STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
EDINBURG — Trailing 1-0 in a best-of-three series entering Thursday night’s game, Edinburg High played like a team that wasn’t ready to see its season end.
With a 5-0 win over Harlingen High in front of their home fans, the Bobcats shut down one of the highest-scoring teams in the Rio Grande Valley to force a win-or-go-home game three in their Class 6A bi-district playoff matchup.
“It was important for us to learn from our mistakes yesterday,” Edinburg High coach Robert Valdez said. “You’ve got to tip your hat to Harlingen. They’re well-groomed, and they’re very well coached. … I was very pleased with the effort, the focus from our guys tonight. There was just a different look in their eye; we know the stakes are a lot higher that we’re playing for right now.”
Edinburg High gave its starting pitcher Tyler Flores plenty of run support. Flores cruised through the Cardinals’ lineup in 98 pitches, issuing one walk, and one hit-by-pitch. He allowed four hits and struck out four batters.
“(Flores) was able to establish his fastball and hit his spots,” Valdez said. “He did a very good job of executing the game plan and seeing their hitters and getting a feel for them.”
Harlingen High did not have a hit until the fourth inning, when right fielder Ashton Adams laced a one-out double to left center. But Adams got caught straying off second on a grounder to the left side, and Harlingen High squandered its best scoring chance of the night.
On Wednesday, Edinburg High failed to capitalize on its several opportunities with runners in scoring position. On Thursday, it was the Cardinals who rued their failures to convert in the game’s first three innings.
“We just didn’t show up today,” Harlingen High coach Armando Rangel said. “We weren’t ready to go.”
The Bobcats took the lead in the first inning when third baseman EJ Alanis singled to left to bring home pinch-runner Roy Rodriguez, who was running for catcher Jorge Salinas after Salinas reached on an error.
Designated hitter Caleb Pacheco reached on a dropped third strike with one out in the second inning, but Marroquin induced a ground ball by shortstop Manuel Cantu that the Cardinals converted into a 4-6-3 double play to end the frame.
In the third inning, pitcher Tyler Flores grounded to third baseman John Ortega and reached on a throwing error. A bunt single by right fielder Brandon Morin set the table for Salinas, who tripled to right to drive home both runners and give the Bobcats a 3-0 lead.
First baseman Daren Barrera and left fielder Arturo Martinez each chipped in RBI singles for Edinburg High in a four-run third frame.
Game 3 in the best-of-three series begins at 7 tonight at Harlingen High.