Ridge Point brings to an end season of top-ranked Lamar
From the start, it all went Ridge Point’s way against Lamar, the state’s top-ranked Class 6A baseball team. Lamar’s leadoff hitter Chris Gutierrez was picked off first after opening Saturday game with a single.
It got even better for Ridge Point. Ron Washington led off the bottom of the first inning with a towering 350-foot home run and the Panthers were on their way in derailing the Texans 11-0 in the third and deciding game of an arearound playoff series at Jersey Village High School.
The 10-run rule came into play with Ridge Point leading 11-0 after 4½ innings. The Panthers advance to the Region III quarterfinals to play Cypress Ranch. The Texans, winner of District 18-6A, conclude their outstanding season at 28-4.
“It was just a dead-even series and it comes down to these Saturday games, and our hitters started finding holes and got on a roll there. But Lamar’s a great team and we’re fortunate to get out of here,” Ridge Point coach Clinton Welch said. “Congrats to our players for battling through it because they’re a tough team.”
The Panthers put the game away with an eightrun fourth to make a winner out of Matthew Scott (2-0), who pitched five scoreless innings, allowing four hits — all singles. The righthander threw curves for strikes and spotted his fastball.
“What was really good was our defense,” said Scott, who had six strikeouts. “Our defense was amazing today and it’s been amazing in the playoffs.”
The fourth was highlighted by a two-run single by Zach Johnson, who had two of Ridge Point’s 11 hits over four innings. The Panthers had six hits in the fourth, with the first eight batters reaching base.
Parker Wayne, Arron Allen and Kyle Croft also had two hits each for the Panthers (22-13), co-champions of District 20-6A.
Washington’s blast, his third homer of the season, was only the fourth home run hit this season at Jersey Village’s baseball facility and the first to left field. The righthanded hitter walked twice and scored three runs.
“It felt good off the bat, but I didn’t think it was a home run so I hustled out of the box,” said Washington, who is drawing attention from scouts and is committed to San Jacinto College. “I was just a plug for the team today. That’s exactly what I came out and wanted to do.”
Cameron Gibbons, Owen Holt and Sam Frank also singled for Lamar, which exceeded preseason projections.
“We had a lot of doubters outside. We overcame the doubters and had a great season,” Lamar coach David Munoz said. “The bar’s raised. We know we belong and we are looking forward to next year.”