Argyle Eagles Baseball

[regaleagle]

3-0 to Clearman now......takes a strike a little high. A high popup and he drops it. He picks it up and fires to 2nd base, but overthrows the ball into centerfield. It was a foot inside the line and he missed the catch. Now runners on 1st and 3rd for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

Austin King sacrifice bunts to move the runner up to 2nd with one out now. Gonzo up.....a .340 hitter with one homer on the season.

[regaleagle]

Line shot for a basehit to left field......Clearman slides at the plate and a good throw, but Clearman also scores for a 2-run RBI by Gonzo. That was a close bang-bang play at the plate....but Clearman was clearly safe on a very accurate throw.

[regaleagle]

Merka up now with Gonzo on 2nd. Big slow breaking pitch gets Merka looking for the 2nd out. Here comes DH Bo Hogeboom now.

[regaleagle]

Blooper to 2nd base and an easy 3rd out. 2 more runs and one stranded to end the 3rd.

Argyle 5
Canyon 0

End of 3rd

[regaleagle]

Cobb up now.....walked his first time up.....their best hitter. He's the catcher for Canyon. Sparks on deck.

[regaleagle]

2-2 to Cobb now......he hits from the right side. Foul off the inside corner. Full count now to Cobb. Swing and a miss on the outside slider. Another K for Ricker.

[regaleagle]

Sparks foul down the 3rd base line as the coach in the box has to jump out of the way.

[regaleagle]

Fast ball inside and he swings.....roller to first base as Ricker fields it and gets the put out at first. 2 outs now.

[regaleagle]

Jack McCay up now.....full count now to the RF for Canyon. Fly ball toward right field out of play for a foul ball. Line shot toward right field as Clearman runs back and makes the catch at the line for the 3rd out. A good play by Clearman in right field.

[regaleagle]

Still no hits for Canyon yet.....Ricker gave up some walks early, but has settled in now with 3 K's. Preston King up to lead off this 4th for Argyle. Grounded out to the pitcher and to the first baseman his first two times up.

[regaleagle]

Fly ball to right center by Preston King for the first out. Now Dillon Carter flies out deep to LF close to the line. Dixon up now.....a deep out fly ball to center for the 3rd out. 3 fly balls to every field by Argyle in this inning.

Argyle 5
Canyon 0

End of 4th

[regaleagle]

Hefner up now for Canyon......ground ball to King at 2nd as he tosses it to 1st for the first out. I think that's the first ground ball out to the infield in this game for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

Zach Hunt up for Canyon now......2-2 count now after that foul. Liner to SS Dixon for out #2.

[regaleagle]

Brandall Barrett up now......a .500 hitter with only 14 at bats. Grounder to 2nd and that's the 3rd out.

[regaleagle]

Chad Ricker leads off again for Argyle in this bottom of the 5th. Called strike on a breaking pitch.....he's hitting from the left side tonight.....he's a switch hitter. Grounder over 2nd base as the SS tries to make the play, but can't come up with it. Lead off single by Ricker. Clearman hits one to 3B and it gets away from him when he charges it. They score it a hit and runners on 1st and 2nd now.

[regaleagle]

Austin King is hit by the pitch as the runners advance.....but are called back because the ball also hit the bat at the same time Now a pinch hitter Mason Green to finish the at bat as King goes to the bench.....he's the Argyle catcher. Green strikes out on a bunt attempt.....one out now.

[regaleagle]

Alex Gonzales up now.....full count and now a foul ball. Runners on 1st and 2nd. 87 pitches by Sparks so far.

[regaleagle]

High chopper to 3b and Arthro has no play to make in foul territory as all runners are safe. Bases loaded with one out and Merka up now.

[regaleagle]

Merka gets the bunt down and Merka is safe at first base as the run scores. He slides into first base head first with his hand down on the bag.....sliding on the outside of the bag. A great slide in this situation at first base. A perfect bunt by Merka. Now Hogeboom drives one in the gap to right field as 2 more runners score on that single.

[regaleagle]

Sparks is chased from the mound as a pitching change is being made by Canyon. 8-0 now with one out and 2 runners on base in the bottom of the 5th.

[regaleagle]

Jace Venhaus on the mound now for Canyon. Runners at the corners with one out and Preston King up. Hit to the 2nd baseman and he gets one out at 2nd, but the throw advances King to 2nd as the runner scores from 3rd. 9-0 now for Argyle with 2 outs and a runner on 2nd. Dillon Carter up now.

[regaleagle]

Fly ball to RF and not deep enough as he makes the catch for the 3rd out. 4 runs on 5 hits and one stranded in that inning for Argyle.

Argyle 9
Canyon 0

End of 5th

[regaleagle]

Nico Patrick checks in at catcher for King.....who sustained a wrist injury in that last at bat. Ricker still on the mound to the top of the Canyon order to start this 6th inning. Full count now......pop fly toward 3rd base to Merka for the 1st out.

[regaleagle]

Cash Hamby(SS for Canyon) has walked twice in this game.....full count now by Ricker. Tapper to first base and Van Poppel gets an easy put out for 2 outs now.

[regaleagle]

Clay Arthro up now......had a blooper to Ricker just off the mound last time and walked his first time up. 2-2 count now......high. Full count to Arthro. Swing and miss on that fast ball......couldn't catch up to it. 3 up 3 down in that at bat for Canyon. Now we move to the bottom of the 6th and Argyle needing one run to run rule this game.

[regaleagle]

Brenden Sunshine Dixon leads off for Argyle in the 6th here. He's a UT commit at SS for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

All 9 hits for Argyle have been singles in this game.....3-0 to Sunshine now......called strike at the knees now by Venhaus. Ground ball past 3rd but called foul. It was hit hard, too.

[regaleagle]

Slow breaking pitch breaks inside for a called strike 3 to Dixon. He looks at it and smiles as he walks back to the bench. Really a great off speed pitch to Brenden.

[regaleagle]

Ricker back up now......2-2 count. Full count on that outside breaking ball. Line shot down the left field line foul. Ball four to Ricker as he walks 3 times and his 4th time on first base tonight. Now Clearman up with one out.

[regaleagle]

Check throw to first base as Ricker gets back. Foul back out of play on the 3rd base side. 1-2 on Clearman now. Ground ball between 1st and 2nd baseman.....nice play as the 1st baseman goes in the hole and makes a nice throw to Venhaus covering first. But foot off the bag and Clearman is safe. Runners on 1st and 2nd and one out. Nico Patrick gets a chance at bat now. His batting avg. is .360 on the season.

[regaleagle]

checked swing is called a strike......2-1 now. Slow breaking pitch to the outside corner is called strike.....2-2. Nico waits on the slow breaker and misses for strike 3. Two outs now on Argyle with runners in scoring position. Gonzo up now.

[regaleagle]

Ground ball to SS and he gets the force at 2nd for the final out. One hit and 2 stranded for Argyle.

Argyle 9
Canyon 0

End of 6

[regaleagle]

Canyon has this last at bat to tie it up and send it to the bottom of the 7th. 3 outs left for Ricker for the no-hitter.

[regaleagle]

Ricker reaches his pitch-count at 102 pitches per UIL rules. Frank Russell will come on to try to save the no-hitter for Ricker.

[regaleagle]

Russell has Cobb up......a very tough hitter. 1-2 for Russell now.....down and away with a high leg kick for Russell. Foul out of play......still 2-2 on Cobb.

[regaleagle]

Grounded to Dixon at SS on a backhand grab and unleashed throw to first to get him by a half a step. Now a liner to Dixon at SS as he grabs it for the out. Preston King charges the tapper and throws the batter out at first for the 3rd out just that quickly. Russell maintains the no-hitter and gets the save as Argyle wins Game 1.

Argyle 9
Canyon 0

Final.....Game 1 and No-Hitter by Ricker and Russell. 6 K's and 4 walks for Ricker in 5 innings. 9 runs and 10 hits for Argyle......a bunch of singles and no extra base hits. But good hitting with runners in scoring position and getting the bat on the ball. Good pitching, good fielding, and clean hits by Argyle. Game 2 at 6 pm Thurs. to continue this series.

[regaleagle]

In other action tonight in the 4A Regional Semis.....Iowa Park bested Hereford by a score of 1-0. And in Region 2.....Benbrook blanked Longview Spring Hill 6-0.

