Lockhart baseball suffers tough loss against Hays

By Anthony Collins – LPR Editor
The Lockhart Lions faced a difficult game against the Hays Hawks, resulting in a 15-7 loss on Tuesday.
Lockhart began the game strong, scoring two runs in the first inning due to an error. In the second inning, they closed the gap to 5-3 when Ethan Mendez hit a home run to left field, bringing in two runs, followed by a passed ball that added another run. An error allowed the Lions to increase their lead to 7-4 in the top of the third inning. However, Hays regained control in the bottom of the fifth inning and went on to score seven runs in the sixth.
Weston Phillips came in as a relief pitcher for the Lions, throwing three and two-thirds innings. The right-hander allowed seven hits and seven runs (six earned), striking out two batters without issuing any walks. The starting left-handed pitcher also faced difficulties, surrendering two hits and four runs (three earned) over one and one-third innings, with no strikeouts and three walks.
Ethan Mendez shined, leading Lockhart with two runs batted in and finishing the game with a 2-for-4 performance. Both Mendez and Jesse Flores contributed two hits each for the Lions, who showed patience at the plate by drawing six walks during the game. Waylon Phillips and Gage Deutsch each led the team with two walks.