CUB BASEBALL SUFFERS FIRST DISTRICT LOSS AT THE HANDS OF RUDDER

Cellar dwellers no more. The Rudder Rangers Baseball Team pulled off a 2-0 upset victory over the Brenham Cubs last (Wednesday) night at Boenker Field in Navasota.

For the Cubs, they have already clinched the District 17-5A Championship. However, Rudder needs two wins over Brenham and some help in order to clinch a playoff spot. Part one of the Rangers plan came to fruition.

Despite a one-hour delay because of rain and lightning, Rudder's Robert Rico, and Brenham's Luke Hardy engaged in an epic pitcher's duel.

Both pitchers kept the game scoreless for the first three innings.

In the top of the fourth, Rudder's Shortstop Aiden Gray reached on a single. His teammate, Jay Hernandez laid down a sacrifice bunt to get him to second base. Next, Gray took third after a wild pitch.

The first run scored when Gray stole home, while at the same time the batter struck out. The umpire allowed the run to stand.

In the top of the fifth, Rudder added another run. Parker Jones singled, and then came around to score later in the frame on a Brenham throwing error to make it 2-0.

The Cubs had their chances in the final three innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Landry Mendoza led it off with a single, but it was erased on a double play.

In the bottom of the sixth, Dalton Hart led off with a triple, but was then left stranded following two strikeouts and a ground out.

Brenham had one more chance in the bottom of the seventh inning. They loaded the bases, but failed to score. Anthony Menchaca came on in relief of Rico to get the final two outs and preserve the win.

The Cubs and the Rangers wrap up their district schedule tonight (Thursday) at 7pm at Caldwell High School. KWHI will have live coverage beginning with the pregame at 6:35pm on KWHI 1280AM, 101.7 FM, and KWHI.com.

HITTING

Dalton Hart 1-4 triple

Owen Finke 1-3 single

Luke Hardy 1-2 single, walk

Landry Mendoza 1-2 single, walk

PITCHING

LP Luke Hardy 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 H, 11 K's