Nine Central Texas high school baseball teams got the job done in Game 1 of their regional semifinal series Thursday, putting themselves one step closer to the UIL state tournament. From pitching duels to walk-off heroics, the third round of the playoffs delivered plenty of drama.
Lake Travis 1, Laredo United South 0
Cooper Webb was in total command on the mound, firing a one-hit shutout with nine strikeouts to lead the Cavs. The game's only run came in the second inning when Elliott Proppe singled and later crossed the plate. CJ Hansford added a double and Luke McBride chipped in a single to round out Lake Travis' offense.
Cedar Ridge 12, Johnson 3
The Raiders' bats came alive thanks to 10 walks drawn at the plate. Kasen Langerhans drove in four runs, while Noah Olivas and Paul Hernandez Jr. each knocked in two. Jake Shoemaker also added a run-scoring single. On the mound, Sawyer Neugent struck out five over five innings, scattering five hits, and Bryson Batton tossed two scoreless innings of relief. For Johnson, Cooper Knight ripped a two-run single and Brenly Oaks collected two hits.
Westlake 4, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo 2
August Collard was the star for Westlake, blasting a two-run homer and also tossing 1⅓ innings of scoreless relief. Hayes Brodhead was sharp on the mound, striking out eight and allowing no earned runs over 5⅔ innings. Hayden Chung added an RBI triple, while Jacob Dieterichs delivered a run-scoring single. Lane Johnson and Anderson Gerault also contributed hits in the win.
Dripping Springs 3, La Joya 2
The Tigers pulled off a thrilling comeback when Jason Steele ripped an RBI triple in the top of the seventh to break a 2-2 tie. Steele finished 3-for-3 with two extra-base hits and two RBIs. Breydan Madeley added a run-scoring single, and Jake Pardue went 3-for-4 to pace the offense. Cade Sanders allowed just one earned run in 4⅓ innings, while Nixon Badilla struck out four in 2⅔ innings of relief.
Rouse 8, CC Veterans Memorial 7
This one had all the drama. The Raiders entered the bottom of the seventh trailing 7-6 before mounting a rally. Joe Lundeen walked and Liam Mongold singled, then Scott Knight's bunt led to an error that scored the tying run. With the game on the line, Adolfo Erives delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly to score Mongold and cap the comeback victory.
With Game 1 wins under their belts, these teams now look to close out their series and keep their championship dreams alive.