[regaleagle]

Grounded to Dixon at SS on a backhand grab and unleashed throw to first to get him by a half a step. Now a liner to Dixon at SS as he grabs it for the out. Preston King charges the tapper and throws the batter out at first for the 3rd out just that quickly. Russell maintains the no-hitter and gets the save as Argyle wins Game 1.

Argyle 9
Canyon 0

Final.....Game 1 and No-Hitter by Ricker and Russell. 6 K's and 4 walks for Ricker in 5 innings. 9 runs and 10 hits for Argyle......a bunch of singles and no extra base hits. But good hitting with runners in scoring position and getting the bat on the ball. Good pitching, good fielding, and clean hits by Argyle. Game 2 at 6 pm Thurs. to continue this series.

Actually Ricker pitched 6 innings before he reached his pitch count.....not 5. Russell finished it off in the top half of the 7th for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

Bottom line......it's great to have some power hitters and be able to score lots of runs during the season. That in itself will create winning games and confidence for all the players on the team. But baseball comes down to basics and fundamentals......throwing strikes, playing solid clean defense without committing senseless errors, bunting, and moving runners into scoring position. Then putting the bat on the ball to score runs.....that's the magic formula of winning in baseball. Sometimes you meet a team that overcomes those basics and fundamentals even though your team played smart and clean.....but your opponents won't normally do that consistently if your team plays good defense and has pitchers that throw strikes.

[regaleagle]

And when your team meets another team with the same kind of fundamentals, then it usually comes down to opportunities squandered vs opportunities capitalized upon to determine the winner.

[regaleagle]

Looks like the Iowa Park Hawks won Game 2 today against Hereford 3-0, and will be moving on to next week's Regional Finals to face either Argyle or Canyon. Congrats to the Hawks on a great season and getting to the Regional Final series in Region 1......that's 5 rounds deep. Iowa Park's record moves to (34-2) on the season.....2nd best to Argyle in 4A.....and one of the best in the entire State of Texas. Good going Hawks......way to represent Region 1.

[regaleagle]

Just a side note of interest......Iowa is called the Hawkeyes and Iowa Park is called the Hawks. Not a coincidence, Huh?

[regaleagle]

Argyle(36-1-1) will be the home team tonight in Game 2 vs the Canyon Eagles(22-10-1). Not sure who Argyle will have as a starting pitcher tonight.....maybe UTAH commit RHP Sean Bolin.....or possibly RHP Bo Hogeboom(Houston). Actually, there's about 6 guys that could start tonight for Argyle.....we'll have to wait and see what Coach Griffin pencils into the line. Ian Walters(Sr/6-2/220) is a lefty.....and so is RF/P Hayden Clearman. I think those are the only two "lefties" on the team. Maybe Tate Van Poppel(Jr/5-10/210) will get the start. But I'm guessing the start will go to Bolin.

[regaleagle]

Game 2 will be broadcast starting at 6 pm on Sportsgram.net channel 9. Just find the Argyle/Canyon game and hit the Listen Live button. I sure do hope Canyon does not send this to a Game 3 with a win in Game 2. If necessary.....Game 3 will commence 30 min. after Game 2 ends tonight. Somebody will advance and somebody will be eliminated tonight.

[regaleagle]

One thing is for certain.....Iowa Park will be playing against some Eagles next week......we just don't know which ones yet.

[regaleagle]

Bolin got the start and it's in the bottom of the 1st now with Canyon batting......I guess they are the home team tonight. One out and a runner on 1st. Bolin just struck out the 2nd and 3rd batter for Canyon. The first batter Olsen got a hit.

[regaleagle]

2-2 to Sparks.....he strikes him out. A walk, a base hit and then 3 straight strike outs for Bolin in the bottom of the first. Argyle coming to bat.

Argyle 0
Canyon 0

End of first

[regaleagle]

Full count now to Austin King......a line shot to left center and then the left fielder slipped chasing the ball. A stand up double for King the Argyle catcher.

[regaleagle]

Gonzo hits a shot to SS and he misses it....runners on 1st and 3rd now. Merka up and hits a flyball between 2nd base and center.....the 2nd baseman gets it with his back to the plate, so the run scores from third.

[regaleagle]

Bo Hogeboom up now with a runner on Gonzo on 2nd now.....he advanced on the throw to the plate. Hogeboom crushes a shot that goes all the way to the wall in left center for a double as Gonzo scores. Now Preston King coming up.....the lead off hitter for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

King outruns a bunt down the first base line. Runners on first and 3rd down. Now Dillon Carter up.....he hits one over the bag at 2nd and the ball is knocked down by the SS. All runners are safe as the bases are loaded.....but the SS did save a run there. Now a pitching change for Canyon here in the top of the 2nd with one out and the bases loaded.

[regaleagle]

Brenden Dixon coming up......the third hitter in Argyle's lineup.....with the bases loaded and a pitching change for Canyon.

[regaleagle]

Aragon pitching for Canyon now.....has Dixon down 0-2 in the count. Big breaking pitch hits Dixon and brings in another run. Now Ricker hits one deep to RF to bring in another run as all the runners move up on the sacrifice fly. Two outs now as Hayden Clearman comes up to bat.

[regaleagle]

A long shot to RF by Clearman clears the bases with 2 more RBI's with a deep single. Austin King back up now.....he led off this inning. Clearman at first, but now steals 2nd.

[regaleagle]

King walks on 4 pitches.....now runners at first and 2nd base with Gonzo back up. He hits a Texas leaguer into shallow RF and scores Clearman from 2nd. Now runners at the corners and timeout called by Canyon for a mound conference.

[regaleagle]

Merka up now......a sacrifice fly last time up. Delayed steal by Gonzo and they throw it down.....meanwhile the runner from 3rd scores. Gonzo is safe on the steal too.

[regaleagle]

2-2 count to Merka......a line shot into RF and Gonzo scores easily......9-0 Argyle now. Merka gets an RBI and now he's thrown out at 2nd base on a steal attempt. That ends the top half of the 2nd.....but Argyle does damage with 9 runs. Canyon coming to bat.

[regaleagle]

Bolin back on the mound throws a first pitch strike to Jack McCay. Check swing by McCay as he went all the way through for the 3rd strike. Out #1 and the 4th K by Bolin.

[regaleagle]

Now a ground ball easy out for out #2. Now another ground ball to SS Dixon for another easy out. 3 up and 3 down quickly for Argyle.

Argyle 9
Canyon 0

End of 2nd

[regaleagle]

Aragon still on the mound for Canyon.......Hayden Clearman will be playing in this park next season as an ACU player.

[regaleagle]

Hogeboom up now.......had a double last time up and scored. Ground ball to 3b for an easy throw and out.

[regaleagle]

Preston King up now......0-2 now. Blake Rodriguez is actually on the mound now for Canyon......not Aragon. A ground ball up the middle for a one-out single for King.

[regaleagle]

Dillon Carter up now.....3-0 count. Now a strike down the middle. A bomb deep to RF and it's gone.....a looong deep FOUL BALL, haha. Now he walks Carter. Runners on 1st and 2nd now with one out. Dixon up now.....ground ball to 3rd in the hole, but Preston King's slide is safe on that force out to 3rd.....it was his only play. Everybody was gonna be safe anyway.

[regaleagle]

Chad Ricker up now.....bases loaded. 3-1 to Ricker now.....Rodriquez is in trouble. Ball 4 to Ricker brings in another run for Argyle......you have to throw strikes in this situation regardless. Looks like another pitching change for Canyon with the score 10-0 and the bases still loaded in the top half of the 3rd with one out.

[regaleagle]

Clearman up and a called strike on the outside corner. Popup in foul territory.....it hits the catcher in the face.....he's bleeding.

[regaleagle]

Below his eye.......the kid did not even flinch.....he's tough. 1-2 strikes now. They are taping him up with a band aid. It was a high pop up and he must have lost it in the sun.

[regaleagle]

Cobb will not come out of the game......2-2 now to Clearman and now they call a balk on the pitcher. Clearman waved in for another run. Now a wild pitch pass ball as Dixon scores to make it 12-0 Argyle. It's falling apart for Canyon. Clearman fouls two down the baseline.....full count now. Too high....ball 4 to Clearman with runners on the corners.

[regaleagle]

Nico Patrick pinch hitting now for Argyle for Austin King the catcher. Nico from the left side.....ball one outside.

[regaleagle]

Fly ball down the LF line is foul out of play. Now 2-2 the count on Nico. Opposite way hit thru the hole as Ricker scores and Nico gets an RBI single. Gonzo up now.

