watson added one each.

Dacus, Richesin and Houser had two-hit days.

“We were able to create big innings and help Bryson with getting the lead there. That is very helpful, especially with a freshman in that situation,” Sweetwater coach Travis Watson said. “You can pitch with less pressure especially in that situation.”

Burgess’ performance is the first no hitter in Watson's five seasons with Sweetwater.

Burgess tossed a perfect game in junior high and now this is his first hitless complete game in high school.

CSAS found its first base runner in the top of third through a hit batter.

The second came one inning later off a walk and the final reached on error.

“They supported big time too. Especially when Jayden made that amazing catch,” Burgess said. “I thought the ball was going to drop, but he just got there. I was getting kind of worried, but he just got it.”

CSAS struggled to find timing on Burgess' fastball. Burgess noted a comfortable relationship with junior catcher Houser.

Houser caught some last season before taking over as starter this spring.

“He has been like an awesome mentor. It has been awesome having him as a teammate,” Burgess added.

In the third inning, Burgess surpassed 25 pitches, limiting his availability for Saturday's Region 2-2A championship and second game if necessary.

The Wildcats will have Correll, Powell, Richesin and Blaine Watson available.

“If we could let him through the whole game and save everyone else — that is what we were shooting for,” Watson said.

One win in two games qualifies Sweetwater for a second consecutive Class 2A sectional berth.

Two losses would end the season.