STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
The Lyford Bulldogs have already made space for themselves in the record books in coach Kevin Ledesma’s first year at the helm.
With their 4-3 win over Falfurrias in the bi-district round, Lyford earned its first playoff victory since 1994. And with just two seniors departing from the starting lineup in this year’s class – second baseman Ramsey Reyna and catcher Alfonso Garcia – the Bulldogs expect to contend for years to come.
“Games like that are an awesome feeling,” said Reyna, who delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly. “Especially when you come out on top.”
Lyford finished the regular season at 17-3 and 9-0 in District 32-3A en route to their third straight district title, but their season had some bumps in the road – including a 13-1 loss at Edinburg High on March 12. The Bulldogs haven’t lost since.
“We started off slow,” Garcia said. “As it went forward, we started working harder and harder. After our third loss (at Edinburg High) that’s when we snapped. We wanted to make history.”
Ledesma said his team took it upon themselves to go on their current 12-game winning streak, challenging each other to exceed their own internal expectations.
“We’ve been playing great since March,” Ledesma said. “To play like that throughout the district, not playing at anyone else’s level but our own, and coming out here and working hard, I think it presented us with the opportunity to win that first round game.”
Garcia said the team had struggled to generate chemistry at first. But Gonzalez, Reyna and Garcia helped set the standards of the program and elevate the atmosphere around the team. Reyna demonstrated his commitment to the team with his smooth transition from third base to second base.
“We have a young team,” Ledesma said. “I think these guys have done a great job of molding the younger guys to be a part of the team and to be the guys that they can lean on in different situations.”
Lyford ace Abel Gonzalez said he was proud of his team for their dedication in practice. The Bulldogs grinded out their final practice session Wednesday with temperatures approaching 100 degrees and humidity levels greater than 50 percent.
“I’ve been really impressed with our (bats),” Gonzalez said. “Especially during our Friday games. I think that’s what’s going to help us push through in the playoffs and keep our winning streak going.”
Lyford plays Odem in the class 3A area round at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Jim Hogg County Baseball Stadium in Hebbronville.