[regaleagle]

Runners on 1st and 2nd with one out now......pop up by Gonzo high in the infield for an infield fly rule, but the catch is made by Olsen anyway.....it was a sky high fly ball. Two outs now.

[regaleagle]

Mason Green pinch hitter for Cade Merka now......he's a 400 hitter on the season. He lines one to right center for a clean hit and everybody moves up one base. The bases loaded again with Bo Hogeboom up.....Bo doubled and then made the first out this inning on a routine ground ball. Another pop up high in the infield for the 3rd out. Argyle with 4 more runs on 3 hits this inning. Canyon coming to bat.

[regaleagle]

It's 13-0 in the bottom of the 3rd......Canyon needs some runs.

[regaleagle]

Bolin still pitching......ground ball in the hole at SS, but Dixon can't get there.....he just knocks it down. 2nd hit of the game for Canyon. Olsen back up now.....he's the lead off hitter for Canyon. 2-0 on Olsen in his 2nd time at bat.....he had a hit his first time up.

[regaleagle]

Olsen hits a ground ball to Dixon over to first to Ricker for an out.....the runner moves up to 3rd and Dixon let him go. Fly ball to Clearman in RF. He fields it and throws it home for the tag up......a great throw gets him at the plate.....but the catchers glove falls off and they call him safe. He was out, but now he's safe. Canyon scores a run on a sac fly.

[regaleagle]

Two outs now and Arthro strikes out for the 3rd out. Canyon does score a run on a hit and sac fly.

Argyle 13
Canyon 1

End of 3

[regaleagle]

Argyle trying to get more players in the game now and give more players some playing time.

[regaleagle]

Riley Hartman at the plate for Argyle. Jack McCay comes in from CF to the mound this inning in the top of the 4th as a lefty for Canyon. 2-2 to Hartman after two foul balls. Ground ball thru the hole into left field for a single. Now Blake Ramsey up.....a 200 hitter on the season and a senior. He has a football scholarship.

[regaleagle]

2-0 to Ramsey now......coach out to talk to McCay on the mound. Way outside and high as Hartman advances to 2nd base.

[regaleagle]

Nice offspeed for a strike.....Ramsey swings and misses. Full count now to Ramsey. Foul back to the screen. He walks Ramsey. Dixon back up and they will leave him in to bat this time......he hasn't really had an opportunity yet with 2 walks so far.

[regaleagle]

2-2 to Dixon after the foul back. Fly ball to center field and makes the catch....Brody Cook in center now. One out. Frank Russell up now......he closed out the game for Ricker last night. He's a senior too.

[regaleagle]

A swing and foul out of play.....2-1 now to Frank. Runners on 1st and 2nd......ball 3 now. Swing and fly ball to center field for an easy out again. two out now and here comes Clearman up to bat.

[regaleagle]

Clearman bats from the left side......called strike on the breaking pitch. Now a liner into the dugout as the guys scramble. Line shot into CF as he loads the bases on that single. Hartman holds at 3rd base. Nico Patrick back up now after a single last time.

[regaleagle]

Ground ball foul down the first base line.....0-2 on Nico. He's hit in the forearm......Hartman scores on the hit by pitch......the bases are still loaded for Gonzo. A line shot to right center rolls all the way to the fence. 2 runs score and Gonzo ends up on 2nd. 16-1 now for Argyle and another Canyon pitching change with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the top of the 4th with two outs.

[regaleagle]

I think Canyon doesn't have much pitching depth......that's a major problem. Reese Sullivan pitching now. A liner to left field as Jonathan Peavy makes the catch. 3 more runs on 3 hits and 2 stranded for Argyle in the top half of the 4th. Canyon coming to bat.

[regaleagle]

Looks like Tate Van Poppel(8-0) will take the mound for Argyle......a 1.85 ERA. First pitch fast ball blows right past Brett Cobb for a strike.

[regaleagle]

Lazy fly ball into left center field and Carter gets under it for the out. Another fly ball to Gonzo in left field for the 2nd out.

[regaleagle]

Saldeman up now.....a high chopper to first base as Ricker goes into the hole and tosses to pitcher Van Poppel for the out.....a very good play for Argyle all the way around. End of the 4th......3 up and 3 down.

Argyle 16
Canyon 1

End of 4th

[regaleagle]

Jake Sullivan up now for Argyle. Saldeman on the mound, not Sullivan. Ground ball to 2nd baseman and the play is not made. The subs are in for Canyon now also. That's a throwing error on the 2nd baseman. Liner over the 2nd baseman's head by Riley Hartman. Runner held up at 2nd base. Runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs and Dillon Carter is up.

[regaleagle]

2-1 to DC now.......ball gets away from the catcher but runners stay put. 3-1 now to Carter. Ball 4 to Carter loads the bases. Who's up next? Brenden Dixon....the UT commit.

[regaleagle]

Dixon hits a line shot over the right fielders head all the way to the wall. He stands up at 2nd with a 2-RBI double. JD Crowder up now....he has a football scholarship to Tulsa.

[regaleagle]

2-2 to Crowder now......Saldeman is a regular starter for Canyon with lots of innings pitched this year. Full count......ball to 2nd and forced at 2nd. Hartman scores. 18 runs for Argyle now. Now Nate Blacowitz up as another pinch hitter for Argyle. Deep ball down the line for a foul ball. 1-2 to Blacowitz......fly ball to RF and its a fair ball inside the line for a base hit for Blacowiz. Carter scores to make it 19-1 with runners on 1st and 2nd. Nico Patrick the catcher back up now.

[regaleagle]

Called strike 1-2 to Patrick.....ground ball and force to 2nd but Blacowitz is safe.....ruled a single on that high chopper over the bag at 2nd. Bases loaded to Gonzo now. Pop up into the bleachers foul ball. Called strike on the low pitch.....1-2 to Gonzo now. In the dirt.....2-2 now. Called strike 3 on a really good pitch on the outside corner.....two down now.

[regaleagle]

Soph Tyler Abrego pinch hitting now.......called strike. He gets him on 3 straight strikes......Abrego is a pitcher like his brother was at Argyle. Argyle scores 3 more on 3 more hits and strands 3 more.

[regaleagle]

Peavy up now......Canyon needs 9 runs this inning or they will be run ruled. Most of the positions in the field by Argyle are filled up with bench players now. Strike out by Van Poppel. Now a fly ball for another out. One more out now.

[regaleagle]

Larsen up and 1-2 now.......a foul tip into the glove of Nico Patrick and that ends it. Argyle run rules Canyon in Game 2 to end the series and advance to next week's Region 1 Final against Iowa Park.

Argyle 19
Canyon 1

Final

[regaleagle]

Argyle score 19 runs on 19 hits and no errors. Bolin gets the win to go 8-1 on the season giving up 2 hits and 5 K's with one walk in 3 innings pitched. Argyle 19 for 34 at the plate with 4 strikeouts. You must throw strikes and not make errors against Argyle.....end of story. 7 K's and 2 hits allowed by the Argyle pitchers tonight.

[regaleagle]

Argyle(37-1-1 now) will meet a very good Iowa Park Hawks(34-2) next week in the Region 1 Finals. We know Iowa Park is good......we just don't know how good. Argyle did play them in mid-season before district play began and won 9-2, but that was IN Argyle and a long time ago. I have a gut feeling that Iowa Park will want a best of 3 series against Argyle since they lost in a single game earlier this season. Besides......it gives their team more chances against Argyle. If I was the coach for IP, I guess I would give my players every opportunity to win.....which means playing a series instead of a one-gamer.

[regaleagle]

But I could be totally wrong on this account......maybe Iowa Park will feel they have their best chance in a one-gamer scenario for all the marbles. Of course, they will have to win the coin flip first. I'm pretty sure Argyle and Coach Griffin will want a series in the regional final. Why chance a one-gamer if you don't have to? When you have the horses, then let them run.

[regaleagle]

Both teams will get plenty of rest this Memorial Day Holiday weekend to take some time off for something besides the pressure of playoff baseball. I'm not sure how it will affect the players, but I would think a little time off for some R&R might be coming at the perfect time for both of these teams. It's been a looong, arduous season for both of these stellar teams to keep winning every game of every week for the entire season.......39 games for Argyle and 36 games for Iowa Park. Both have earned this holiday weekend.

