by Moses Leos III
A five-run fifth inning was the difference Saturday for the Hays Rebels as they cruised to a 9-1 win over the district leading Bowie Bulldogs at Burger Field.
With the win, Hays improves to 11-4 in district play and climbs to within a half-game behind Bowie and Lake Travis with one district game left.
Hays Rebel starting pitcher Mike Gonzales earned the win, giving up one run on two hits and striking out seven in a complete game effort.
Hays held a 3-1 lead after an inning of play. The lead grew to 4-1 following a Tyler Wilson solo home run in the third inning.
The flood gates opened in the fifth frame as eleven Rebels went to bat in the inning, which led to five total runs crossing the plate.
Rebel first baseman David Riojas led the way by going 3 for 4 with three RBI's. Wilson went 2 for 3 with two RBI's and a home run.
