By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
Rivera captured the District 32-6A baseball championship Friday night after defeating Harlingen High 8-7 in eight innings.
The Raiders (22-8, 11-4 32-6A) trailed 3-0 until the fifth inning, when they surged ahead thanks to a seven-run outburst.
Rivera was led by second baseman Omar Rodriguez (two RBIs and a run scored), and Jerry Perez delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning, driving in center fielder Alex Hernandez from second base.
“This is what happens when you work hard,” Perez said. “It’s just an honor to play for this team. This is all the hard work we put in this season, and we came through in the end.”
Rivera coach Travis Parker wasn’t surprised at all by his team’s ability to rally after trailing late in games, a tendency that caused some fans during the on-field trophy presentation to affectionately label the team “comeback kids.”
“Working with the boys every single day, you know what they’re capable of,” Parker said. “It’s just about doing it when the lights are brightest. I think the last two games these boys showed a lot of resilience and got the job done. That’s why I tell these boys we’re 17 strong, and tonight was the perfect example. The boy that scored the winning run, Alex Hernandez, and Jerry both came of the bench tonight. That’s a token to them, for staying focused, staying within the game, to still be part of the team, and stay ready when their number was called and contribute any way they can.”
Rey Rivera pitched five innings for the Raiders, striking out eight Harlingen High pitchers — five of which came consecutively. He allowed three runs on four hits, and issued one walk and one hit by pitch.
“We’ve been waiting for the championship game for a really long time,” Rivera said. “We got our chance, and we took it.”
Rivera shortstop Michael Gomez said the team has learned to persist through adversity after the experience they gained last season.
“We got used to it,” Gomez said. “We started to learn that not a lot of (umpires) were going to like us, not a lot of other coaches. … Thank God we managed to get this title.”
The Raiders play Edinburg North (11-16-1, 5-7 31-6A) in the bi-district round. The format (one-game playoff or best-of-three series) and venue are yet to be determined, pending a coin flip and agreement between both coaches.