In a highly anticipated No. 1 seed versus No. 2 seed matchup at Ranger Ballpark, the Raccoon baseball team clinched the District 9-5A title with a 4-0 victory over the Lone Star Rangers. The game unfolded as a tightly contested affair through the first six innings, marked by strong defensive performances from both teams as both squads were tied 0-0 until the sixth inning.
The turning point came at the beginning of the sixth inning when sophomore Jayson Bustamente’s hit to center field brought home seniors Michael Catalano and Tom Mulkern, propelling the Raccoons to a 2-0 lead.
The offensive batting success continued for the Raccoons later in the top of the sixth by senior first baseman John Larkin, who was returning to the lineup after recovering from a forearm injury he sustained against The Colony in early April. Larkin, on his second swing of the at-bat, hit a home run that went well out of the Ranger’s ballpark and tallied two more runs for the Racoons, bolstering the lead to 4-0.
On the mound, Landon Karrh, who is committed to Baylor University for baseball, delivered a much-needed performance, limiting the Lone Star offense to just two hits throughout the game. Karrh’s pitching prowess played a crucial role in securing the victory for the Raccoons.
The absence of Head Coach Steven De La Cerda was a non-factor for Assistant Coach Zachary James, who assumed interim head coaching duties and guided the team to success.
With the top seed in District 9-5A secured, the Raccoons now await the outcome of tonight’s games in District 10-5A to determine their first-round playoff opponent. As it stands now, they are positioned for a potential rematch against the Liberty Redhawks, whom they faced in last year’s first-round matchup, where they lost 1-2 in their three-game series. If they were to face off again in the postseason, it would be one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the Bi-District round.
Despite the outcome of their final regular-season game against Lone Star tonight at Smothermon Field the Raccoons will retain the top seed. Now the team remains focused on their ultimate goal of postseason success. The team this season has eleven total seniors, making it the Raccoons’ year for a potential state title run.
