ABILENE, TX — The No. 2 Wall Hawks traveled to Abilene on Thursday for Game 1 of the 3A-Div II State Semifinal matchup against No. 4 Boyd at Abilene Christian University. Despite some early defensive mistakes, a combination of hot bats and another pitching gem from Gage Reichenau allowed Wall to claim victory, 6-1.
The Hawks fell behind early thanks to a couple of defensive errors at the top of the 1st inning. Boyd capitalized on the mistakes to take a 1-0 advantage.
However, the Hawks continue to be one of, if not the most resilient, team in 3A Baseball. Hagyn Barbee beat out a throw on a chopper hit in the infield before Gunnar Dillard tied the game with one swing of the bat. He hit an RBI that scored Barbee, then scored himself later. The Hawks took the lead when Caleb Braden hit an RBI double to the outfield, 2-1.
Wall would not surrender this lead for the remainder of the contest. After a scoreless 2nd inning, the Hawks jumped on the board again thanks to an RBI triple from Caleb Braden.
Wall Hawks after claiming victory in Game 1 of the State Semifinals over Boyd
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
Up 3-1 in the bottom of the 5th inning, the Hawks finally broke the game open. Dillard hit another RBI single to score Barbee before an intentional walk from Boyd put runners on first and second base. Reid Ballard would then load the bases with a single up the middle to center field. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Jack Keys hit another single up the middle to score two. Wall took a 6-1 lead heading to the 6th inning.
Reichenau continued to dominate on the mound, and Boyd never threatened to score again.
Wall travels to Stephenville on Friday, May 30, to take on Boyd in Game 2. First pitch at Tarleton State is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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