by MARK CAUL

Lehman’s Justin Vajgert slides into second base safely during the Lobos’ 8-7 comeback win over manor last week. (Photo by Judy Cooper)

When sophomore shortstop Nick Cerda’s walk-off monster shot cleared the fence at Lobo Field, the massive amount of noise coming from the stands could probably be heard at the local Dairy Queen.

Cerda’s blast gave the Lobos a thrilling 8-7 come-from-behind win over Manor, a team that had given them all kinds of fits over the past two seasons.

“They have played very well against us,” Lehman head coach Toby Robinson said. “Tonight was a game we needed to have for our confidence. Nick got a fat pitch to hit and he drilled it. Huge win for us.”

The two teams fought to an early season 6-6 tie in the Ingram Tournament back in early March but the Mustangs were able to deliver a 15-5 win in the first district meeting between the two teams in Manor.

Late in the game, it appeared as though Manor would continue their winning ways against Robinson’s squad as they led 7-4 with Lehman down to their last two outs.

That’s when Lehman’s Joey Hernandez doubled into the gap and then was singled in by Tre Abeita to pull the Lobos closer at 7-5.

Then after Cesar Ornelas grounded out for the second out of the inning, JP Flores walked on four pitches to set the stage for Cerda’s heroics.

Cerda smashed the second pitch he saw from Manor’s Keith Meredith deep over the left field fence and was mobbed by his teammates as he crossed the plate.

“I was hoping he would throw me a fastball and when I saw it I just swung as hard as I could.” Cerda said. “I knew it was gone when I hit it.”

The game-winning round-tripper was the second of the game for Cerda, who went 3-for-3 with five RBIs to pace Lehman’s offensive attack. Cerda added a solo shot in the bottom of the third inning to give the Lobos their first lead 2-1.

“Nick has been hitting the ball really well lately,” Robinson said. “He’s done a good job of not getting frustrated when he was struggling a little bit and continuing to work hard in the cage. He gave us a huge lift tonight.”

Lehman (3-4) now finds itself in a two-way battle for third place with Del Valle and Elgin in the District 17 4-A standings with only five games remaining. All three teams have identical records in district play.

The Lobos are scheduled to host both schools this week.