WESLACO — The Weslaco East Wildcats made program history by picking up their first-ever playoff win in a 9-1victory over McAllen High in Game 1 of their Region IV-5A best-of-three series Friday night at Weslaco East HighSchool.
Game 2 of the three-game series is scheduled for noon today at McAllen High School. Game 3, if necessary, will takeplace at 7p.m. back at Weslaco East High School.
“We played well, put the ball in play and put pressure on them. Alex (Solis) pitched a hell of a game; he was tough onthe mound,” Weslaco East head coach Michael Brown said.
Weslaco East’s Jorge Zavala set the tone with a two-run blast during the second inning to put the Wildcats ahead 2-0.East followed it by posting a three-run third inning and a four-run fourth to take a commanding 9-1 lead.
Starting pitcher Alex Solis allowed one unearned run off three hits and two walks across 6.2 innings. He finished withseven strikeouts, including two during the top of the first.
Zavala and Michael Brown Jr. led the Wildcats offensively with two RBIs apiece. Tonio Balboa finished 2-for-3 with anRBI and a walk. Javi Garza went 1-for-2 with one RBI.
“They were patient, waiting on good pitches. I told them to be patient, he’s going to throw strikes and that’s what they did.We just drove the ball,” Coach Brown said.
The Wildcats will attempt to close out the series and advance to the area round to make a little more program history.
“It’s hard to beat somebody twice back-to-back, but like I told them, if we come mentally ready to play and take careof business, we should be fine,” Coach Brown said.