NEFFS — Bellaire will enter OHSAA post-season action riding a wave of momentum.

The Big Reds continued their much-improved late-season play Wednesday afternoon by pocketing a 5-4 win over River at scenic and sun-splashed John Blacker Field. Coach Bailey McGrath’s one-senior squad won for the sixth time and will travel to Sandy Valley Monday for its D-III sectional opener.

“We came out with the right attitude today. We played with a lot of energy,” McGrath said. “River threw their entire staff at us today and we stay collected and focused.

“We beat a good team today,” added the former Bridgeport High three-sport standout. “River made the OVAC Tournament and Coach (Tim) Blue does a great job with his team.”

Grant Vasey turned in a sparkling route-going mound effort to key the Bellaire victory. The junior right-hander struck out six, walked two and surrendered only six hits.

“Grant was great. He has really blossomed for us,” McGrath said. “He has turned in four straight complete games. We have a lot of faith and confidence in Grant.”

Bellaire never trailed in the contest after putting two runs on the board in the first inning.

Junior standout Luke Heatherington opened the home-half of the first by being beaned. Landon Preston reached on an error, setting he table for a two-run double by catcher Scott Balsei.

River pared the deficit in half with a run in the second. Cale Willis singled and scored on a Trey Larrick single.

The Hannibal-based charges tied the score at 2-2 in the third. Carson Makris singled and scored on a Bellaire miscue.

Bellaire made it a 4-2 issue with two runs in the fourth.

Balsei and promising frosh Alex Padgett coaxed walks with Balsei scoring on a Pilot error. Padgett came home on a single from Hunter Watson.

River made it 4-3 with an unearned run in the sixth. The hosts added what prove-to-be the game-winning run in the home-half of the sixth. Preston crushed a triple and scored on Brae Schmidli single for a 5-3 reading.

The Pilots didn’t go quietly in the seventh.

With two outs, Willis reached on an error. After a wild pitch, he scored on a Cody Simon single. Vasey took matters into his own hands, however, by ending the game with a strikeout.

“We made way too many errors and mistakes,” Blue said. “I think we gave them four unearned runs. You can’t win by doing that.

“We are a young team and we were missing a few key pieces today,” he added. “But give Bellaire credit. They played well and Vasey pitched very effectively.”

River is now 10-10. The Pilots host Conotton Valley in sectional play Monday.

River used four pitchers on the day. They combined for three strikeouts and five walks.

Lucas Dennis was the lone Pilot with two hits.

“I am very proud of how much improvement my guys have shown. They have come a long way since the beginning of the season,” McGrath said.

Bellaire also ended with six hits. Schmidli led the way with a pair of singles. He also drew a walk.