By Victor Pallares
The Eagles improved to 4-0 in district play after beating McCamey on Friday, April 9th and Anthony on Tuesday, April 12th. Van Horn faced McCamey for the first home district game of the season. The Eagles were able to hold off the Badgers with great defensive plays that kept Fabian Baeza’s shut out intact. Baeza struck out 5 batters and did not give up a walk.
The Eagles plated 10 runs with quality at bats and some impressive base running. Damien Tarango got the bats going for the home team with a double in his first at bat. Luis Escajeda scored twice for the Eagles and had two hits. Baeza and Matthew Acosta combined 3 RBI’s and scored 4 runs. With the win, the Eagles finished the first round of district play, 3-0.
On Tuesday, the Eagles traveled to Anthony for their 4th district game. The Eagles jumped to an early lead and never looked back. On the mound, Baeza pitched a gem with 14 strikeouts and gave up just one hit. Baeza carried a no hitter until the 6th inning. However, the little blooper was not enough as the Eagles quickly found the last out to end the inning and 10 run rule the Wildcats.
At the plate, the Eagles combined for 14 hits and 8 RBI’s. The Eagles were aggressive on the base path and stole 13 bags on Anthony. For the Eagles, the bottom of the lineup accounted for 6 of Van Horn’s RBI’s. James King and Isaac Baeza each had a double while Nando Subia reached base with an RBI single. Jeremy Virdell had a great day at the plate with a hit and two walks. Virdell found home plate 3 times Tuesday night.
The Eagles will host Fort Hancock on Saturday, April 16th and travel to McCamey on Tuesday, April 19th to close out the second leg of district play.