[regaleagle]

No time was wasted......the Region 1 Final is set. Iowa Park(34-2) won the flip and opted for a one-gamer against Argyle(37-1-1) for all the marbles. It will be the Eagles vs the Hawks.....and one fine team will be soaring in the winds on their way to Austin at this time next week. Best wishes to all the players and coaches for a fantastic season on both teams.....it's been a heckuva ride to get here. The game is set for Wednesday night at ACU with the first pitch at 8 PM.
GO EAGLES!!!:stirpot::2thumbsup:taunt:

[regaleagle]

I'm pretty sure this will be a grillin' and ice cream weekend for most of us......maybe some fruit and salad too. I cut up a whole watermelon yesterday into nice squares(without the rind) and put it in the frig in plastic containers. Of course I had a little bit too.....just couldn't resist! Looks like summer is finally here.....even though we kinda skipped right thru the spring with cold, wet, rainy, and stormy weather. Everybody enjoy your holidays and spend some time with your family.

[Scoop27]

Where is ACU at ?

[solocam]

Abilene

[regaleagle]

There are two good articles about Argyle the last two days if you google the Denton Record Chronicle. If I knew how to show the links here......I would put them up here for you.

[Caveman]

There are two good articles about Argyle the last two days if you google the Denton Record Chronicle. If I knew how to show the links here......I would put them up here for you.

Here you go Regal:

https://www.dentonrc.com/rsssports/brady-keane-the-way-argyle-is-playing-now-series-format/article_092d2a2b-c792-59ed-b3db-bfac25033cbb.html

https://www.dentonrc.com/sports/baseball-no-argyle-wins-th-straight-in-blowout-fashion-to/article_7cbfc0ab-a69f-5fa7-b4d2-5eb603127a02.html

[regaleagle]

Over in Region 2......Benbrook just won Game 3 against Longview Spring Hill 5-2 to advance to the regional final to face Kilgore or Melissa. Kilgore is leading Melissa right now in Game 3, but that game is still in question. Last I heard, Kilgore was ahead in the 3rd inning 3-1.....but that was an hour ago.

[regaleagle]

I'm hearing now that Melissa and Kilgore are tied at 3-3, but I don't know what inning and who's home team.

[regaleagle]

Top of the 7th now and Kilgore has a 4-3 lead. Kilgore is home team. Melissa needs a run or this series will be over.

[regaleagle]

Kilgore wins Game 3 against Melissa 4-3 to advance to the Region 2 Finals against Benbrook next week. Congrats to Kilgore and Benbrook for advancing.

[regaleagle]

All the other regions except Region 1 will be playing a best of 3 series this week. Argyle vs Iowa Park will be decided by Wednesday night late and all the other teams still playing will know whether it was Argyle or Iowa Park that advanced. Either team will be a tough out in Austin, regardless. But my money is for Argyle to not let up.....to keep hammering the baseball and committing zero errors. Iowa Park does have two very effective pitchers and will use both if they need to. I believe Argyle will hit their pitching and do well in the field. Argyle is also very excellent on the bases.....so all in all they seem to be playing at a very high level right now. Maybe their best since the season began.

[regaleagle]

I'm also hoping that the home plate umpire calling the balls and strikes is not too liberal with the strike zone. I think it is very important at this stage of the season to make the pitchers throw strikes......not to "give" strikes away from the plate because he hit the mitt......or the count was in the batter's favor. Pitchers don't need "help" at this juncture......the batters need fairness. Argyle has a whole lineup of hitters with a good eye for balls & strikes......I hope they force the pitchers to throw strikes or pay the price.

[regaleagle]

I totally expect Argyle to start their #1 pitcher Chad Ricker......he has a couple of no-hitters this season and usually does a good job throwing strikes. The Argyle defense backs him up very well and commits very few mistakes. The infielders have good gloves and play excellent fundamentals.....even if the ball takes a bad hop they will knock it down. I'm expecting a close and hard-fought game from Iowa Park, but who knows??? Argyle might come out smoking.....they have that ability to put the whack attack on any team.

[regaleagle]

What I'm not expecting is for Iowa Park to take a big lead at any point in this game......that just hasn't happened this season against any 4A level team to Argyle. In fact.....it's only happened against 6A Southlake Carroll in the Highland Park tournament earlier this year. Since the start of the 2018 season, Argyle's record is 74-1-1.....and that's against the best 4A teams in the state and a very competitive upper classification predistrict schedule.

[regaleagle]

Let's not forget that Iowa Park is a very accomplished team in their own right and just so happens they will have a straight up 50/50 chance to win this game......the math doesn't lie. That's why they opted for the one-gamer when they won the coin flip.......it's better odds for them than a best of 3 series. Plus, they don't have to worry about their pitching depth in a Game 2 and possibly a Game 3.......everything will be thrown at Argyle to win this game.

[regaleagle]

Argyle moved up from their #2 ranking to the #1 spot in the National High School Baseball Coaches(NHSBCA) poll this past week. They also jumped up to #1 from #2 in the MaxPreps Excellent 25 Writer's poll this week. There are 5 national high school baseball polls. Argyle also remained ranked #1 in Collegiate Baseball's National High School Poll this past week. In Perfect Game's National Top 50 Poll, Argyle remained 3rd as of May 21st, but can still move up to the top spot if they keep winning. USA Today's Super 25 Ranking has Argyle remaining at #2 behind IMG Academy out of Bradenton, Fla.......but their season is completed at 26-1. Argyle still has a chance to move up a spot in that national poll also.

[regaleagle]

What's up with this stormy weather all year??? Now they are calling for some stormy weather on Wednesday......but not sure if it will extend all the way down to Abilene. I sure hope they get some decent weather for this game tomorrow night......Argyle had to play a semifinal in terrible conditions in football against Waco La Vega in December. It's always better to settle these playoff games when the weather conditions don't play a role in the outcome.

[regaleagle]

If it gets windy.......that could become problematic for the pitchers......depending on just how windy it gets. Throwing strikes is difficult enough without high winds playing havoc to the baseball. Late May and early June are supposed to be summertime conditions in Texas......not springtime storms.

[regaleagle]

We have severe flooding in some states this year......I guess we should be thankful here in Texas. This situation will definitely have an adverse effect on the planting and harvesting of crops for the USA this year......as if the prices of food at the grocery store aren't high enough already. I know the farmers in the Midwest and southern states are at least a month behind on getting crops in the ground and are worried there will be no sustantial corn, wheat, or soybean crops this summer. The prices will rise significantly for the crops that do get harvested. This will affect the cost of beef and poultry prices also. Planting your own garden if you have some acreage might be a good idea going forward. Now I'm getting off topic and onto another tangent, LOL. Fishing has been lousy this spring too because of the weather!

[regaleagle]

Off topic......but here's another interesting UIL tidbit. As of the latest update of Lone Star Cup standings on May 24th, Argyle and Canyon are dead even at 86 points each. Liberty Hill is still in the mix in 3rd place at 74 points. Most of the categories have been tabulated for the school year......except for team baseball, girls softball, and Academic State. Argyle knocked Canyon out of the baseball playoffs last week, but it happened before the May 24th update. Argyle and Liberty Hill are still playing this week in baseball......each round means more points and winning the State Championship gives even more points. Lots of points still remain to be tabulated for Academic State......which Argyle usually wins. I think Argyle has won the Lone Star Cup for the past 7 years in a row in 4A(and the old 3A).....but now an old nemesis Canyon is back in the mix. Liberty Hill is also a contender each year......especially if their team sports programs do well like they have this school year.

[Caveman]

Off topic......but here's another interesting UIL tidbit. As of the latest update of Lone Star Cup standings on May 24th, Argyle and Canyon are dead even at 86 points each. Liberty Hill is still in the mix in 3rd place at 74 points. Most of the categories have been tabulated for the school year......except for team baseball, girls softball, and Academic State. Argyle knocked Canyon out of the baseball playoffs last week, but it happened before the May 24th update. Argyle and Liberty Hill are still playing this week in baseball......each round means more points and winning the State Championship gives even more points. Lots of points still remain to be tabulated for Academic State......which Argyle usually wins. I think Argyle has won the Lone Star Cup for the past 7 years in a row in 4A(and the old 3A).....but now an old nemesis Canyon is back in the mix. Liberty Hill is also a contender each year......especially if their team sports programs do well like they have this school year.

At academic state Argyle amassed 319 points next closest was Stephenville with 112. Argyle wins Lone Star Cup.

