FLORENCE—The Tigers got on a roll late Friday afternoon when senior Drayton Castaneda sent a two-run blast over the left field fence in the fourth inning.
They followed that up with five runs in the fifth off of hits from Jesus Bocanegra, Tra’on Crawford, Cruz San Migel and Enrique Rivera and another four runs in the sixth to take the game 11-0, marking their second straight win.
“(This win) put us in a good position going into Tuesday,” said coach John Hooser. “Maybe we can even things up with Academy and hopefully slide into that fourth place spot going into the second half of district.”
“It took us a while to get adjusted at the plate, but there it was in the fourth inning (with) Drayton Castaneda opening things up with that tworun home run, and from then on we were just seeing the ball well and puts some at-bats together.”
Hooser also said he was impressed with Rockdale’s baserunning, defense and was really proud of senior pitcher Enrique Rivera, who allowed two hits in five inngs pitched, striking out three.
THIS WEEK—Rockdale faced Academy after press time and are off Friday. To have a chance at the post-season, RHS will have to make a strong showing in the second half of district against teams like Rogers, who beat them 8-3 on April 2, and who they play this upcoming Tuesday.
Hooser thinks that’s possible if his team takes initiative at the beginning of games.
“We can sneak a win away from those guys if we’re aggressive and competitive early in games and not spotting teams (runs) like we have, giving up that big inning,” he said. “I think our defense will prevent a lot of that, we’re coming along really well there.”
“But we just need to score early in the game, scratch one or two in the middle to put ourself in a good position to steal one away.” Hooser also said he has
Hooser also said he has confidence his team can do all that.
“I feel good right now,” He said. “They’re excited having fun playing the game and coming into this next round of district that’s what they need and especially with the next three or four.
“But I think we’re up for it.”
The Tigers head to Rogers Tuesday. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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