A return engagement for Churubusco to the Class 2A baseball semistate wasn't easy.
The Eagles were there a year ago, but things didn't get started too well in 2008. Starting shortstop and pitcher Bryan Brudi injured his shoulder early on and was moved off the mound and to second base. His replacement, Eric Tartagilia, also was hurt.
The third shortstop, Paul Liggett, was moved in from center field. Liggett played second base last season.
When Tartagilia eventually came back, he went out to center field.
Churubusco (20-11) started the season off with a couple of losses, then won 10 straight and the last third of the season, it was .500 baseball.
"It helped our team depth," Churubusco veteran coach Mark Grove said. "It made us stronger. Our three seniors (Brudi, Liggett, Brandon Hiatt) led us through the tough times."
Now the Eagles face No. 6 Boone Grove (26-3) in the second game Saturday at South Bend's Coveleski Stadium.
"We will have our hands full," Grove said. "They have held their own against with a good schedule and have one of the best records in the state."
- By Greg Jones, The Journal Gazette
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