By Tom Behrens
And Now there is only one
The Katy Tigers are the remaining District 19-6A baseball team in UIL State Championship playoffs in Region 3.
Taylor Mustangs had to scratch and claw to earn the final seed in District 19-6A. Taylor prevailed 3-2 on the road, scoring twice in the seventh inning against Strake Jesuit; Matt Whelan worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half. The senior right hander struck out the side to force a winner-take-all playoff for District 19-6A’s final postseason berth.
The Taylor Mustangs faced Travis in Bi-district losing in two games, 13-3 and 5-3, eliminating the Mustangs from the playoffs.
Tompkins, 19-6A’s three-seed, eliminated the Kempner Cougars in three games, winning Games 1 and 3 11-10 (10 innings) and 5-4, respectively. Kempner took Game 2, 5-1 to force a decisive game but, ultimately fell victim to the Falcons, whose baseball and softball teams recorded their first playoff series wins, another first for the Tompkins sports history books.
Tompkins was defeated by Cy Ranch, 8-5 and 2-0.
Seven Lakes lost to Ridge Point in three games to Ridge Point, 3-2, 3-6, 10-0 (five innings).
Katy edged out Bellaire, 2-1 and 7-1 to advance to the regional quarterfinals where they will meet Travis on May 20.
Softball …
Might be wise to place your order for tickets to the State Championship game
The Lady Tigers of Katy survived a scare by Travis in their Bi-district playoff game, winning 3-0. Travis in the seventh inning had two runners on base in scoring position with the game tying run at home place with one out before Katy pitcher, Alyssa LeBlanc stopped the Travis uprising
LeBlanc allowed six hits, striking out eight and walked three while pitching a complete game.
Katy found their old groove again defeating Cypress Lakes, 12-0 and 13-1. Cypress Lakes had previously eliminated Chaves 19-2 and 11-2. LeBlanc dominated in the 12-0 win, pitching a no-hitter while striking out seven in five innings. She also homered and drove in five at the plate.
Cait Calland was three for three with a home run and two RBIs. Kat Lopez homered in game one. McKay Boxham had five hits and three RBIs in the two games.
Kylie Redding and Chloe Cobb split the pitching in game two.
Next up for the Lady Tigers were the Ridge Point Panthers who the Tigers disposed of in one game, 3-0. Katy scored their first two runs on wild pitches.
The Panthers of Ridge Point had their chance to get back into the game after Tigers made two errors—a bad throw by Kat Lopez and a dropped ball by Chloe Cobb which allowed two Panther runners on base.
Never fear…Alyssa LeBlanc took care of the rest, pitching a complete game shutout.
Tompkins was eliminated from the playoffs after losing to Bellaire 4-2 and 8-0. This was the first ever playoff appearance for Tompkins.