Yet Again, Reagan Rattlers earn place in 6A Final

ROUND ROCK, Texas- A five-run second inning was more than enough to catapult Reagan High School into its second-consecutive 6A state championship game.

Starting pitcher Cal Carver (Wichita State), was stifling through all seven of his innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run, as the crafty lefty worked around four walks. Hitting 88 mph on the gun, Carver hovered around 84-86 mph with his fastball, working in a flourishing 72-77 mph breaking ball.

In spite of allowing five runs in 2.2 innings, Cypress Ranch’s Matt Thompson (Texas A&M) showed every bit of why he will likely climb up draft boards come next year. The 6-3 right-hander touched 95 mph on occasion, though he primarily worked around 91-92 mph. His 11/5 slider snapped with tight break, showing tilt and depth. Thompson ran into trouble in his half of the second inning, and the Rattlers never relinquished their lead.

Cypress Ranch’s Colton Cowser (Sam Houston State) struck quickly with an RBI double in the top of the 1st inning, but the Rattlers quickly answered. Josh Killeen (Wichita State) opened the 2nd inning with a walk, and found himself on third after a Cal Martin double. With the infield in, Travis Sthele (Texas) found a hole through the right side of the infield to score the tying run. A Thompson throwing error and two more RBI singles extended the Reagan lead to 5-1.

Ty Madden (Texas) did his best to keep the Mustangs in striking distance, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings and flashing power stuff in the process.

The Rattlers’ lead would stand, creating a meeting with Southlake Carroll in Saturday’s 6A state final.

STATS

Reagan
Carver: (W) 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 5 K, 4 BB
P. Brown: 2-4, 3B, R
Martin: 3-3, R
Sthele, 1-2, R
Raba: 1-2, R

Cypress Ranch
Thompson: (L) 2.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 K, 2 BB
Madden: 3.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 K, 2 BB
Schields: 1-2, R
Scott: 1-2
Cowser: 1-3, RBI