HIDALGO — The La Feria Lions muddied the waters of the District 32-4A title race by defeating the previously unbeaten Hidalgo Pirates 4-3 on Friday at Hidalgo High School.
What began as a pitcher’s duel with one run scored during the first six innings turned into a nailbiter as the Pirates (12-2, 3-1) nearly rallied back from a 4-0 deficit during the seventh inning.
La Feria (5-2, 3-1) pitcher Sal Garcia threw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball while scattering three hits, four walks and striking out three. Garcia carried a no-hitter into the fifth, before Hidalgo finally tagged him for two singles.
After scoring their first run on a passed ball during the second inning, La Feria’s bats got busy during the top of the seventh to tack on three more insurance runs.
Hidalgo third baseman and catcher Jonathan Treviño started the rally during the bottom of the seventh inning with a single to center. That sparked a three-hit, three-walk inning as the Pirates fought back to close to within one with the bases loaded before an infield popout to second ended the game.
The Pirates, who entered the game ranked as the No. 16 team in the state according to the Texas High School Baseball Top 25 poll, are now tied for the District 32-4A lead along with La Feria.
The loss is Hidalgo’s first in nearly one month and the team’s first against Rio Grande Valley competition.
Hidalgo starting pitcher Antonio Hernandez went five innings while striking out eight batters and giving up four hits and four walks. Hernandez also added an RBI at the plate on a sacrifice fly, while Brandon Szczuroski drove another.
La Feria’s Aaron Treviño led his team with a 2-for-3 day with two RBIs and one walk.
Hidalgo will play Rio Hondo at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Rio Hondo High School.
Meanwhile, La Feria is set to take on Port Isabel at 6 p.m. Tuesday at La Feria High School.