BY KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
PHARR — For the second time in three games, Edinburg North racked up seven runs in the first inning. On Tuesday, the early outburst led to an 18-3 win in five innings against PSJA North.
Before the lopsided win, Edinburg North had been struggling to put together a complete offensive performance. Tuesday night may have been the turnaround coach Damian Gonzalez has been looking for.
“Our approach at the plate tonight was totally different. We were aggressive in favorable counts,” Gonzalez said. “The kids knew what to look for tonight. We worked both sides of the plate tonight, and our kids stayed patient at the plate.”
Edinburg North’s offense got help from the top, middle and bottom of the order. Leadoff man and starting pitcher Argelio Guajardo went 2 for 4 at the plate with an RBI triple in the first inning. Saul Garza and Jon Salas, both seniors, also chipped away in the first inning.
The seven run frame was highlighted by a three-run double from Salas that made it 6-0 Edinburg North. Salas finished the night 2 for 2 with three RBIs, two walks and three runs scored.
“Tonight, I saw the ball well. I’m in the nine hole, and it’s important for me to get on base to set up the top of the order,” Salas said. “We have been struggling lately, but tonight we got the sticks going, and now it’s on to our next challenge in Edinburg Economedes.”
Garza had a breakout game against the Raiders, collecting five RBIs as part of a 3 for 3 night. Garza sealed the win with a three-run triple in the fifth inning to give Edinburg North a commanding 17-3 lead.
Edinburg North moves to 3-0 in District 31-6A with wins over Edinburg Vela, PSJA Southwest and PSJA North. The Cougars have been banking on the big inning. Against Vela, Edinburg North used a seven-run first inning. Against PSJA Southwest, Edinburg North plated eight runs in the fourth. Tuesday night was no different. The Cougars pounded away for 13 hits and 18 runs — two shy of their season high of 20, against Donna North.
Guajardo, a sophomore, got the nod on the mound for Edinburg North with ace Carlo Servin occupying the shortstop position. Guajardo pitched three innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Guajardo struck out two and walked four.
Along with a strong lineup, Guajardo could be the key ingredient in what is shaping up to be a three-man rotation with Servin and Marc Esquivel. The development of Guajardo will be big for the Cougars down the stretch. At times, Guajardo struggled to find the strike zone, but he settled down and managed to pitch out of a jam in the third inning.
“It’s extremely important to develop a rotation, especially with the new rules and with the pitch count. We need these guys to get their work in, and that’s why we decided to throw him tonight,” Gonzalez said. “In the past, we have had some weather delays, and our kids missed out on some innings, but we are preparing for the long run, and we rolled the dice tonight, and it paid off. He (Guajardo) had pitched a couple of good games for us in Laredo and La Joya, but going back to the weather being a factor threw him off a bit, so tonight was big for him and for us moving forward.”