Wall Hawks Edge Out Tolar to Claim Area Round Game 1

EULA, TX — The Wall Hawks survived a solid comeback attempt from the Tolar Rattlers in the area round's Game 1 on Wednesday night. The Hawks took an early lead and then held off the Rattlers to claim victory, 5-4.

Tolar actually took the lead first in this contest, a rare occurrence for the defending champion Wall Hawks this season. After three walks in the bottom of the first inning, the Rattlers were primed to take the lead. Two passed balls in the same at-bat allowed Tolar to take a 2-0 lead before the Hawks made it out of the inning.

It took until the third inning for the Hawks' offense to wake up. Jacob Braden hit a single to center before Kellan Oliver advanced Braden into scoring position on a sac bunt. Then, Reid Ballard stepped up and hit an infield RBI to score Braden. Later, Tyler Klinesmith hit an RBI single to left that scored Ballard, and the Hawks tied the game, 2-2.

Wall finally took its first lead of the ball game in the top of the fourth inning. After being hit by a pitch, Kyler Oneal advanced to third base on a hit from Hagyn Barbee. One batter later, Barbee stole second, and Oneal stole home on the throw to second base. With two on and two out, Ballard hit an RBI single to left field before Lawson Dankworth hit an RBI double, scoring Braden. Wall led 5-2 heading to the bottom of the fourth inning.

The game remained in a deadlock after that until the bottom of the seventh inning. The Rattlers made the most of their final opportunity to mount a comeback, but Kyler Oneal came in for Gage Reichenau in relief to claim the final two outs and the victory for the Wall Hawks, 5-4.

Reichenau delivered a solid performance on the mound for the Hawks. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Only one of those runs were earned. He also finished the contest with six walks and six strikeouts.

Next up, Wall returns to action on Friday for Game 2. If the Hawks win again, the defending champs will advance to the 3A Division II regional semifinals. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in Eula.