[regaleagle]

It seems that Highland Park in 5A and Argyle in 4A are dominating their respective classification in the Lone Star Cup. I wonder how either would do if their football season did not go very deep into the playoffs each season. I would venture that Argyle may win it anyway......and so would Highland Park.....just looking at their point differential. But all sports and all other related UIL events are included.....so a school must participate and do well in many areas to win this yearly award. It is the highest distinction that any school in Texas can attain during the course of a school year......but there are many many schools that would be happy just winning a championship in any UIL category for the year.

[regaleagle]

Well......today is Wednesday and it's gameday for the Argyle Eagles and Iowa Park Hawks. This game this evening is what both teams played for all season long......to win the Region 1 final and advance to Austin to the Final Four. The weather looks sketchy for out in Abilene where this game will be played. If it was in the metroplex, would probably be cancelled because of lightning and storms later this evening.

[regaleagle]

Looks like the weather will cool and be nice in Abilene tonight by gametime at 8 pm. I think I heard that today is the last day of classes at many schools around Texas. It's supposed to be summer, but feels like the first of April instead of the last of May. This game should have a live broadcast from Sportsgram.net starting at 8 pm for anyone who wishes to listen in. The call will be from the Argyle Broadcast Network, but I will be giving as many updates and play by play as I can during the game on this thread. OR maybe I should just create a new thread for this game, Huh?........Nah, not really necessary.

[regaleagle]

Obviously, the 8 pm start time for this game gives those traveling from the metroplex and Iowa Park a chance to see as much of the game as possible. There's no school for the students tomorrow and it doesn't get dark until about 8:30(except for the cloudy weather)......so why not? I think the later into the evening it goes the less chance for any weather related problems that would delay this game.

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park has scored a whopping 308 runs this season in 35 games and allowed only 61 runs against their schedule. These numbers show that the Hawks have a great defense and excellent pitching.....but also they can generate alot of runs offensively. When you look at Argyle's season totals of 337 runs scored against 95 allowed, you can easily see just how good Iowa Park's numbers really are. Argyle has played 39 games so far this season......so that's 8.6 runs per game average vs Iowa Park's 8.8 average. Obviously, Iowa Park's defense allowed much less on average than did Argyle's.......only 1.74 runs per game compared to Argyle's 2.44 runs per game.

[regaleagle]

This should be a very good matchup between two of the best teams in Class 4A tonight in Texas. I'm certain all eyes will be on this game to see how Argyle responds in this one-gamer scenario. It appears by the numbers that Iowa Park is the real deal and could give Argyle all they want in this one game elimination format. Both teams will need to show up ready to play their best baseball......which means limiting mistakes and putting the bat on the ball to force the opponent's defense to make plays. It will be interesting to see how the calls go behind the plate as well......I hope the ump does not give strikes that are obviously not strikes. There is no reason to punish the batter in favor of the pitcher.....let's force the pitchers to throw strikes and see what happens.

[regaleagle]

Still almost 4 hrs to gametime......looks like the weather is clearing out west in the Abilene area. They say that ACU field is very very nice.....turf, seats 4000, great locker rooms, and an overall great facility to play games in. It's 334 down the lines, 380 in the power alleys, and 400 in centerfield.

[regaleagle]

RF Hayden Clearman of Argyle will be playing all his home games in this park next season for the ACU Wildcats. They played in this park last week for 2 games against Canyon in the semifinal round......Argyle won those games 9-0 and 19-0. So I guess you can say Argyle kinda likes this park, Huh?

[regaleagle]

You can listen live to this game on Sportsgram.net Channel 9. The broadcast should start shortly......the game starts at 8 pm. I'll be giving the updates on this thread.

[regaleagle]

Kenny Arthur and Mitch Cullen will have the call in the Argyle booth.

[regaleagle]

Playing the National Anthem now......

[regaleagle]

Region 1 Finals in Class 4A......Iowa Park pitcher is 13-1 on the mound and has a .84 ERA for the season. Looks like IP is the home team tonight. He's a senior RHP.

[regaleagle]

Chad Ricker gets the start for Argyle 10-0.....an ERA of .104

[regaleagle]

Preston King for Argyle leads off with a single on an 0-2 count and threw a strike to King.....and of course he hit it. Dillon Carter up now.

[regaleagle]

Pass ball in the dirt gets away from the catcher and King moves to 2nd base.

[regaleagle]

Carter bats from the left side.....another ball in the dirt but the runner holds. 3-0 to Carter now. Ball 4 a little outside. Carter walks. Now Brenden Sunshine Dixon is up.

[regaleagle]

74 degrees and the sun shining in Abilene now. Runners on 1st and 2nd....1-1 to Dixon.

[regaleagle]

Called strike on that breaking ball.....he swings and misses and Dixon goes down. Big out for the IP pitcher on that one. Now a double play is in order. Ricker batting from the left side.....breaking ball outside.

[regaleagle]

Called strike outside corner.....Ricker let it go. Another called strike outside.....staying outside to Ricker. Line shot to third base is caught for a 2nd out.

[regaleagle]

Dickson is the pitcher for Iowa Park.......Clearman swings and fouls one down the line.....he bats from the left side also.

[regaleagle]

2-1 to Clearman now......ball 3 low. Ball four.....bases loaded now. Austin King bats from the right side.....righty against righty now. Called strike...1-1 now on King. Outside to the Argyle catcher 2-1. Outside to Austin King now with the bases loaded and the count 3-1 with 2 outs.

[regaleagle]

Swing and a miss to King on that swing......inside strike. Called strike 3 on the inside corner......King couldn't believe it but should have been swinging. Dickens gets out of the inning with no damage done. Iowa Park coming to bat now.

[regaleagle]

Chris Dickens gets a strike out, a line out, and a strike out in that one to escape. Argyle lost a golden opportunity there.

[regaleagle]

Ricker starts out with a breaking pitch for a strike. Now 1-2 to the batter....fly ball to shallow RF and Clearman makes the catch for the first out.

[regaleagle]

Lefty up now for Iowa Park against Ricker the righty. Fly ball to Clearman again in right field for the 2nd out.

[regaleagle]

Liner to left field but Gonzo gets there to make the catch.....3 up 3 down for Ricker and Argyle.

[regaleagle]

Gonzo up to face Dickens in the top of the 2nd.......high ball one. Merka on deck.....foul ball. Lined to right center field all the way to the wall.....a lead off triple for Alex Gonzales. He smoked it to right center and hopped off the field.....Gonzo just took it all the way to 3rd. Merka up now for Argyle. 1-1 to Cade Merka the third baseman for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

RBI single to left field on that roper over the third baseman's head for clean hard single. 1-0 for Argyle with no outs. Here comes Bo Hogeboom the DH for Argyle.

[regaleagle]

Fouls back an attempted bunt.....1-0 now. Throw over to 1st to check the runner. Down to the 1st base line and Merka to 2nd base on that sacrifice.

[regaleagle]

Preston King back up....he led off this game with a sharp single. Called strike to King......he disagrees with that one. Fouls back to the screen.....0-2 now to King. Checks his swing and umpire says he went. 2 outs now. Dillon Carter up now and here comes an intentional walk. They want the righty-righty matchup with Dixon.

[regaleagle]

Dixon struck out his first time up....inside for a ball. Outside ball 2. Dixon needs to stay centered, but chases a breaking ball. Check swing breaking ball catches the outside corner for a strike. 2-2 to Dixon now......2 runners on base.....2 outs. Down low full count now.

[regaleagle]

Runners will be on the move here now......payoff pitch is upstairs Ball 4. Bases loaded and Ricker up now. 2 outs.

[regaleagle]

Outside to Ricker.....you have to pitch to Chad now. Swing and a miss.....ahead of that one on that off speeder. Ground ball foul. 2-2 now to Ricker. That one was close. Fly ball down the left field line out of play.

[regaleagle]

Swing and a miss on a fastball gets Ricker......Dickens escapes again. Argyle scores one run on 2 hits and strands the bases loaded again.

After 1 1/2

Argyle 1
Iowa Park 0

[regaleagle]

Ricker facing Dickens......he's a 452 hitter on the season. 1-2 to Dickens......he's arguing the pitch hit him....but the ump says no way. Full count now. Ground ball to Dixon at short.....he gets him out at first with the throw. One out now.

[regaleagle]

Taylor Gafford is a 398 hitter.....a tapper to Van Poppel as he tosses it to pitcher Ricker for the out. A good play by Van Poppel and Ricker. Trent Green up now. 2-1 to Green now. A swing and a miss. 2-2 now. Another swing and miss and Green goes down. Another 3 and out for Argyle .

