Confrence play was in full swing this past week. Only three teams across the entire state had a week without a conference game (Cisco, Tyler, Coastal Bend). The conference outlook is starting to shape up as well. San Jac is out front in Region 14-South, Panola and Navarro are tied on top of Region 14-East. Odessa and Midland are tied on top of the WJCAC. The NTJCAC is lead by Hill with McLennan not far behind them. In the DAC North Lake is way out in front thanks to a big week. Full conference standings are below

This week there were 8 teams that had undefeated weeks: #1 San Jac (3-0), #5 Cisco (2-0), #6 Odessa (4-0), #9 Tyler (3-0), #12 Midland (4-0), #14 Angelina (3-0), #23 Hill (4-0), and UR North Lake (3-0).

Let's dive into four of those undefeated weeks and take a look at the Pitcher and Hitter of the week.

#1 San Jac (3-0)

San Jac picked up after their series loss last weekend. They took their three-game home series against Laredo outscoring them 32-2. In game 1 the Gators won 7-0. SO RHP Jackson Rutledge (Kentucky) got the win going 5.0 innings striking out 11 of the 16 batters he saw. At the Plate in game one, SO CF Bryan Seamster (uncommitted) led the way going 4-4 at the plate with 2 doubles, a home run and 3 runs batted in. Game two they took 15-1. On the mound FR LHP Mitchell Parker threw a complete game, striking out 12 with only 1 run which was not earned. At the plate in game two the leader was FR  C Chase Ferem who was 3-3, with a home run, 4 runs batted in, and 3 runs scored. Game 3 was lead on the mound by SO RHP Dane Acker (Oklahoma) who went 7 innings allowing just 3 hits and getting 6 strikeouts.

#9 Tyler (3-0)

Tyler hosted their opponent from the 2015 NJCAA Division 3 National Title Series Joliet (IL) in a three-game series. Tyler took all three games in impressive fashion outscoring them 24-3. In game 1, FR RHP Cooper Rawls got the win going 7 innings striking out 7 only allowing 1 run. At the plate in game 1, they were led by SO INF Ty Messner (UT-Tyler)who was 1-4 with a double, and 2 runs batted in. Tyler took Game 2 6-1, it was lead by SO RHP Lyle Hibbitts (uncommitted) on the mound who went 5 strong innings striking out 7 with 2 walks. Their offense was led by FR INF Heath Hood who was 1-3, with a run batted in, and 2 runs. Game 3 was where the offense for Tyler showed up. They won the game 13-1. It was led by FR OF Seth Ballenger who was 2-2 with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs.

#12 Midland (4-0)

Midland hosted their conference opener this past week against Luna (NM). They took all four games outscoring them 46-19. Midland took game 1 13-1. Leading the way for them on the mound was FR RHP Dawson Merrymnan who threw a complete game striking out 10 with only 1 hit. At the plate they were lead by SO C Garrett Wilkinson (Liberty) who went 2-2 with a double, home run, 2 runs batted in and 3 runs scored. Game 2 was led on the mound by FR RHP Jordan Bach who went 7 innings striking out 9 and getting the complete game. Wilkinson again led the offense going 2-3 with a home run, 4 runs batted in and 2 runs. Game 3 was won 11-7, was led by none other than Wilkinson. He was 3-4 with a double, 3 runs batted in and 2 runs. Game 4 was the closest of the four. Midland pulled out a 10-7 win. Their offense this game was led by the duo of FR SS Mason Weathers and FR CF Ryan Hunt. Weathers was 2-4 with 2 runs batted in. Hunt was 3-5, with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored.

#23 Hill (4-0)

Hill has quietly been one of the hottest teams in the state. They are currently on a 9-game win streak. This past week they opened up conference play and took 4 from Vernon. Outscoring them 33-19.

Players of the Week

Hitter:

Midland-SO Catcher Garrett Wilkinson (Liberty)- .583, 2 Doubles, 2 Home runs, 10 Runs Batted In, 8 Runs, 4 Walks

Pitcher:

Navarro-SO LHP Angelo Gennari (Sam Houston)-1-0, 7.0 IP, 14 Strike Outs, 1 Walk, 1 Hit

Gennari got the series-clinching win against Paris this past weekend. With a Complete-Game Shutout facing 23 batters across those 7 innings. 

Conference Standings:

 

 

JUCO WIRE