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The season sputtered in its start because of the weather but the opening district game with Hays Johnson was an epic battle that should have pleased all staunch baseball fans. The final was a seven-inning 1-0 loss that included 31 strikeouts. Each team had the same identical chance to score a run but only the Jaguars were able to get it done.
Tiger pitcher Brandon Arvidson looked every bit the ace he is with a masterful 2-hitter that included 14 strikeouts. His two hits came back-to-back in the fifth. Cody Templeton, the Johnson pitcher, helped his cause by hitting a triple. The next batter, Logan Robinson laid down a perfect bunt that allowed the run to come across. Earlier in the third the Tigers had the same chance. Aiden Perry, who owned the pitcher with three hits launched a lead off triple. After a strikeout, Theo Howard laid down a bunt but Perry could not advance. The next two went down on strikes.
The previous weekend was supposed to begin the Tigers season with their tourney. However, the first day was wiped out due to icy cold. Instead of calling the entire tourney off they decided to redraw and freeze on. Not sure what was gained as the Friday games were played in the 30's and Saturday added moisture to the temperature. Might be called Eskimo bowl. Anyway the Tigers bundled up won both games on Friday and split the two on Saturday.
Tigers opened with New Braunfels and eased by 6-5. DS took a 4-1 lead after four. NB would cross the plate four times to take the lead in the fifth. DS got the tie in the bottom half and the win in the sixth. Howard 2, Nico Ruedas, Arvidson, Taylor Tracey, Sam Agajanian and Perry provided the hits. Tracey pitched four and Price Donatiello got the win with two innings.
Hays proved to be easy as the Tigers opened with 10 runs and cruised to a 14-1 win. The 10 hits came from Ruedas, Perry, Arvidson, Howard, Ayden Dennis and Carter Gardner. Arvidson (W), Travis Maro, Cody Daniels, Cooper Rummell and Billy Burnett took turns on the mound.
The early game on Saturday was with Vandegrift. Vandegrift took the lead with two in the fifth and went on to win 3-1. Each team had 5 hits. Ruedas, Arvidson, Tracey, Perry and Howard for the Tigers. Ruedas pitched two innings, followed by Max Church (L) with three innings. Ryland Mahoney closed it out.
Elgin could not keep up in the scoring parade as they succumbed 17-6. DS opened with 7. The 10 hits came from Howard, Agajanian, Tracey, Wyatt Leschber, Arvidson, Mason Ashlock, Mahoney and Dennis. Taking turns on the mound were Austin Van Burkleo, Teddy Douds, Donatiello, Parker Cooke, Daniels (W) and Burnett.
