DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
Edinburg Economedes has emerged as a playoff threat in District 31-6A. Junior Ismael Lopez is a big reason why.
In eight appearances this season, Lopez is 4-2 with a 3.41 ERA. He has 28 strikeouts to seven walks in 26 2/3 innings.
“He’s a real confident kid,” coach Rigo Sanchez said. “He’s got good off-speed stuff, and he’s real consistent.”
Lopez works hard in bullpen sessions and conditioning. In his third year as a varsity player, he’s the anchor for a program on the rise. Economedes is 2-2 in district play, 7-9-1 overall. The Jaguars have already won as many total and district games as they won all last season.
“These kids are hungry to win,” Sanchez said. “We knew we’d be experienced, and we competed last year. We lost a lot of close ballgames. If we can be more consistent, we think we have a shot in this district.”
Pitching is a key. Aside from Lopez, there is Geraldo De Leon and Frank Montano. De Leon has a 2.86 ERA in nine appearances and Montano has 20 strikeouts in 17 innings.
“Having these arms, you need them,” Sanchez said. “They’re getting ahead of the count, they work ahead. They do a real good job of mixing it up and keeping guys guessing.”
FINDING THE ACE
During scrimmages two months ago, McAllen High coach Eliseo Pompa was looking for an ace for his pitching staff.
“I couldn’t find the guy,” Pompa said.
So the veteran coach turned to senior Rigo Sanchez, who had played exclusively at catcher before this year. But Sanchez has been a revelation on the mound, boasting an ERA of 0.21 in six appearances with 41 strikeouts to seven walks with one earned run in 33 innings.
Sanchez has been vital for a Bulldogs team that has won 11 of 16 games and is tied for first place in district with La Joya Palmview heading into their District 30-6A clash tonight at Palmview.
In district play, Sanchez has shut out Mission High and McAllen Memorial and surrendered two unearned runs against La Joya High.
He rotates between catcher and pitcher, catching one game and throwing the next.
“He spots his ball very well,” Pompa said. “He’s very consistent, he’s throwing strikes and he doesn’t get behind hitters.”
Sanchez has been a boon for a McHi defense led by second baseman Keola Zamora. Zamora has single-handedly preserved two wins this season with his range and athleticism.
McHi has a team ERA of 2.03 and allowed just 26 earned runs in 89 2/3 innings.
ON THE RISE
Donna North’s goal heading into this season was to make the playoffs. But five games into District 32-5A play, the Chiefs are competing for a district title.
In its third season of varsity baseball, Donna North is 4-1 in 32-5A. One reason is expected: maturity. Another is the Chiefs are finally hitting well enough to complement strong pitching and defense.
“These guys get it now,” coach Leroy Rodriguez said. “They get what it takes to be successful. Even in practices, we have a routine now for what works. I’m real happy with the way we’re playing.”
Junior right-hander Manny Ramirez, the team’s ace during the program’s varsity tenure, is joined by the emergence of senior Axel Vazquez. Each is 2-0 in district and each has an ERA barely above 1.00.
Ramirez has grown physically and shown more life on his fastball. Vazquez is also the anchor of the Chiefs’ lineup, hitting .533 in district play and able to put a swing on any pitch.
There is more depth, overall, in Donna North’s order this season. Ramirez is hitting .300 in district and he’s the No. 7 hitter. Catcher Eddie Peña is also a threat.
“It’s very tough to get outs in this lineup,” Rodriguez said.
The Chiefs lost many one-run and two-run games last year. The offense couldn’t hold up. This season, that’s no longer the case.
“The goal is still the same,” Rodriguez said. “Make it to the playoffs. If we’re still hanging around for district at the end, we’ll shoot for it.
“But we’re not talking about district titles. We’re talking about making history and being one of the four teams to get in.”