Argyle 1
Iowa Park 0

End of 2nd

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park is getting a little sparky out there when walking off the field. Clearman leading off.....a deep ball all the way back to right field, but the catch is made for the out. Austin King up now......a liner to right field......only a couple of steps and he gets the out. 2 outs now. Dickens has 54 pitches now.....that's a big number. Gonzo up now.

[regaleagle]

Gonzo had a lead off triple last inning and scored. 2-1 to Gonzo now. Drive to left center field.....it's way back.....it's gone.....ding dong for Alex Gonzales in the power alley at 380 feet.....but almost straight away center at 400 feet. Now Gonzo has a triple and a homer against Dickson. Merka up now.....he singled last time to drive Gonzo in.

[regaleagle]

1-2 to Merka on that foul ball......swing and a miss in the dirt for the 3rd out. But Gonzo does more damage and Argyle has a 2-0 lead.

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park coming to bat in the bottom of the 3rd now. Ricker still on the mound for Argyle. Ground ball to Merka at 3rd for a nice hop and throw out.

[regaleagle]

Logan Kimbrough up now.....he's the 8 spot hitter. Pop up out of play.....foul ball. 1-1 to Kimbrough. Outside 2-1 now. Called strike to Kimbrough. Strike 3 called....Ricker gets the strikeout. Ashlock up now.....ball one. Now 3 balls and no strikes to the 9 hole hitter. Called strike. Fast ball for a strike.....full count now. Ashlock fouls it off. Now another swing and foul straight back. Another foul ball on that pitch makes Ricker work. Ricker walks him on a low one.

[regaleagle]

Cade Johnson up......check throw to first but he gets back. Now Kimbrough goes and Austin King throws him out at 2nd. End of the inning.

Argyle 2
Iowa Park 0

End of 3rd

[regaleagle]

Hogeboom up 2-0 and now he fouls one off. Ground ball up the middle for a base hit. Pinch runner Riley Hartman running for Hogeboom. Hartman has excellent speed. No outs. Looks like Iowa Park is gonna change pitchers now. Time out on the field.....top of the 4th and no outs with a runner on first base.

[regaleagle]

Preston King up to face the new pitcher Braxton Briones. Ball one high. Outside ball two. Inside 3-0 now to King. Down low ball 4 and Briones walks the first batter he faces. Runners on first and 2nd now. Dillon Carter up now. Shows bunt but pulls it back.....low ball one. Bunt down to 3rd base and fires it to ss at 3rd to beat the runner for the first out. Dixon up and lines one foul down the RF line. 1-1 now to Dixon with runners on 1st and 2nd. Lined down the left field line foul. 1-2 now to Dixon. Fouls off Dixon's foot now.

[regaleagle]

Briones deals one in the dirt to Dixon.....2-2 now. Big breaking ball and Sunshine lets it go by. Full count now. Swings and taps it to 3rd for an easy step on the bag for a force out. Carter to 2nd and Dixon at first now.

[regaleagle]

Chad Ricker up now.....low ball one. Two outs. Outside 2-0 to Ricker. Fly ball down the left field line foul and out of play. He hit that ball hard. Foul tip at the plate.....2-2 now on
Ricker. Foul back to the screen.....so far IP has avoided the big inning. Swing and a miss by Ricker as he strands two on base. Argyle has now stranded 10 on base in 4 at bats.

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park is hanging in there......could be a whole different score but only 2-0 so far. Ricker starts with the top of the order in the bottom of the 4th....called strike breaking pitch. Johnson up for only his 2nd at bat. Popup to Van Poppel at first for the first out.

[regaleagle]

Briones up now.....now Ricker hits him. It was high and inside. Called strike on the outside corner. Swing and a drive to left field, but Gonzo runs it down for the 2nd out. That will bring up Chris Dickens.....a 452 hitter. Ricker throws to first base and almost gets Briones. Low ball one to Dickens. Inside ball two to Dickens. Breaking pitch is lined foul. Ricker up to 49 pitches now. Outside 3-1 now. In the dirt to Dickens for ball 4. Now runners at first and 2nd with 2 down.

[regaleagle]

Ground ball to Dixon at SS to 2nd base for the out. End of 4 complete now.

Argyle 2
Iowa Park 0

end of 4th

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park hasn't quit razzing the Argyle players at the end of every inning.....maybe they are trying to get Argyle riled up to divert their attention. Clearman takes a breaking ball for strike. Now a fastball for a strike. Ground ball toward first base is foul. 0-2 to Clearman is fouled off again. Now another foul out of play. Easy grounder to Trent Green at first base. Green rolled his ankle.....his limping now. One out now.

[regaleagle]

Austin King up now.....2-0 to King and a called strike. Austin is a 304 hitter on the season. He's a very reliable catcher. Lined over 2nd base and he takes it to 2nd base with a slide and he's safe. Now the 2nd baseman gives King a shove after the slide. Gonzo the hero is up now. Ball one low to Gonzo.

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park won the flip, got the home team and the field choice and is still chippy. Gonzo lines one down the right field line and is caught, but King tags and makes it to 3rd. Merka up now. Now a hit to third and the throw to first as Trent Green digs out the low throw for the out.....it was a close play. Argyle strands a runner at 3rd.

[regaleagle]

Ricker still on the mound.....bottom of the 5th and strike one to the batter. High on that one.....1-1 and now a swing and foul back into the net. 2-2 now to Trent Green. Full count now as Ricker works quickly. Outside ball 4 when he had Green 0-2. Maybe Ricker needs to slow down a little bit.

[regaleagle]

Kirby Healy up now......shows bunt and Ricker takes it to first base for the sure out. The sacrifice moves Green to 2nd and one out for Argyle. Kimbrough up now and strike one.

[regaleagle]

Outside for ball one.....IP is only down 2-0 to Argyle in the bottom of the 5th here with a runner on 2nd and one out.

[regaleagle]

Fly ball foul down the 3rd base line and Merka makes a catch for the 2nd out. He had to run to get to that one. Ashlock up now for IP.....he's a lefty. Called strike down the middle. Bullpen going now as Sean Bolin is throwing. Ball outside....1-1 to Ashlock. Foul ball 1-2 now. Ricker up to only 65 pitches now. A hopper to first base and Van Poppel bobbles it as he tries to beat Ashlock to first, then tries to flip it to Ricker but Ashlock beats everybody to first. Runners on the corners now. Ground ball to Dixon and he throws him out at first base on a very close call. What a great play and throw by Dixon to get him by a whisker.

[regaleagle]

Top of the 6th

Argyle 2
Iowa Park 0

Bo Hogeboom leads of the inning for Argyle here. He had a hit his last time up. Fly ball to right field is gonna be trouble and it falls just outside the line foul. Grounder to short and is out by a half a step......he took his time on the throw.

[regaleagle]

Leadoff hitter Preston King fouls one back now. Called strike on the outside corner as Briones works quickly. Fly ball to right field foul out of play. High inside on that one.....1-2 now to King. High chopper to the third baseman and he can't get it over to Green on the throw. King safe at first on that late throw. One out and Dillon Carter up. Low ball one.

[regaleagle]

Called strike to Carter on that low ball. In the dirt ball two. Outside ball 3 on the breaking pitch. Swing and drive to straight away center field. Ashlock runs into the wall in dead center and he catches it high on the wall....what a GREAT play by Ashlock on that one. Now a popup by Dixon down the right field line and King gets caught in a run down between 3rd and home as he turned the corner . The throw went back to the SS and he ran at him to stop him and they got him out. Ends the inning and another threat. Argyle strands two and a great play on Carter's long drive to the centerfield wall. IP continues to hang in there.

[regaleagle]

Soft liner for the first out. Ricker still pitching. Teafatiller up now 1-2 down the line foul. Line shot is also foul on that one. Gonzo has moved over to the left field line. Now a full count......ball 4 as Ricker walks him. One out and one on here in the bottom of the 5th.

[regaleagle]

Throw to first and the pinch runner is back. Dickens up and he hits it to Dixon at Short.....steps on the bag and fires to Van Poppel at first for the double play!!!

Argyle 2
Iowa Park 0

End of 6th

Argyle has stranded 12 runners in this game and hit the ball hard, yet Iowa Park remains only 2 behind.

[regaleagle]

Ricker up now in the top of the 7th. Briones on the mound. Chris Dickson catches that easy popup for the first out at SS. Clearman up now.....ball one. Ground ball to 2nd base and he throws him out at first. That ball was hit in the hole and the 2nd baseman made a great play to get there and throw him out by a half step.

