Edison Beats Burbank in 9th; Brink Drives In Winning Run

Edison catcher Darren Brink singled to drive in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Chargers an 8-7 second-round victory over Burbank. Darren Weaver opened the Edison ninth with a double. Burbank Coach Dave Johnson elected to intentionally walk Matt Harrell and pitch to Brink, who batted .453 during the season. Brink hit Burbank pitcher Jason Chandler’s second pitch into right field, scoring Harrell and advancing the Chargers to the 5-A quarterfinals Friday.

“I was surprised they decided to pitch to me, but I was glad they did. He (Chandler) gave me the fastball I was looking for,” Brink said.

The Chargers (15-12) took a 6-4 lead after three innings. Ryan Bellitz tripled to drive in Brink and Harrell in the first inning. Brink’s double drove in Weaver in the second.

Burbank scored three runs in the top of the fourth to make it 7-6. Edison Coach Paul Harrell brought in Shawn Allbee (6-4), who struck out eight and allowed one hit.

Edison, third-place finisher in the Sunset League, tied the score, 7-7, in the bottom of the sixth. Mike Cunningham doubled to start the inning, and scored on Bill Mullee’s single.