PSJA North gets the best of Bulldogs in district matchup
PHARR — The PSJA North Raiders (14-3, 5-0) were at work this Spring Break as they routed the McHi Bulldogs (6-11, 2-4) last Wednesday, 12-3 during a hot and windy day in the RGV.
The Raiders, who are considered one of the top teams in the region, were aggressive at the plate early, as they steadily scored runs in four out of the seven innings of play.
It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth, where PSJA North really showed that they wanted to seal the deal with six runnings in that single inning.
Fabian Gonzalez started the run for the Raiders as he hit an RBI single to center left field, which put a runner at first and second with only one out.
Afterward, Michael Singleterry got himself a double that brought in two RBI to bring it to 9-3. A wild pitch by McHi then brought a runner to second and third base.
Rafael Solis then earned himself an RBI to make it 10-3, which then put a runner on first and third. The Raiders earned two runs after that — in which a pop fly got the Bulldogs out of a bad inning.
McHi had a frustrating day on thedefensiveendofthingsasboth pitchers — Gabriel Silva and Jacinto Lopez — both allowed six runs each. The duo combined for five strikeouts with Silva earning two and Lopez getting three.
On the defensive end for PSJA North, Dyllan Cortez pitched himself a game as he averaged about one or two strikeouts each inning. He had himself two at the top of the sixth to keep the ‘Dogs at bay.
“Knowing that the defense is having my back, helps me throw strikes better,” Cortez said.
Teammate Darren Garcia, who plays shortstop, echoed a sentiment that shows the team thrives with chemistry and a sense of brotherhood.
“These guys are my brothers,” Garcia said. “If I don’t come through, I know they’re gonna come through and they got my back at all times.”
Ultimately, Head Coach Tony Leal said although his team is still young, they’ve been growing into their own.
“Thank God, our kids just keep working, “Leal said. “And they don’t give up. You know? It’s baseball. They’re trying. They’re doing their best.”
The dub makes it their seventh win in a row and their fifth straight district win. Although they sit at the top of the District 31-5A rankings, both of the Sharyland teams are vying for their spot.
The Raiders lost to the Sharyland Rattlers (19-3, 6-1) on Tuesday in Mission by the score of 2-1. McHi was scheduled to play crosstown rival, McAllen Memorial but they lost 19-5.