SOFTBALL: Jefferson avenges loss to Owls with blowout victory

Mustangs’ win ties them with Highlands for fourth in 28-4A

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More than mere revenge was at stake Friday when Jefferson took on Highlands at Mary Ann Villarreal Field No. 2.

The Mustangs (8-9, 4-5) wanted payback for their March 7 loss to Highlands (7-10, 4-5), but they stood to gain something more valuable. With a commanding 11-1 victory, Jefferson tied the Owls for fourth place in District 28-4A with just three games remaining.

The top four finishers in each district qualify for the postseason. Brennan (18-3, 9-0) has clinched a playoff berth and Edison (9-11, 7-1) has all but locked up another. Brackenridge (13-9-1, 5-3) is in third place and holds a two-game lead on the Mustangs and Owls.

“We’ve all come together this year, better than any other season,” Jefferson senior pitcher Mary Loera said. “We wanted to win tonight and try to get into the playoffs.”

Both senior-dominated teams understandably have their sights set on qualifying. Jefferson wants to keep its streak alive after making the cut last year. Highlands hasn’t made the playoffs for about 10 years.

“Essentially, it’s about the same team,” Highlands coach Tracy Guadarrama said, comparing this year’s squad to her 2013 team. “Things have kind of clicked for them. They’re tougher mentally. They have more confidence in themselves and a stronger belief they can win.”

The Owls won the first meeting against Jefferson 16-8 on March 7.

“Last time, we came in on a high,” Jefferson coach Jennifer Gomez said. “We were really coming off a big win over Lanier and good game against Brennan. Last time, they just blew us away because we came in with too much confidence.

“This time we were more relaxed but, also, with more (determination) to win.”

It was a battle of twoteams with a sizable emotional investment in qualifying for the playoffs this year. Jefferson, remarkably, has 10 seniors on its roster. Highlands has six.

Highlands took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Jessica Garza led off the inning with a leadoff double to the left-center field gap. Natalie Zuniga brought her home with an RBI single.

Loera retired the next 11 Owls batters in order until opposing pitcher Samantha Lopez reached base on an error in the sixth.

“Mary just kind of took control,” Gomez said.

So, too, did Jefferson’s offense.

The Mustangs scored their first two runs in the fourth when senior Melanie Sheppard hit a booming RBI double and scored on a throwing error. They added three more in the fifth, aided by three of the Owls’ eight errors and one of Becky Rodriguez’s three hits – an RBI single.

Trailing 5-1, Highlands’ problems seemed to snowball.

A single by clean-up hitter Stephanie Munoz and a pair of Mustangs errors loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth. Jefferson third baseman Amber Maldonado, who contributed two hits, threw to the plate for a force out and Loera induced a come-backer to extinguish the threat.

“I think, mostly, the girls weren’t swinging the bat,” Guadarrama said. “They were waiting too late in the count to start swinging.”

The diminutive senior kept the ball on the ground, for the most part, following a third inning in which Jefferson right fielder Christina Pedraza made two putouts and had an assist. Pedraza accounted for all three outs, including throwing out a Highlands runner at first.

“I think everything was working,” Loera said. “I was able to mix up my pitches. The inside (pitches) were what I was getting them on.”

Loera’s performance was all the more impressive, coming against a team that has scored 12 or more runs five times in 28-4A games.

“Our offense has been pretty solid,” Guadarrama said. “Defensively, we always have some errors, but our offense always seems to be able to cover them. That game, we got too far behind and there was no way to recover..”

Jefferson produced 13 hits to offset its three errors. The Mustangs’ knockout kick was a six-run sixth inning, prolonged by four Highlands errors.

“We gave them too many extra outs,” Guadarrama said.

The big hits in the Jefferson sixth were supplied by catcher Grace Chavez, who had an RBI single and shortstop Bianca Nunez, who followed it with a run-scoring triple. Nunez finished with three hits.

“We kept our mistakes down,” Gomez said. “We knew we could get base hits or put the ball in play. We wanted to make them make a play on it. If we did that, we knew we’d be able to push them to make errors.”

