The top-ranked (AAA) Indians earned a split on Saturday in the Eastern Panhandle against the number-one team in AAAA. In the opener, Bridgeport built an early cushion and then held off a late Jefferson rally. The Indians broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when an error plated two runs. Bridgeport added to the lead from there, with Owen Sondericker, Kasen Baun, and Cole Arnett each driving in a run.

Jefferson made things interesting late, trimming a five-run deficit to just two, but Guy Avolio went the distance to secure the win. The right-hander allowed just four hits and three unearned runs over seven innings while striking out four and walking two.

Arnett paced the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, while Jax McNally swiped two bases. Sondericker, Baun, and Arnett each drove in a run.

In the opener, Jefferson answered with a 7-4 victory. The Cougars struck first with two runs in the opening inning before Bridgeport responded in the third. Sondericker and Baun each lifted sacrifice flies, and Avolio added an RBI single to give the Indians a 3-2 advantage.

Avolio, McNally, and Arnett each recorded two hits for Bridgeport. Sondericker, Avolio, Baun, and Arnett all drove in runs, while Dunn and Baun each drew two walks. The Indians also turned two double plays defensively.

Sondericker took the loss despite a solid outing, allowing seven runs—only three earned—over six innings while striking out five without issuing a walk.

Bridgeport will hit the road at North Marion on Monday.