On Saturday, May 18, Grapevine High School baseball swept Wichita Falls Rider High School in a best-of-three series, 2-0, to advance to the regional semifinal round of the UIL State Playoffs.
“When you get this deep in the playoffs, to be successful you need quality pitching, solid defense and timely hitting,” GHS head baseball coach Jimmy Webster said on defeating Rider.
The Mustangs struggled offensively in Game 1, only managing four hits.
“At this point of the season, everyone is going to pitch well. To be successful, you have to capitalize on the few opportunities you get,” Webster explained. “In baseball, you never know when the tide can make a dramatic turn.”
After two scoreless innings to start, the Mustangs would break the deadlock in the third. Senior Samuel Kelley hit a two RBI triple to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead. Kelley would then be driven in by senior Peyton Tatum to extend the lead. The Mustangs would win Game 1 by a score of 3-1.
Senior Joseph Kubo started on the mound for Game 2 and would finish there, as he went on to pitch a shutout, striking out six batters and only allowing four hits. The Mustangs would win Game 2, 4-0 and clinch the series.
“Rider competes so hard and we were fortunate to match their competitiveness,” Webster added.
They will now face Lubbock Cooper High School in a rematch of last season's regional semifinal series, which GHS lost two games to one.
“We know Lubbock Cooper will come out prepared,” Webster said. “They are a very good team and extremely well coached. But we have high expectations and although I cannot predict what will happen, I do know we are going to be ready and our kids will certainly compete.”
The winner of this regional semifinals series will face the winner of Argyle and Abilene Wylie in the regional championship.
Good luck to our Mustangs as they continue their postseason journey!
Regional Semi-Final Schedule
Game 1: 7 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Graham High School
Game 2: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Graham High School
Game 3: 30 minutes after Game 2 at Graham High School (if necessary)