Eagles’ postseason hopes hanging by a thread
Playoff fight goes down to the wire as Dawson clings to bare edge
Dawson’s baseball season is hanging on by the skin of its teeth, which is fitting because many of its games have been like that, too.
The week began with three games remaining and the Eagles holding onto a halfgame lead over Dobie for the final playoff berth in District 226A. Most teams suffer injuries every season, but Dawson has had to deal with more than its fair share.
“This probably isn’t how we would have written it, but at the same time it’s a credit to our kids for hanging in there,” coach Kerry Cox said. “We thought we might be going for first place, not third or fourth.”
Dawson (13-12, 7-6) has been without its top two pitchers and one if its returning outfielders all season. It’s No. 3 pitcher got hurt during football season and has not been able to contribute this spring. The Eagles’ expected top newcomer has not played until this week.
Despite the inordinate number of setbacks the Eagles have put themselves in position to qualify for the playoffs. They have done that by winning most of the close games. Dawson is 6-2 in one-run games, including a 5-1 record in district play.
The most dramatic of those came on April 8 against Pasadena Memorial. Dawson fell behind, 6-0, in the first inning and rallied to take the lead. Memorial forced extra innings, and Dawson won, 9-8, on Chris Jefferson’s winning hit in the ninth.
Cox said he wasn’t surprised because even last year the Eagles showed a knack for comeback victories.
“They have it in their DNA, but it’s not always going to be there when you call on it,” Cox said. “It helps to have healthy pitchers to keep the runs down, but we haven’t had that all season.”
Drake Rainer and Walker Clayton have done a good job giving the Eagles a chance when it’s their turn to pitch. Rainer has been a good leadoff batter, too. Catcher Mike Oyervides has been steady, and Blake Toler has been hot lately.
The Eagles have a team batting average of .320. Their 73 runs scored in district play are third best. Their 73 runs allowed are the worst of the top six teams.
The up-and-down nature of the season has not been ideal, but the Eagles still are in position to get to the playoffs. They have been good in the clutch to this point. This is no time to stop.
“It seems like we’re always chasing,” Cox said. “We have to put some complete games together.”
Alvin took over sole possession of first place with a 1-0 victory over Pearland last week. The Yellowjackets (11-1) entered this week with four games remaining. Pearland (11-2) had three.
Manvel (8-4) began the week with four games left. The Mavericks were in sole possession of third place.