Lions open season with home-field tournament

The Lions started their season off with a bang Thursday in a 9-0 victory over LBJ, thanks in large part to a solid outing from pitcher Steven Lillian, who went more than five innings, posting eight strikeouts and surrendering only two hits.

Game Two on Friday had Lockhart facing St. Michael’s Academy, with Ryan Hitter taking the mound for the Lions. Lockhart once a

gain came out on top 3-1. Hitter gave six innings at the mound, giving up only one run and four hits, and leading the Lions to advancement in the championship game against Canyon Lake.

On Saturday, the Lions fell 6-5 to Canyon Lake to finish the tournament in second place.

Pitchers Lillian and Ryan, along with outfielder Cody James, were named to the All-Tournament team. James was also selected as the tournament’s MVP, going 6-7 and scoring six runs over three days, including a home run during the Championship Game.

“The players played well during the tournament. Even though we fell short, we learned a lot about each individual player and what they are capable of accomplishing in different situations,” Coach Gene Salazar said after the tournament. “We are trying to find our identity as a ball club and these non-district games help us do that prior to entering district play.”

The Lions faced the Bastrop Bears on Monday, March 1, and will participate in tournament play in New Braunfels on March 4 – 6. They will return to Lion Field to face the Manor Mustangs on March 16, 2010.

Check next week’s Post-Register for more coverage of Lion Baseball, or visit online at www.lockart-locals.com.
(Courtesy of Gene Salazar)