[regaleagle]

Austin King up now.....2 outs. 3-1 to the Argyle catcher now. Check swing roller to 3rd base for a 3 up and 3 down inning for the Iowa Park Hawks. Iowa Park needs 2 runs to extend this game or Argyle will advance to Austin next week.

[regaleagle]

Ricker back on the mound for his 7th inning.....no hits so far by IP. Hitters 5, 6, and 7 for the Hawks. Gaffert up.....a 390 hitter on the season. 1-2 to Gaffert on that pitch. Now a high heater and Gaffert swings and misses strike 3....one out.

[regaleagle]

Green up and Ricker throwing heat now......2 straight fastball strikes now. 2-2 to Green now on a couple of outside pitches. Now ball 3, full count. Swing and a miss fast ball on the inside corner. Green couldn't catch up to it......2 outs now. Ricker and Argyle need one more.

[regaleagle]

Fast ball on the outside corner.....strike one. Outside ball one. Ball two high.....2-1. Popup on the right side and goes out of play. 2-2 now and one strike away. Kirby Cohealy a 299 hitter......foul ball. Swing and a popup to Van Poppel by the dugout. He gets it and that's the game. Chad Ricker no hits the Iowa Park Hawks and are headed back to Austin.

[regaleagle]

Argyle 2
Iowa Park 0

Final

Argyle goes to 38-1-1 on another no-hitter by Ricker. Argyle has 2 runs on 8 hits and no errors in the win. They stranded 14 runners on base as Iowa Park scathed by just about every inning but one.

[regaleagle]

Congrats to the Iowa Park Hawks on a great season and a very hard fought game tonight in the regional final. They end their season 33-3.....just a great season.

[regaleagle]

Iowa Park kept it close, but Argyle just could not score some of those base runners they stranded every inning. Ricker really dominated the Iowa Park offense on the mound and did not allow but one base runner to 3rd.....even though he walked 4 and hit one. It was not his best outing, but good enough for the Eagles as he threw strikes and struck out 5 in the effort. Iowa Park had some good hitters, but just could not get the bats going with Argyle's defense and Ricker on the mound.

[regaleagle]

Maybe Iowa Park would have been better off in a series against Argyle......maybe not. But they took their shot and that's all you can do. Argyle is just a very good baseball team and will be very tough for any team to beat. Even though the Eagles did not capitalize tonight against Iowa Park on so many opportunities at the plate....they played perfect in the field and Ricker did his job on the mound throwing strikes. I'm not sure there's a team out there that can totally shut down Argyle's offense.....they are just loaded offensively. And as far as defense is concerned......they play smart and don't commit very many mistakes. They just seem to make the plays even when it looks like the other team will finally get something going. That's the definition of a very good baseball team. Good Luck in Austin.....Eagles!! Can you spell REPEAT???

[regaleagle]

Argyle gets plenty of time now to relax and get ready for their semifinal game in Austin next Wednesday. They will be the #1 seed with their record. The team with the second best record will be the #2 seed. Then the 2 remaining teams will flip to determine who plays who in those semifinal one gamer matchups.

[regaleagle]

The best possible record for Argyle this season will be (40-1-1) if they win another State Championship next week. They are currently ranked #1 in 3 of the 5 national high school polls, #2 and #3 in the other two remaining polls......so they have a chance to repeat not only a State Championship, but another National Championship next week. The Eagles will have to win out for either of these scenarios to happen.....or for both to happen again.

[regaleagle]

I'm not sure how Coach Griffin will set his rotation for the Wednesday semifinal......I guess it depends on the matchup.......but maybe not. It will most likely be either Ricker or Bolin that gets the start. Whoever gets the start.....the Eagles will need to win their semifinal matchup first before even getting to the final. My gut feeling is they will hold Ricker back and start Sean Bolin in the semifinal game on Wednesday. He's their #2 most of this year and has a 8-1 record I believe. I could be wrong on his record.....it could be 9-1.

[regaleagle]

If Argyle struggles in the pitching department during their semifinal......they have plenty of good quality pitching depth to change pitchers if need be. Again.....the team that is able to play clean defense and put the ball in play on offense will put the pressure and cause problems for the opponent. I don't expect any of the teams that make it to Austin to incur pitching problems.....not being able to throw strikes. The semifinal games should come down to quality defense and hitting.

[KilgoreDogs9753]

Sweeny vs Kilgore
1 pm @ Disch Falk Field
Kilgore is the Home team

[KilgoreDogs9753]

And it's me WhoAmI from smoaky regaleagle just a little heads up

[regaleagle]

Sweeny vs Kilgore
1 pm @ Disch Falk Field
Kilgore is the Home team

A rematch from last season's regional final, Huh? I know for a fact that Kilgore is loaded with quality players and a very good offense. Argyle will have to bring their "A" game to the field to win this one-gamer semifinal, for sure. There's no doubt that Kilgore has the horses to contend with Argyle and win a one-gamer. Should be a very exciting matchup.

[KilgoreDogs9753]

Yes sir I think Kilgore can battle Argyle in a 1 game. As long as they take care of business with Sweeny first.

[Rocket Man]

A rematch from last season's regional final, Huh? I know for a fact that Kilgore is loaded with quality players and a very good offense. Argyle will have to bring their "A" game to the field to win this one-gamer semifinal, for sure. There's no doubt that Kilgore has the horses to contend with Argyle and win a one-gamer. Should be a very exciting matchup.

According to TX HS Baseball, the semifinals are:

Sweeny v Kilgore
Argyle v LV

[Scoop27]

That's correct for the semifinals

[regaleagle]

Ok......read it wrong??? Argyle draws a very hot-hitting La Vernia in the semifinal. If La Vernia took care of Fulshear and then Liberty Hill in back-to-back rounds by scoring so many runs in Games 2 & 3 against BOTH of these stellar teams.......then look out for the Bears!!! They must be able to hit.....regardless of who's throwing. Outscoring your opponent is the name of the game, for sure.

[regaleagle]

The La Vernia Bears(28-11) have scored a total of 303 runs in 39 games this season.....an average of 7.77 runs/game scored. They have allowed a total of 165 runs scored this season, an average of 4.23 runs/game allowed. Argyle(38-1-1) has scored a total of 338 runs in 40 games this season....averaging 8.45 runs/game scored. The Eagles have allowed a total of 86 runs scored.....an average of 2.15 runs allowed/game. These are the numbers for each team against the schedules they have played this season.

[regaleagle]

I did notice looking at La Vernia's schedule that they started scoring alot of runs from the middle of the season forward. All that really matters is how each team performs in this one-game semifinal. Both teams have had a stellar season and deserve to be in Austin in the Final Four for the Class 4A Baseball Semifinals.

[regaleagle]

I'm fairly certain most fans in Region 4 will be pulling for the Bears to beat Argyle in this semifinal.....and most likely all the Sweeny and Kilgore people too. Maybe just about everybody in all the regions will be pulling for the Bears to upset Argyle, Huh? I guess poor ol' Argyle ain't got many fans except for the Argyllian faithful when it comes down to it, LOL. But Hey......that's just the way it is when you are on the top of the mountain......everybody wants to knock you off.

[regaleagle]

You know......Abilene Wylie won back to back 4A State Titles in baseball in '15 & '16. But they probably won't be pulling for Argyle either.....and they aren't even in 4A anymore!!

[regaleagle]

But guess what? I will be pulling for Argyle to win another State Championship in baseball this week. If they do win again.....they have the chance to win another National Championship as well. They are within reach of it again......ranked #1 in 3 of the 5 national high school baseball polls, #2 in another one and #3 in the remaining one. If they end the season at (40-1-1) and win another State Championship......they have a good chance of being named National Champion again.
No other team in Texas has ever reached this level of accomplishment in baseball......ever!! So I would love to see Argyle make Texas high school baseball history this season and put it in the record books......it would be a highly exceptional honor and record to accomplish. For the seniors......their 4 yr. career winning record would stand at (130-10-2). This year's juniors on the team would have a 3-yr. record of (102-4-2) and the sophs. on the team a 2-yr. record of (77-1-1).

[regaleagle]

Setting lofty goals and then going out and trying to accomplish those goals is what sports is all about. One thing is for sure......we have had a fantastic and very highly competitive baseball season in Class 4A this season......you cannot deny that fact! The bar has been raised and other teams have responded. Just look at how many players are getting scholarships to play at the next level in 4A now!