With such an over-abundance of seniors, Highlands’ leadership equation has potential for disaster. The phrase “too many cooks spoil the soup” might apply.

Instead, Loera sees herself and her fellow seniors as an over-sized support group.

“Basically everybody (is a leader),” Loera said. “We can all take criticism, from each and every one of us. This year, I think we’re more mature. All the seniors have come together better.”

Gomez concurs.

“Each one of them contributes in her own way,” Gomez said. “Melo (Sheppard) is the outfield leader. Mary and Grace (Chavez) are the infield leaders. But they all take the leadership role, across the board.”

Highlands will, no doubt, be drawing in its leadership during the district’s stretch run.

The Owls are slated to face Lanier 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at Villarreal Field No. 2. Then they’ll run the gauntlet, finishing against district-leading Brennan Friday at field No. 3 (7:15 p.m.) and third-place Brackenridge April 17.

“We’re going to have tough games,” Guadarrama said, “but we can’t worry about what (other teams) are doing. We’re capable of winning all three. It’s a matter of the determination and confidence we go into it with.”

For Jefferson to return to the playoffs, its figurative road will wind through Brackenridge 7:15 p.m. Friday on field No. 2 and second-place Edison April 17, with a stop in between to play Burbank.

After a break from 28-4A competition Tuesday, Gomez’s thoughts are on Brackenridge.

“That’s going to be the other big game we have to win,” she said. “If we can take that, for sure, we’re in the playoffs.”

Friday’s game convinced the 16th-year Jefferson coach that the Mustangs are on the right track.

“They’re playing like a team that wants to go to the next level,” Gomez said. “They’re stepping up their game and playing with confidence.”

BASEBALL: Edison wins with hitless, walk-off rally

Golden Bears tie Highlands for fourth in 29-4A

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Edison got hits throughout Friday afternoon’s District 28-4A game at SAISD Field No. 1. Then, when the Golden Bears really needed runs, they found a way to score without the benefit of a base hit.

The Golden Bears (3-13, 3-5) helped create a crazy situation in the district with a 4-3 walk-off win over Highlands (8-11, 3-5). The win, coupled with Jefferson’s upset of third-place Lanier, forged a three-way tie for fourth-place in 28-4A.

“This was a great win,” veteran Edison coach Billy Montemayor said. “It put the kids on top of the district. They’re finding ways to get better. They’re so young.”

Edison had nine hits in the game, but had none in the seventh inning.

The unlikely ending unfolded with one out in the seventh. Highlands starter Justin Sanchez hit Edison’s Nate Jimenez with a pitch. First-year Owls coach Stephen Jauregui then decided it was time to make a change, citing both Sanchez’s pitch count and the result of the pitch.

“At that point, it was just a high pitch count and the top of the order was coming up,” Jauregui said. “We were looking at their 2-3-4 hitters. I took a chance with a faster arm to see if he could get their tough guys out. I took a chance to get out of the inning.”

Freshman Bryan Aguilar entered in relief for Highlands and also hit a batsman. Julio Alvarez, the soon-to-be winning pitcher, took first base and the Golden Bears’ top hitter, Julian Cortez, moved to the batter’s box. Highlands opted to issue him an intentional walk.

Cortez already had two hits.

“He’s probably batting .500 or .600 in the district,” Montemayor said. “He’s a tough kid who finds a way to get on. We call him ‘Curls’ because of his hair.”

That’s when chaos unfolded.

A wild pitch brought in the tying run with cleanup hitter Alec Suarez in the batter’s box. With two runners on base, Suarez hit a grounder that enabled Alvarez to cross the plate with the winning run.

“In district, we’ve started hitting the ball more and making less mistakes,” said Alvarez, a senior left-hander who limited the Owls to three hits. “We’ve just continued to improve on that.

“Right now, it feels great. We won the game, and we played pretty well, too.”

Highlands had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth. Josh Ortega led off with a double, advanced on Gus Castro’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Ryan Bailey’s ground out.

Edison’s upset win preceded one from Jefferson (5-14, 3-5), which also moved into fourth. Idle Burbank (2-5 in district) was just a half-game behind in seventh. The top four finishers will qualify for the playoffs.

