Grandview Heights — The count was 0-2. The pitch was there. And for Leo Bernardo, it felt like déjà vu.
For the second time this week, Leo Bernardo came through against Grandview Heights, delivering a go-ahead, eventual game-winning RBI single to lift Worthington Christian to a 2-1 victory over the Bobcats and complete a season sweep.
Scoreless through 4 1/2 innings, Grandview Heights broke through against Worthington Christian starter Josiah Colley. With the bases loaded, Jack Clifford singled home Zach Loy to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead with only one out.
Colley settled in from there, striking out Roman Dye and inducing a popout in foul territory to end the threat. In a moment that could have turned costly, Colley stayed composed.
“I had to just settle myself, take a breath, and say a prayer,” Colley said. “That was a moment to take control of the game instead of letting it take control of me.”
In the sixth inning, Worthington Christian’s offense rewarded that composure. With two runners on, a Grandview Heights error allowed Eli Kraynak to score the tying run.
With one out and the go-ahead run in scoring position, Bernardo stepped in for another clutch moment. This time, it just didn’t need to be a walk-off.
“It was a fastball right down the middle and I got a little happy,” Bernardo said. “I swung and it died a little bit, but it found the gap over there.”
His line drive to left scored Austin Robbel and gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead, with a bigger inning still brewing. Grandview Heights escaped further damage with a strikeout-double play with the bases loaded, but the damage was done.
It proved enough for the Warriors. Colley delivered six quality innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out five for his second straight win, a performance that continued to boost his confidence.
“I feel everything is going good, the preseason really helped with getting my mechanics down,” Colley said. “I ask God to give me peace of mind and straight forward thinking out there.”
To finish the sweep, Bernardo took the mound in the seventh and earned the save, allowing a hit but sealing the win over Grandview Heights: another full-circle moment in a week filled with déjà vu.
The Warriors open a series with Bishop Ready on Monday. Sitting at 5-1 in the CBL, Worthington Christian will look to carry its momentum and confidence forward as it pushes toward a league title.
“We can’t be quiet, we have to keep our energy up and have a good mentality,” Bernardo said. “Everyone is just trying to compete and be the best they can be. We don’t have any individuals, just a team.”
Worthington Christian (5-5, 4-1) host their series opener Monday against Bishop Ready (2-6, 2-4) in CBL action.
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