KYLE -— The Hays High School Hawks baseball team hosted the Bowie High School Bulldogs Saturday, April 18, in a tightly-contested nondistrict matchup that required extra innings before being decided.
Both teams struck early, scoring one run apiece in the opening inning. Bowie added another run in the third to take a 2–1 lead, but strong pitching and solid defensive play from both squads kept the game close throughout regulation.
The Hawks answered in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the seventh inning, pushing across the tying run to force extra innings and keep their hopes alive.
In the top of the eighth, the Bulldogs regained the lead with a go-ahead run to make it 3-2. Hays mounted a late rally in the bottom half of the inning with runners on first and second and an opportunity to even the score again. However, the Bulldogs pitcher made a standout defensive play, snagging a line drive and quickly firing to second base to complete a game-ending double play.
Despite the loss, the Hawks remain in strong position with a 9-3 district record and currently sit in second place in one of the most competitive districts in Central Texas.
Following the game, Hawks head coach Frank Anzures said his team continues to play competitive baseball as the postseason approaches.
“We’re playing solid baseball right now,” Anzures said. “We haven’t lost a game by more than three runs and this is one of the toughest districts in Central Texas. There were a few minor issues, but those are fixable. We treat every game the same, and we’ll be ready for Lehman and ready for the playoffs.”
The Hawks will close out the regular season Friday, April 24, on the road against Lehman High School, before turning their attention to postseason play.
