BASEBALL PLAYOFFS 2018
HUNTSVILLE—If you were looking for a steady dose of offensive action with a seemingly never-ending supply of runs, the Thorndale-Evadale series was where you needed to be.
The No. 1 Bulldogs advanced with a 20-14, 9-15, 16-8 knockdown victory over Evadale in the Class 2A, Region IV quarterfinals at Sanders Stadium on the campus of Sam Houston State.
Thorndale (29-4-1) now takes on Kaufer (22-6) in the regional semifinals with a three game series in Hallettsville beginning Thursday.
The first game Thursday is at 7:30 p.m., followed by the second game at 2 p.m. Saturday with a third game to follow 30 minutes later if needed.
Kaufer (22-6) defeated No. 8 Refugio 1-0 in the regional quarterfinals in a one-game playoff.
With 47 runs scored in the series, Thorndale had plenty of firepower to go around.
“Evadale was a really good ball club that could hit the ball well,” said Thorndale Coach Kelly Kuhl. “You have to give credit to our kids though. They competed and did what it took to get the win.
“We had some younger guys who were called on to do a job and they did what we asked them to do for the most part. I am really proud of how our guys competed.”
Thorndale stole the lead late in the game in the 20-14 clinching victory on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were down 13-12 in the top of the fifth inning when Scott Guzman doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring three runs.
Mason Fisher led Thorn-dale to victory by driving in four runs and going 3-for-5 at the plate. Fisher drove in runs on a double in the second and a triple in the seventh.
The Bulldogs opened up scoring in the first inning, when Ashton Albert singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run.
Evadale scored five runs in the fourth inning.
Albert earned the victory on the hill for Thorndale, surrendering one run on six hits over four innings, striking out two and walking zero. Collin Taylor and Corbin Pruesse entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
Ty Kovar started the game for the Bulldogs, surrendering three runs on one hit over one inning
Thorndale tallied 13 hits as Fisher, Albert, Lane Niemtschk, Guzman, and Ashton Schaefer all had multiple hits.
In the second game, Thorndale lost the lead late in a 15-9 defeat.
The game was tied at nine with Evadale batting in the top of the sixth when Nolan singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.
Despite the loss, Thorn-dale did collect 11 hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Evadale had 18 hits on the way to victory.
The Bulldogs got things moving in the first inning as Ashton Albert drove in a run when he doubled.
After Evadale scored one run in the top of the second, Thorndale answered with one of their own. Eva-dale scored when Scott Guzman doubled, scoring one run.
The Bulldogs notched six runs in the third inning from singles by Logan Fisher, Guzman, and Trey Ortiz.
Evadale scored five runs in the seventh inning.
Coleby Driver took the loss for Thorndale, allowing 14 hits and ten runs over six innings, striking out seven.
Thorndale banged out 11 hits. Fisher, Mason Fisher, Guzman, and Ashton Schaefer all managed multiple hits.
Bats were blistered as Thorndale defeated Eva-dale 16-8 on Friday in the opener.
In the second inning, the Bulldogs got their offense started as Logan Fisher tripled, scoring two runs.
Fisher was the winning pitcher, going seven innings, allowing eight runs on nine hits, striking out seven and walking one.
Ashton Albert had a four bagger in the second inning.
Thorndale racked up 13 hits on the day. Fisher, Mason Fisher, Albert, and Scott Guzman each racked up multiple hits.
Krause will hold free golf clinic at RCC
John Krause, a PGA professional and Rockdale High School graduate will be putting on a free clinic May 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rockdale Counbtry Club.
The clinic is free to any high school or upcoming high school player.
Krause is also a Sam Houston alumnus and has worked with some of the greatest teaching professionals in the state of Texas.
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