By Sydney Jorgenson – Navarro County Gazette
Over the past week, the Corsicana Tigers Varsity baseball team has been battling hard to advance to the second round of playoffs.
On Thursday, the Tigers faced McKinney North on home turf. The Tigers had a close win, but it was the first win needed out of two in order to send them to the second round of the playoffs. During this game, Blane Farmer brought Adrian Baston in for the first run of the game in the first inning. Farmer led the team in hits going three-for-three at the plate. In the second inning, Dylan Anderton was brought in for the second and final run of the game. Lane Libal and Anderton both added a hit to their record in this game as well.
Brydan Hernandez was on the mound for the Tigers and threw a no-hitter which helped secure the Tigers win.
On Friday, the Tigers faced McKinney North again but this time at McKinney North High School. The Tigers faced a tough loss but their hard word still shone through. Easton Autrey occupied the mound for the first two innings while Isaiah Miranda occupied the mound for the next four. Miranda struck out four during his time on the mound.
Due to the split, the Tigers faced McKinney North once more at Rockwall High School on Saturday. The Tigers fought hard and it payed off with another close win. Baston led the team in hits. Ryan Ainsworth, Blake Phillips, Jace Richardson, Autrey, Hernandez and Farmer all also had hits that contributed to the win.
Ainsworth took the mound for the Tigers on Saturday. Despite pitching on a sprained ankle from Thursday night, he only allowed two runs and seven hits. He struck out one and walked zero over the six and two-thirds innings he pitched.
Hernandez pitched to the last batter of the last inning and struck him out helping Ainsworth secure the win.
In all three games, not only did Libal secure hits, he also played excellently in the right field which played a large role in helping the Tigers secure their wins and move on to the next round of the playoffs.
Not only was this series of games a huge success story but it was also a time where spectators got to see the hard work and dedication of these young men shine through.
The Tigers next playoff series will begin on Thursday against Longview. They will play at home on Thursday, at Longview on Friday and again at Rockwall High School on Saturday if needed.
*All photos by Sydney Jorgenson
Please be sure to support those that support us here at the NCG and check out our advertisers:
Warehouse Living Arts Center | Gallery Wah Wah | Vivaldi Visions
A big THANK YOU to our supporters:
The Hull Creative Arts Foundation and the Lampier Family.
If you too would like to help financially support the Navarro County Gazette please email us at news@navarrocountygazette.com