By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
Brownsville Rivera has two of the most impressive wins in the district season thus far, picking up a 5-0 victory over Los Fresnos on March 12 and defeating Harlingen South 10-5 on March 14.
The Raiders (14-4, 3-0 32-6A) are averaging three runs allowed per game, one of the stingiest marks in the Rio Grande Valley.
Tonight’s baseball edition of the Bird Bowl at Harlingen South has major implications for the district race that is shaping up between Rivera, Harlingen High and South at the top of 32-6A.
“Every game in our district is tough,” Harlingen South coach Chris Gracia said. “We see some great pitchers and great hitters every night. That makes our execution on both offense and defense that much more important. A win will put us in a good situation, and a loss will mean we have to dig out of a little hole.
“Either way, we still have a lot of work to do to achieve our goals that we set for the season,” Gracia said. “I’m excited to see how we handle these challenges that the teams in our district throw at us every night.”
Others around the state have started to take notice of the success of the 32-6A teams as well. JHK Forecasts, a website run by Jack Kersting in Richardson, has run a statewide statistical ELO model that ranks Rivera as 17th-best in Class 6A, jumping 16 spots from its previous ranking.
Harlingen South, meanwhile, sits a respectable 74th, averaging 7.3 runs per game and 3.5 runs allowed per game. Harlingen High is ranked 106th, averaging 5.7 runs per game and 4.6 runs allowed per game.
San Benito picked up its first district win, 12-2 over Hanna on March 14. The Greyhounds will travel to face the Raiders tonight.
Los Fresnos is still seeking its first district victory after dropping a close contest at Harlingen High. The Falcons will look to rebound against Hanna at home.
All 32-6A games begin at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
CLEAN SWEEP
Every Brownsville school in 32-5A won Tuesday, including Pace (4-0 over Edcouch-Elsa), Brownsville Veterans Memorial (11-0 over Donna High), Porter (6-3 over Mercedes), and Lopez (5-0 over Valley View).
The Chargers (11-4-2, 2-0 32-5A) will play their first district game outside of Brownsville city limits when they travel to Mercedes tonight.
The Cowboys (6-8, 1-1 32-5A) also are headed west to face Valley View, and the Lobos (9-1-2, 2-0 32-5A) will go across town to play the Vikings (6-6, 0-1 32-5A).
Lopez alumnus and Texas Southern pitcher Alex Olguin pitched two innings in relief in a game against No. 12 Texas on March 12, a 17-3 loss. The freshman allowed one run on four hits and struck out three.
All 32-5A games begin at 7 p.m. tonight.
32-4A RECAP
In last week’s action, La Feria edged Hidalgo 5-4 and Grulla topped Port Isabel 17-0.
The Lions (6-5, 2-1 32-4A) will hit the road to face district-leader Zapata tonight and return home to play Raymondville on Saturday.
Rio Hondo will look to get to .500 in district play when the Bobcats (7-9-1, 1-2 32-4A) travel to Grulla.
After losing a tight 8-7 game in extra innings to Rio Hondo on March 15, Raymondville will try to bounce back when the Bearkats (4-7, 1-2 32-4A) play host to Progreso tonight and La Feria on Thursday.
The Tarpons (1-11, 0-3) will take on Hidalgo at home tonight and travel to Rio Hondo on Saturday.
All 32-4A games tonight begin at 7:30 p.m.