Brennan (14-6-1, 7-1) remained in first place with a 6-1 win over second-place Brackenridge (9-8, 5-2).

Highlands, alone in fourth when the game began, didn’t own the lead until the sixth. Alvarez retired the first nine Owls batters in order, without surrendering a hit.

“Jose pitched fantastic,” Montemayor said. “I think he’s probably the best pitcher in the district. .”

Alvarez features a high leg kick, reminiscent of San Francisco Giants Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal. The senior said he uses it as a timing mechanism.

“I’ve always had it, since I first started pitching,” Alvarez said. “I didn’t pick it up as much when I was in seventh grade, but when I started getting stronger, I started picking it up higher. It helps me a lot, too.

“It makes me stay around the plate.”

Edison scored first, when Jimenez hit a smash which handcuffed Jefferson’s third baseman and drove in a run. The Owls tied it a short time later after Aguilar led off the fourth with a double. Ortega made it 1-1 with a sacrifice fly.

The Golden Bears jumped ahead in the bottom of the fourth. Cortez, Tristen Pequeno and

Chris Velez lined singles. Velez collected the RBI with one out, but Edison stranded two runners in the fourth and left the bases loaded in the fifth.

“(Sanchez) did pretty well,” Jauregui said. “I told him to just get out there and throw strikes. He made them swing the bat. He did what I asked him to.”

Edison left the door open for Highlands, which manufactured runs in both innings.

Owls catcher-shortstop John Cruz started the fifth with an infield single. He advanced on Gabriel Gomez’s bunt. A dropped third strike – on what should have been the third out of the inning – enabled Cruz to make it 2-2 in the top of the fifth.

Highlands made efficient use of its offensive chances. The Owls only left three runners on base.

“Offensively, I thought we did a good job,” Jauregui said. “We’ve been stressing aggressive baserunning. They made a few errors, which helped us out, but we did a good job of making contact and limiting strikeouts.”

Edison, which entered district play winless after absorbing heavy graduation losses, takes a break from district play Tuesday. The Golden Bears will returns to action with a tough challenge against Brackenridge 7 p.m. Friday at SAISD No. 2.

“It’s a very young group of kids, but they’re great kids,” Montemayor said. “They all make grades but, with baseball, they’ve been a little slow to (learn).

“We can get better, and I think we’ll continue to get better. They’re young, but they’re finding a way to win.”

Highlands aims to bounce back Tuesday in a 7 p.m. game at SAISD No. 1. The Owls are slated to play Lanier at 4:30 p.m. Friday on field No. 1.

They are two games that could go a long way toward defining Highlands’ playoff potential in a district gone off the rails.

“Lanier losing to Jefferson was good for us,” Jauregui said. “We’re hoping to take care of business against Jefferson. Then, if Brennan beats Lanier, we’ll play Lanier on Friday in a must-win game.”

BASEBALL WEEKEND REPORT: South San holds second in 28-5A with improbable win over Hornets

Chaos reigns in District 28-4A, all seven teams in playoff hunt

TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, East Central, Jefferson, Lanier, McCollum, Memorial, South San, Southside, Southwest.

South San erased a huge deficit and won the game it needed to secure second-place in District 28-5A Friday.

The Bobcats (13-7, 3-1) avoided a second-consecutive district loss Friday, edging East Central (10-7-2, 0-4) 7-6 at South San’s Burrows-Gustafson Field. Their good fortune didn’t hold up Saturday afternoon, as Burbank won a non-district game at the field.

However, the win over the hard-luck Hornets and Southwest’s victory over Corpus Christi King – the only 28-5A team to defeat South San so far – bumped the Bobcats up to second. Corpus Christi Carroll (19-3, 4-0) leads the district.

East Central, which dropped its second one-run decision in the district, scored the game’s first six runs.

The Hornets oroduced a single run in the first inning and tacked on five in the fourth. The Bobcats scored their first run in the fifth. They also manufactured a five-run rally, tying the score 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth. South San notched the decisive run in the bottom of the seventh.

