The Levelland Lobos opened district play against the San Angelo Lakeview Chiefs at home on Tuesday, shutting out the chiefs 6-0.
Rance Massey would command the mound for the Lobos, holding Lakeview scoreless through a complete seven innings. He allowed only six hits and three walks in the outing while striking out six chiefs.
The second inning momentum for the Lobos would begin with a Jake Potter walk, followed by a RJ Mireles single. Jacob Swain would enter to run for Mireles.
Ian Rivera would then load the bases, as he would be hit by a pitch. Sitting at second and third, Potter and Swain would score on a passed ball and a throwing error back to the pitching mound.
The Lobos would continue to add to their lead with Kade Pemberton and Noah Tienda each putting the ball in play for a single. The sequence would allow Rivera to score.
Pemberton would eventually score on a two out single by Abram Arteaga to cap off the bottom of the second.
With a 4-0 lead, the Lobos would add two more runs in the bottom of the fourth to secure their six total runs.
Coming out of a front loaded tournament schedule, Head Coach Chris Portwood was complimentary of his squad's performance heading into their district opener.
“This win feels good and I love it for the guys,” said Coach Portwood. “This is a mean game and hurts the ones you love the most. I have seen them get hurt by this game. I am very pleased to see their efforts pay off for them.” Coach Portwood highlighted Massey’s efforts on the mound as he was in control of his secondary pitches and hitting spots.
“He let his defense work,” said Coach Portwood. “He can actually get in the zone and doesn't worry about the seven guys behind him.”
Emphasizing that is what a coach looks for, Coach Portwood added that it helps team chemistry. “Seeing the young guys behind him grind it out and playing hard baseball for him is another thing we have been searching and looking for,” explained Coach Portwood. “You can always get better and always find something to critique.”