BY BRYAN RAMOS | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — La Joya Palmview and Sharyland High needed nine innings to decide Game 1 of their three-game series in the Regional Quarterfinals as the Lobos pulled off another upset, beating the Rattlers 1-0 at Sharyland High School.
A leadoff single by Erbey Polanco got the top of the ninth started for the Lobos, and after a walk of Eduardo Rios, Paulo Landeros stepped to the plate and singled deep to centerfield to drive in the runner from second.
Landeros, who also took over pitching duties in relief of starter Jonathan Martinez, pitched two innings, struck out three and went 1 for 4 at the plate with the game’s only RBI.
“It feels great to be in that situation,” Landeros said after the Game 1 win. “We were ready. We’ve been practicing all week focusing on what we had to do. I was just trying to put the ball in play and you saw what happened.”
Palmview coach Manuel Garcia Jr. said his message to the team as the game carried on was to keep their head in the game and stay positive.
“Stay focused and stay positive. We knew we were playing a tough team, they’re one of the best in the Valley, but the series is not over. We got one more game. This is not a one game deal like last time. We got to go home, get ourselves prepared for tomorrow and hopefully do a better job bringing in runs,” Garcia said.
Palmview’s Game 1 starter Martinez went seven innings, struck out six and allowed just five hits before he exited due to reaching the 110-pitch limit.
Sharyland High’s Andy Lozano got the start and lasted eight innings before making his exit. Lozano had five strikeouts, gave up 11 hits and the one earned run.
Game 2 shifts to La Joya Palmview High School at 7:30 p.m. tonight, giving the Lobos the chance to close the series out at home. Game 3, if necessary, will be played at 3 p.m. Saturday back at Sharyland High School.