South San recorded 11 hits to East Central’s six. Bobcats senior John Gamez was the winning pitcher.

Jefferson 5, Lanier 1

On the heels of Edison’s upset victory, the Mustangs (5-14, 3-5) sprung one of their own in District 28-4A. Jefferson downed third-place Lanier (7-11, 4-4) Friday at SAISD Field No. 2.

Although Lanier held its ground in 28-4A despite the loss, Edison (3-13, 3-5) had defeated Highlands (8-11, 3-5) 4-3 earlier Friday to help bring about a three-way tie for fourth. Idle Burbank (2-5 in district) found itself just a half-game off the playoff pace in the jam-packed district.

Brennan (14-6-1, 7-1) remained in first place with a 6-1 win over second-place Brackenridge (9-8, 5-2).

Jefferson broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the fourth inning against Lanier. The Mustangs added a run in the fourth before the Voks broke the ice in the top of the fifth.

Miguel Montoto led Jefferson with three hits. Pitchers Victor Morales and Cesar Carranza limited Lanier to two hits. Morales struck out five in six innings and was the winning pitcher.

McCollum 6, Floresville 4

The Cowboys (16-3, 7-1) held down their share of first place in District 29-4A Friday at the Frank Tejeda Complex, on the strength of a fifth-inning rally that subdued third-place Floresville (11-7, 5-3). Co-leader Medina Valley (15-5-1, 7-1) also maintained its position with a 10-0 win over Harlandale (8-10, 4-4).

McCollum was tied 1-1 at the end of the first inning. The visiting Tigers claimed the lead with three runs in the second. The five-run Cowboys uprising in the fifth completed the scoring.

Cowboys senior Jesse Medina was the winning pitcher, striking out 14 and surrendering four hits. All of Floresville’s runs were unearned.

McCollum finished with nine hits.

Southwest 2, Corpus Christi King 1

The Dragons (9-8-1, 2-2) forged a tie for third place in District 28-5A with a win over Corpus Christi King (9-5, 2-2) Friday at Southwest.

Southwest junior John Cerda won the pitcher’s duel against King’s Dylan Delgadillo, with help from two Dragons runs in the fourth inning. Cerda held the Mustangs to three hits. Southwest had two hits.

King had taken a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

Memorial 4, Southside 3

The Minutemen (6-12, 3-5) defeated District 29-4A rival Southside (4-14, 1-7) for the second time this season Friday at Southside. The victory moved Memorial into a tie for fifth place with Uvalde (6-12-1, 3-5).

Memorial took control with a three-run second inning and held off the Cardinals, who scored twice in the inning. The Minutemen scored again in the third for a two-run cushion. Southside scored its last run in the fourth.

Minutemen senior pitcher Ivan DeAnda, who shut out Southside March 7, limited the Cardinals to three hits.

Burbank 9, South San 6

The Bulldogs (5-14-1) used their break from 28-4A competition well, winning at South San Saturday.

The teams were tied 1-1 through three innings. Burbank produced the first big inning, striking for five runs in the fourth.

South San closed to 6-3 in the bottom of the inning, but the Bulldogs responded with two more runs in the fifth. It was enough for them to hold off a three-run fourth from their hosts.

Burbank senior Jonathan Alanis was the winning pitcher.

SOFTBALL WEEKEND REPORT: Dragons get revenge, capture first in 28-5A

Holy Cross ends TAPPS 3-4A play with big win

TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank, Holy Cross, Memorial, South San, Southside, Southwest.