[regaleagle]

Argyle has 25 players on their varsity baseball team this season.....14 of those players are seniors. 7 of those seniors have D-1 commitments in baseball and 3 have D-1 commitments in football. There could be a couple of other seniors who may end up playing baseball at a lower level with a baseball scholarship. Then there are several juniors already with a D-1 commitment in baseball.

[regaleagle]

With so many seniors graduating off this team this season, it will be difficult for Argyle to advance back to this level again next season. There are only so many spots on the roster to fill and playing all 25 players during the season is difficult enough. You hope to develop players at the JV level, but in 4A baseball only so many schools have competitive JV programs. Then you must divide your players between all the spring sports.....baseball, soccer, track, golf, and whatever else......in a 4A enrollment scenario. So it's tougher to keep the team developed than at the larger schools in 5A and 6A where there are more students to spread around among all the sports.....just sayin'.

[regaleagle]

Of the 14 graduating seniors on this Argyle team this season.....6 were on the varsity for all 4 yrs. and 2 more were on the varsity for 3 of the 4 yrs. These are most probably very typical numbers for 4A......maybe not??? This season there is one freshman on varsity and 3 sophs.....just to give you a comparison.

[regaleagle]

It may be more difficult in baseball than in football to maintain a highly competitive team every season because of so many factors that affect the ongoing flow of the program. And football is KING in Texas.....so most schools in 4A have developed Freshman and JV teams in their programs. That's just not the case for baseball because of so many other sports happening in the spring at the same time. And baseball is a different animal than football with an entirely different group of skill sets required than football. Alot of skill sets transfer over......but some don't and must be developed over time.

[Scoop27]

A lot of it comes down to if these players are playing Little League, and Babe Ruth at an early ages.

[regaleagle]

The Eagles will be having a fan sendoff for Austin today on Tuesday at 1:45 pm. That means they will be staying in the Austin area overnight in preparation for their semifinal game that begins on Wednesday at 4 pm. The first semifinal begins at 1 pm......so looks like about a 3-hour window for the first game to the second. All other classifications will be playing at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, but the 4A Semifinals and Finals are played each year at the University of Texas Longhorns Disch-Falk Field.

[regaleagle]

All semifinal and final games will be broadcast on NFHS Live Streaming this week for a small fee......I think for less than $10. FoxSports Southwest will televise the 6A Final on Saturday evening. If you miss the start times of any of these games.....NFHS will have the video tape delay you can watch later. Don't forget to cancel your subscription after this weekend with NFHS or they will charge you a recurring monthly fee.

[regaleagle]

Looks like that tropical storm coming up from the Mexican Gulf will impact Texas on Wednesday with rain and thunderstorms. Not sure how it will affect the Austin area......the weather forecast is calling for possible thunderstorms during the day. Thursday for the final looks like it will be a better day and clear for the 4A Final. We might have delays and the scheduling could be thrown off because of this tropical disturbance in the Gulf. Not as critical for 4A as the rest because all the rest play at Dell Diamond......only 4A plays at Disch-Falk. Just be cognizant that the weather.....again.....could cause problems for some or all of the games this week.

[regaleagle]

I wonder how much "juice" a pitcher at the high school level can put on a ball if it's a little wet.....kinda like the old "spitball". With enough speed and rotation.....those pitches can make that ball "move" quite a bit and make it hard to hit. The sliders with a wet ball should really move, Huh? And how about a wet ball on an aluminum bat??? I wonder how much different that is than a wet ball on a wooden bat like we played with in the 70's. The aluminum bats get wet too! How much rain do they need before they postpone the game anyway? The field is artificial turf.....hard grounders skip and pick up speed on wet turf. Then throws to the bases and from the outfield could get problematic with wet conditions.

[regaleagle]

Well I sure hope the games at 1 pm and 4 pm are not postponed due to rain. I guess whoever wins the early game will stick around and watch Argyle play La Vernia in the later game.....just to get a taste for what's on menu next. Argyle and La Vernia will be able to see some of the first game, but their energies will be focused on the game in front of them.....so it's not the same kind of flavor to savor.

GO EAGLES!!!

[regaleagle]

Argyle vs La Vernia upcoming on NFHS Live streaming at 4 pm. Sweeny won the first semifinal by a score of 5-1 and advances to the State Championship game tomorrow against the winner of this game.

[regaleagle]

First pitch is supposed to be at 4 pm......we'll see if they are on schedule. Sunny and bright in Austin today for these games.

[regaleagle]

No feed yet from NFHS......I just got thru watching the other game. I wonder what the holdup is.

[regaleagle]

OK.....here we go now. Watering down the infield and running a little behind the first pitch time.....but the feed is on now.

[regaleagle]

Umpire conference at home plate and soon the announcements and introduction of the players from each team.

[regaleagle]

La Vernia players being introduced first......taking their place along the 3rd base line.

[regaleagle]

La Vernia wearing their blue jerseys with the white sleeves today. Argyle being introduced now along the first base side wearing all white with Red and White caps and red numerals on the jerseys.

[regaleagle]

Argyle starters taking their position on the field as they are announced......we be home team today in this one. Now the National Anthem.

[regaleagle]

Looks like Argyle has Ricker on the mound for this start.....not Bolin.

[regaleagle]

Ricker throws the first pitch for a strike breaking ball away. Three pitches and a strikeout for Ricker. 3-1 now to the #2 hitter for La Vernia. Base hit by Carpenter to center for LV. One out and runner on first now.

[regaleagle]

High fly ball to Clearman in right field for out #2.

[regaleagle]

High pop up to SS Dixon for the final out......Argyle coming to bat in the bottom of the first.

[regaleagle]

Ricker is 10-0 on the season. Preston King leading off for Argyle. 4 straight balls to King for a leadoff walk.

[regaleagle]

Carter walks on a 3-2 count....runners on first and 2nd with Dixon up.

[regaleagle]

Popup in foul territory and the 2nd baseman gets it for the first out.....a good play. Ricker up now with one out.

[regaleagle]

he walks Ricker on a full count to load the bases with Clearman up now. He's a lefty too.

[regaleagle]

Clearman grounds to 2nd for an out, but the run scores from third. Now King gets hit by the pitch to load the bases again. Gonzo up now.

[regaleagle]

A pass ball gets away from the catcher but not far. Dylan Carter comes home and the tag is made at the plate but no call. Carter came in hand first and touched the plate, but the ump did not make the call. He made it later when the pitcher tagged Carter again 10 secs. later. Argyle got robbed of a run or more on that one. Carter touched the plate with his hand and was safe.

[regaleagle]

Pop up to shallow center and SS Dixon under it for the first out. Now a one out double to center field by LV.

[regaleagle]

High pop up on the right side in foul territory is put out by Van Poppel. 2 outs now.

[regaleagle]

Hard grounder in the hole at first. Van Poppel knocks it down and then tosses to pitcher Ricker covering first for the final out.

[regaleagle]

Gonzo back up to lead off this bottom of the 2nd.....the put out at home on the pass ball last inning when he was at bat. Hard hit to left field....a liner right to the left fielder. One out. Merka up now.

[regaleagle]

A dropping liner to right field but caught by the right fielder.....he didn't need to take many steps to get to that one.

[regaleagle]

Hogeboom reaches on a sharp grounder to SS and throwing error on that rushed throw.....they call it a single.

[regaleagle]

Preston King hits a dropping liner to right field for a single and then it gets by the fielder and goes to the wall as Hogeboom scores and King ends up on 3rd.

[regaleagle]

Shallow popup to right field by Carter for the 3rd out. But Argyle gets another run across.

Argyle 2
La Vernia 0

End of 2nd

[regaleagle]

Pop up to Merka at 3rd for the first out.

[regaleagle]

Ricker walks him on a full count.....runner on first with one out for LV.

[regaleagle]

Shallow pop up is caught by Dixon in left field for the 2nd out. Runner on first steals second on a close play.....he's safe.

[regaleagle]

Ricker walks the batter on 4 pitches on that one with runners on first and 2nd with two outs now.

[regaleagle]

Good hit to left field is caught by Alex Gonzales for the 3rd out to end the threat. Argyle coming back up to bat now in the bottom of the 3rd. Looks like LV can hit, for sure.

[regaleagle]

Dixon up to lead off this bottom of the 3rd for Argyle. Dixon gets called out on a waay outside breaking pitch.....no way that one was a strike.