By Charles Dee.
The highly regarded Dripping Spring Tigers scored a run in the top of the seventh to hand the Hays High Rebels an opening night 6-5 loss in the first game of the 2014 baseball season.
The Tigers built a lead with a run in the second following a pair of Rebel errors, added two more in the third inning using four well placed singles and then dropped a two run bomb in the fifth to go up by five.
Tiger pitcher Lake Dabney cruised through the first five innings, allowing only two hits. Trailing 5-0, the Rebs fought back in the sixth when consecutive singles by Devin Palm, Mike Gonzales and Justin Montana loaded the bases. After a pair of force outs at the plate, Justin Diaz’s fly ball to right narrowly evaded the Tiger second baseman’s outstretched glove to push across the first Rebel run. Nate Scott then stepped to the plate and rode a fast ball over the left field fence for a grand slam to tie the score. The Rebs’ threat in the seventh was ended as Justin Montana’s fly ball to right was chased down for the last out.
At top: Hays Rebel first baseman Justin Diaz positions to take a pickoff throw during Tuesday’s season opening home game against in-county rival Dripping Springs.(Photo by Rafael Marquez) |
The Rebel pitchers, Tyler Woodmansee, Calvin Coker and Mike Gonzales, combined for nine strikeouts in the loss. The Rebels return to action at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Austin Bowie at Burger Baseball field.