Southwest (22-7, 5-1) avenged an earlier loss to South San (10-11-1, 2-4) Friday and took full custody of the District 28-5A lead in the process.
The Dragons routed the Bobcats 11-1at Southwest. They had been tied with East Central (19-5, 4-2) prior to the game, but the Hornets lost 1-0 to Corpus Christi Carroll (19-4, 4-2) Friday in Corpus Christi, dropping those two teams into a tie for second place.
South San got off to a promising start, just as it had in its first meeting March 13 scoring a run in the top of the first inning. This time, district-leading Southwest took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the inning and never relinquished it. The Bobcats didn’t score in the last four innings and Southwest put the game away with five runs in the fourth.
Kamerie Vidales and Miranda Gonzales both hit home runs for the Dragons. Sophomore pitcher Caitlin Terrazas limited South San to two hits. The Bobcats had nine in a 13-8 win at South San.
Southwest, which finished with 11 hits, will put its five-game winning steak on the line 7 p.m. Tuesday at East Central.
The Bobcats are tied for fourth in 28-5A with Steele (14-20, 2-4).
Holy Cross 12, Austin Hyde Park Baptist 2 (5 innings)
The Knights (23-8-1, 7-1) wrapped up the TAPPS District 3-4A season with a decisive win over Austin Hyde Park Baptist (5-2 in district) Saturday at Holy Cross.
Hyde Park took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Holy Cross senior pitcher Julia Ibarra found her rhythm thereafter and limited the Bears to three hits.
The Knights, who won their third game of the week, wiped out the Austin team’s lead with seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. Holy Cross scored again in the second and put the 10-run rule into play with five more in the fifth.
Holy Cross finished with 11 hits. The Knights will play next in 3-4A district tournament against an opponent to be determined.
Brackenridge 14, Burbank 4 (5 innings)
Burbank put up a fight but was eventually overwhelmed by the rival Eagles (13-9-1, 5-3) Friday at Villarreal Field No. 1.
The Bulldogs (3-16-1, 0-8) scored a run in the top of the first in the District 29-4A game. Third-place Brackenridge tied the score in the bottom of the inning and went on to establish a 6-1 advantage in the second inning, with help from Allie Castillo’s three-run double.
Burbank pulled within 6-4 in the fourth inning, but Brackenridge erupted for five runs in the bottom of the inning before the Bulldogs were able to record a second out. The Eagles scored three more in the fifth to put the 10-run rule into effect.

Southside 16, Memorial 6 (5 innings)

The Cardinals (5-17, 2-8) ended a six-game losing streak with a District 29-4A victory over Memorial (1-16, 0-10) Friday at Southside.
Southside jumped out to an 8-0 lead in its first at-bat and had a nine-run cushion through two innings. The Minutemen rallied to within 9-5 in the top of the third inning. The Cardinals scored five runs in the next two frames.
Isabel Gonzalez was the winning pitcher for Southside. She only allowed the Minutemen four hits.

SOFTBALL: Providence vs. Antonian photo gallery, April 2, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Providence infielder Kirstyn Garcia scoops up a grounder.

Antonian freshman Tarin Travieso was the winning pitcher and helped her cause by hitting a home run.

Providence catcher Marissa Olvera frames a pitch.

Antonian's Brittany Gonzalez throws across the infield. — Antonian’s Brittany Gonzalez throws across the infield.

Providence pitcher Karley Rosales bears down.

BASEBALL: Burbank vs. Highlands photo gallery, March 28, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Burbank's Arturo Martinez fields a chopper. — Burbank’s Arturo Martinez fields a chopper.

Joshua Ortega makes contact for Highlands. Ortega had a single and scored an Owls run.

Burbank starter Tristan Settles unleashes a pitch.

Highlands shortstop Steven Martinez settles under an infield pop up.

BASEBALL: Area playoff picture (thru April 12)

Baseball playoff picture

These are the area teams that have a chance to qualify for the playoffs (in alphabetical order):

Through April 12

ALREADY QUALIFIED: Brackenridge (11-8, 7-2).

LIKELY QUALIFIERS: Central Catholic (15-11, 5-3), Highlands (9-11, 5-5), McCollum (17-4, 8-2), South San (13-8, 3-3), Southwest (11-8-1, 4-2).

POSSIBLE QUALIFIERS: Burbank (5-16-1, 2-7), Edison (3-15, 3-6), Harlandale (9-11, 5-5), Jefferson (5-15, 3-6), Kennedy (6-13, 2-8), Lanier (7-13, 4-6), Memorial (6-14, 3-7).

