By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
Playing baseball in June is a goal every team sets when the season starts in January. Only eight teams in each UIL classification can make that a reality.
For the first time in program history, the Los Fresnos Falcons are one of those Elite Eight teams. They reached new heights one week ago when they defeated Edinburg Vela to reach the fourth round for the first time. And Friday night, Los Fresnos busted through another barrier with an 11-2 upset victory over Round Rock High.
The Falcons (22-6-2) will look to keep their magical season alive when they face off with the Smithson Valley Rangers (34-5) in the Region IV-6A final. It will be Los Fresnos’ inaugural trip to Round 5, which is the last stop before reaching the state tournament scheduled for June 11-12 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Game details will be decided Monday.
“It’s just unbelievable. It’s hitting me that we’re one win away, or two wins away, from getting to Round Rock. It’s surreal,” Falcons coach Rene Morales said. “I’m just thankful to be here, and I’m going to keep believing in my kids and we’re going to keep going.”
Once again, the Falcons will be considered the underdog. Smithson Valley, the District 27-6A champion, is ranked No. 7 and No. 12 in statewide polls, and entered the MaxPreps national top 25 poll at No. 13 after winning a regional quarterfinal series against perennial power San Antonio Reagan. The Rangers swept Eagle Pass 4-2, 13-6 to advance to the fifth round.
But Los Fresnos isn’t concerned with how others perceive the matchup. Prior to the one-gamer with Round Rock High, some Falcons said they’re used to being the underdog and know they can beat anybody regardless of that label. And they proved that in the regional semifinal.
The Falcons got right back to work Saturday afternoon, already putting their laser focus on what lies ahead. Morales and his team believe things are coming together and clicking at just the right time. The skipper said Los Fresnos played its best game yet Friday, and the Falcons are riding high on confidence, ready to take on the next round.
“I don’t think they look into that too much. We’re just playing our game. They know it’s just us against them,” Morales said. “Their confidence and their belief in what we’re doing is just unbelievable. You can see it. They’ve grown so much. They’re so mature now compared to when we started. They played lights-out (Friday). Everybody contributed one way or another. We hit the ball well. We played great defense. Everybody had a little piece in it.”