The Ropes Eagles hosted the New Home Leopards for a district baseball matchup this past Wednesday night, resulting in the Eagles edging them out 8-7 to earn the big win.
Ropes took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, then New Home scored five unanswered runs in the fourth inning to take the lead. Ropes would respond with four runs in the fifth inning, and then the two teams would each score two in the sixth inning, securing Ropes’ win.
In the team statistics, the Leopards bested the Eagles 10-7 in hits and 4-5 in errors committed, and the two teams tied at three walks apiece.
“It was a great game against a good team that is well coached. I was proud of our guys and how we handled adversity throughout the game,” Ropes Head Baseball Coach Nathan Farm Bureau. Flores said. “The game plan was simple. Be ourselves and don’t try to do anything special. Just take care of the little things, be a good teammate, control the controllables and let the rest take care of itself. We did that and our guys were there for each other even when things got tough. It was good for us to work through that and know, that’s all it takes.”
That approach certainly worked for the Eagles as it produced several noteworthy performances. Ropes’ standouts at the plate included third baseman Kade Franklin going ¼ with three runs-batted-in, two runs scored and a home run, left fielder Maddux Sierra going 1/3 with three runs scored, two RBI’s, a home run and a walk, first baseman Garland Higginbotham going 1/3 with an RBI, right fielder Brayden Hogg going 1/3 with an RBI, shortstop Ryland Kieth going 1/3 with two runs scored and a walk, and center fielder Jaivyth Cruz going 1/3.
On the mound for the Eagles, Elijah Flores tossed four innings, surrendering zero earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six batters. He was followed by Kade Franklin, who pitched three innings, surrendering two earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two batters.
The improves the Eagles to 21-4 overall and 11-0 in district play, which puts them in sole possession of first place in the 2A District 4 baseball standings.
Though that could change if Ropes fails to beat New Home again over the weekend, which would put them in a tie for first.
After that crucial matchup, Ropes will head to play at Tahoka on Tuesday at 6 p.m.