SOFTBALL: Area playoff picture (thru April 12)

Softball playoff picture

These are the area teams that have a chance to qualify for the playoffs (in alphabetical order):

Through April 12

ALREADY QUALIFIED: Brackenridge (15-9-1, 7-3), East Central (20-6, 5-3), Edison (10-12, 8-2), Holy Cross (23-9-1, 7-1), McCollum (14-5, 9-2), Southwest (23-7, 6-1).

LIKELY QUALIFIERS: None.

POSSIBLE QUALIFIERS: Highlands (8-11-1, 5-6), Jefferson (8-11, 4-6), South San (10-13-1, 2-6).

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL MID-WEEK REPORT: Holy Cross snares two softball wins

Central Catholic baseball smacks John Paul II

TEAMS INCLUDED: Central Catholic, Holy Cross, Providence.

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Holy Cross (22-8-1, 6-1) thumped San Antonio Christian Tuesday and earned an impressive win over Incarnate Word (13-20) Wednesday.

The Knights blanked San Antonio Christian 10-0 as senior Julia Ibarra pitched a two-hitter. Offensively, Holy Cross scored in the first inning and had a 7-0 advantage after two in the TAPPS 3-4A game at San Antonio Christian.

The Knights used a five-run fifth inning to defeat Incarnate Word at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Holy Cross had taken a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but the Shamrocks tied it in the fourth. The Knights finished with seven hits. Ibarra held Incarnate Word to six hits. Holy Cross accumulated 10 hits.

Saturday, Holy Cross will end its regular season with a 2 p.m. home game against Austin Regents ( in district). The Knights begin play in the 3-4A district tournament next Tuesday.

Central Catholic baseball 13, Corpus Christi John Paul II 6

The Buttons (12-9, 3-1) came back from a 4-2 deficit to win the TAPPS District 2-5A game over Corpus Christi John Paul II Wednesday in Corpus Christi.

Central Catholic trailed by two runs after two innings, but took control with a five-run rally in the third. The Buttons led 9-4 in the top of the fourth, before John Paul scored its last two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Senior Jonathan Ramirez hit a home run for Central Catholic. Chris Olvera was the winning pitcher.

Antonian 24, Providence softball 1 (5 innings)

The Apaches (18-7) blasted Providence in a TAPPS District 2-5A game Wednesday at Mission Concepcion Sports Park.

Leading 6-0 after two innings, Antonian scored 17 runs in the next two frames. The Provets scored in the bottom of the fourth.

Apaches freshman pitcher Tarin Travieso pitched a three-hitter and hit a home run.

SOFTBALL: Area rankings (thru April 3)

Through April 3

TOP 15:

1. Southwest

2. East Central

3. Holy Cross

4. McCollum

5. Edison

6. Brackenridge

7. South San

8. Highlands

9. Jefferson

10. Harlandale

11. Kennedy

12. Providence

13. Southside

14. Lanier

15. Burbank

BASEBALL: Area rankings (thru April 3)

Through April 3

TOP 15:

1. McCollum

2. Central Catholic

3. South San

4. East Central

5. Brackenridge

6. Southwest

7. Harlandale

8. Highlands

9. Burbank

10. Kennedy

11. Holy Cross

12. Southside

13. Lanier

14. Memorial

15. Jefferson

BASEBALL WEEKEND REPORT: McCollum withstands Indians rally to earn share of 29-4A lead

Lanier takes third in 28-4A with win over Edison

TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Holy Cross, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lanier, McCollum, Memorial.

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

In a matchup of two of the hottest teams in District 29-4A, not to mention arguably the two most-heated rivals, McCollum (15-3, 6-1) did what it needed to do to move up into first place – after weathering a late scare from Harlandale (8-9, 4-3).

The Cowboys took a 4-0 lead into the seventh Friday at the Frank Tejeda Complex, but the Indians were able to quickly make a game of it before Hector Arevalo was able to put out the fire. Arevalo earned the save in relief of starter Jesse Medina as McCollum escaped with a 4-3 win.

A short time earlier, Uvalde (5-12-1, 2-5) had upset district-leading Medina Valley (14-5-1, 6-1) 2-0. Coupled with McCollum’s win, the Panthers’ loss created a tie for first place. It was an unexpected bonus for the Cowboys.

