Forsan Buffaloes win District title behind a no-hitter from pitcher Brandon Valdez
The Forsan Buffaloes hosted the Colorado City Wolves this past Friday in a game that would decide the District Championship. During what can only be described as a special night for the Buffaloes, starting pitcher Brandon Valdez threw a no-hitter. The Forsan Buffaloes went on to win the game and the District title 10 to 0.
Brandon Valdez took the mound in the top of the first, not knowing the special night that laid in wait for the young man. Valdez started the game strong after he gave up a few walks in the inning; the Buffaloes settled down and was able to get back-to-back strikeouts to ends the inning. Kevin Kligora lead off the game with a single to the shortstop. Cayden Morgan then grounded out, but Kligora was able to make it to third on the play. Josh Durbin then was hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners with one out. Durbin was caught trying to steal second base for the second out of the inning. With two out and a runner at third, Major Stockton doubled to left field to drive home Kligora for the first run of the day. Brandon Valdez came to the plate, and he helped his cause with a single, driving home Stockton to take a two-run lead. The Buffs went on to put one more run on the board in the inning.
Leading 3 to 0, Valdez came out for his second inning of work. The Buffalo pitcher was on fire in the second inning, as he was able to move quickly through the Wolves hitters for an easy inning. In the bottom of the second, the Colorado City pitcher also had a good inning. He went on to strike out two Buffaloes, not allowing the Forsan bats to get going.
As play moved on to the top of the third, the Buffs still enjoyed a 3 to 0 lead. Valdez once again had a quick inning when he put the Wolves down in order once again. The Forsan pitcher went on to strike out two in the frame. The bottom of the third found the Wolves pitcher still in a groove as he was able to get through the inning again, giving up no runs.
Valdez continued his magical night of work with the score at 3 to 0, heading into the top of the fourth. The Buffalo was just too good for the Wolves, as he kept the Colorado City batters off balance throughout the entire game. He once again had an easy inning of work, not allowing any runs or hits. The Forsan bats woke up in the bottom of the fourth. Valdez led off the inning after a brilliant inning of work on the mound. He was able to reach base on an error by the Colorado City shortstop. The error allowed him to get to second base. Valdez then showed off his wheels when he was able to steal third base. The Wolves'
Courtrsy Photos pitcher then balked, allowing Valdez to score, bringing the lead 4 to 0. Drayklyn Henry had a two-out single to right field. Josh Cervantes then was able to reach base on another error by the Wolves' defense. With runners on first and second with two outs, the Forsan bats would not be done. Kligora nailed a hard-hit ground ball to drive home Henry. With a 5 to 0 lead, Cayden Morgan hit a ground ball to the Wolves third baseman, who committed the third error in the inning for Colorado City. The error allowed Kligora and Cervantes to score. After the mistake-filled inning, the Buffs now lead 7 to 0.
Carrying a no-hit bid into the fifth, Valdez would continue a great outing. The Buff pitcher again had an easy inning mowing down the Wolves. As the outs kept coming, the sense of something extraordinary started to buzz through the crowd. The Forsan bats went into the bottom of the fifth leading 7 to 0. Major Stockton lead off the inning with a single. He then stole second base. After two quick outs Park then reached an error. The error allowed Stockton to score, bringing the Forsan lead to 8 to 0. Henry smashed a ground ball to center field, driving home Park. After a fly-out for the third out, Forsan now had a 9 to 0 lead.
Valdez came out for the sixth inning, knowing that something special was on the horizon. The young Buffalo pitcher remained calm and showed no signs of nervousness. He worked another impressive inning shutting the Colorado City bats down once again. With a 9 to 0 run lead, the Forsan batters came to the plate. After two quick outs, Josh Durbin worked a walk for the Buffs. Major Stockton, who had a great game, then drove home Durbin to score the 10th run of the day for Forsan; the game was called after the run, giving Forsan the District Title and Valdez a no-hitter. The Buffalo pitcher finished the game with six innings pitched, nine strikeouts, and allowing zero walks.
What can be said about the pitching performance from Valdez other than it was indeed something special for this young man. Not only did he throw a no-hitter, but he also leads his team to the District title. The win proves that Forsan has grown from the start of the season. The sky is the limit for this young team. I can't wait to see what comes next for them after this big win.