By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
The baseball regular season came to a close Friday, and the playoff picture is now set for teams in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Brownsville Veterans Memorial wrapped up its regular season with a 12-1 win over Edcouch Elsa in five innings Friday, and played host to McAllen High in a warmup game Sunday.
The District 32-5A champion Chargers (23-5-2, 13-1 32-5A) open their postseason in a one-game playoff at 7 p.m. Friday at La Joya Palmview.
Brownsville Lopez finished in third place in 32-5A. The Lobos (17-6-2, 9-5 32-5A) defeated Mercedes 13-10 in their regular season finale. Lopez plays at 31-5A runner-up Sharyland Pioneer in the bi-district round at 7 p.m. Friday.
DISTRICT 32-6A
Brownsville Rivera plays host to Edinburg North in a best-of-three series starting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rivera. The series shifts to Edinburg North at 7 p.m. Friday, and the third game, if necessary, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Rivera.
The Raiders (22-8, 11-4 32-6A) won four straight games (and five of their last six) to take the district title on the last day of the regular season.
Los Fresnos is slated to travel to play at Weslaco High in a one-game playoff against the 31-6A runner-up Panthers. The Falcons (21-10, 10-5 32-6A) finished the regular season on a four-game win streak.
Harlingen High begins a best-of-three series with Edinburgh High at 7 p.m. Wednesday at home. The Cardinals (17-15, 10-5 32-6A) hit the road to play the Bobcats on Thursday, and Friday’s series finale is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Harlingen High, if necessary.
Harlingen South will play Edinburg Vela in a best-of-three series starting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Vela. The Hawks (18-9-2, 9-6 32-6A) play at 7 p.m. Friday at home. Game 3 is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Vela, if necessary.
DISTRICT 32-4A
Rio Hondo plays District 31-4A champion Sinton at 7 p.m. Thursday in a one-game playoff in Hebbronville. The Bobcats (14-13-1, 8-6 32-4A) won three of their last four regular season games to finish in fourth place in District 32-4A.
DISTRICT 32-3A
District 32-3A champion Lyford plays host to Falfurrias in a one-game playoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Bulldogs (17-3, 9-0 32-3A) have not lost since dropping a game 13-1 on March 12 at Edinburg High.
Runner-up Santa Rosa has a one-game playoff at 6 p.m. Thursday at San Diego.
COLLEGE RANKS
Brownsville Veterans alumnus Fred Villarreal, the junior closer for the University of Houston, was named to the midseason update for the 15th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday.
Villarreal is the American Athletic Conference saves leader with nine. He is tied for 15th in the nation in saves, and his 1.65 ERA is tied for 21st in the country. He also leads the AAC in appearances with 24, and his .192 opponent batting average is the second-best mark in the conference. He has allowed eight runs in 43 2/3 innings pitched.
Lopez alumnus and Texas Southern pitcher Alex Olguin pitched seven innings against No. 2 Mississippi State on April 16, a 5-1 loss. The freshman allowed four runs and struck out three.