“I’ll take it,” Cowboys coach Hector Delgadillo said. “I told the boys the district championship was still (in play). So we can put the first half behind us and go for the championship.

“This was the last game of the first round. I told them we’re not 6-1, we’re 0-0.”

McCollum notched its third-consecutive win while the loss ended Harlandale’s four-game winning streak, which lifted the Indians into fourth place in 29-4A.

The Cowboys took a 4-0 lead into the seventh last Friday at the Frank Tejeda Complex, but the Indians were able to quickly make a game of it before Hector Arevalo was able to put out the fire. Arevalo earned the save in relief of starter Jesse Medina as McCollum escaped with a 4-3 win.

“We had one big inning,” Delgadillo said., “and they had one at the end. Guys always want to go the distance, but after that second trip to the mound, I had to take him out. But (Hector) came in threw strikes. We made a couple of plays behind him and we got the win.”

Zach Perez, Richard Acosta and Ramzey Martinez all drove in Harlandale runs in the seventh. The rally began with walk to freshman Joey Castaneda and a single from Rogelio Gutierrez.

McCollum grabbed the lead on Dominick Ortiz’s first-inning single. Medina had an RBI hit in the Cowboys’ three-run fifth.

“Like I always tell the boys, ‘Let’s not look ahead,’ ” Delgadillo said. “We’ll enjoy the win tonight, then it’s time to get back to work.”

The road gets harder for Harlandale. The Indians will play Friday at Medina Valley.

It’ll be no picnic for McCollum, either. The Cowboys return to action Friday with a 6:30 p.m. game at the Tejeda Complex against third-place Floresville (11-6, 5-2).

“Getting two-out hits and two-strike hits,” Delgadillo said, “those are the things we have to get better at. I’m proud of the way the guys have been playing. Hopefully, we can keep improving, have a good second round and take it into the playoffs.”

Lanier 6, Edison 5

The Voks (7-10, 4-3) moved up to third place in District 28-4A with a win over Edison (2-13, 2-5) Friday at SAISD Field No. 1. Lanier scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to win its second-consecutive game.

Edison scored first in the top of the first inning. Lanier tied it in the third and added two more runs in the fourth. Trailing 3-1, the Golden Bears grabbed the lead once again with three runs in the fifth. They expanded the lead to two in the top of the sixth.

Joshua Esquivel (double, RBI), Jeremiah Esquivel (RBI) and Isaac Munoz all supplied two hits for the Voks.

Javier Lopez and Nathan Villela drove in one run apiece.

Lanier senior pitcher Hector DeHoyos struck out nine in the victory. Edison outhit the Voks 11-7.

Highlands 4, Burbank 3

The Owls (8-10, 3-4) slid into fourth place in District 28-4A with a win over Burbank (4-13-1, 2-4) last Friday at SAISD Field No. 1. The Bulldogs fell into a three-way tie for fifth in the seven-team district.

Burbank led 2-1 until Highlands produced a three-run rally in the fifth. The Bulldogs scored again in the top of the seventh, but couldn’t force extra innings.

Gustavo Castro drove in two runs for Highlands. Ryan Bailey and Daniel Martinez each added two hits. The Owls’ Justin Sanchez was the winning pitcher, limiting Burbank to four hits. Jeremy Moreno had three of the Bulldogs’ hits.

Kennedy 7, Memorial 1

The Rockets (6-10, 2-5) defeated their District 29-4A rival Memorial (5-13, 2-5) Friday at Kennedy, creating the same type of chaos at the bottom of the district standings that Medina Valley’s loss fostered at the top. The teams now share fifth place with Uvalde.

The game turned into the Fabian Del Toro show. The Kennedy sophomore hit two home runs and was the winning pitcher, limiting the Minutemen to four hits.

Kennedy struck for three runs in both the third and fourth innings. The Rockets added a single run in the fifth, while Memorial broke Del Toro’s shutout in the seventh.

BASEBALL WEEKEND REPORT: McCollum holds off Indians rally to earn share of 29-4A lead