Varsity Lions host Lockhart Baseball Tournament

By Alonzo Garza
POST-REGISTER

The Lockhart Lions hosted the Lockhart Varsity Baseball Tournament from Thursday, Feb. 21 – Saturday, Feb. 23. St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, Luling, Austin Lanier, Seguin and Killeen participated in the tournament.
“I was really pleased with the way we hit the ball this weekend,” Coach Mark Elder said on Monday. “We

still have a couple of spots in the line-up that need to produce, but as a whole, we are doing a pretty good job.”
Thursday’s games ended with a loss and a win for Lockhart. The Lions lost to St. Michael’s 13-9 and beat Luling 6-1.
The Lions had an opportunity to rest up on Friday while Austin Lanier, Seguin and Killeen battled it out on the field. Friday’s games ended with the Austin Lanier beating both opponents. The Vikings beat Seguin 8-7 and Killeen 6-1.
Saturday’s games were graced with a ‘perfect weather for baseball’ day. It was also the end of the road for most teams. Luling was out by losing 8-3 to Seguin, Seguin was out by losing 7-4 to St. Michael’s and Killeen was out by losing 4-1 to Lockhart.
The Lions finished third after falling to the Austin Lanier Vikings 8-5. The Vikings fell to St. Michael’s by one run and a score of 11-10 making St. Michael’s Catholic Academy tournament champions.
Game highlights included Steven Crider going two for three at the plate with a homerun and three RBIs in game one. Lions fell 13-9 to St. Michael’s.
Game two was called because of a time limit. Zach Leija pitched a great game, giving up only one run. As a team the Lions stole seven bases. The Luling Eagles fell 6-1 to the Lions.
Lockhart beat Killeen 4-1 in game three. A.J. Crider pitched seven innings giving up only three hits and one run. S. Crider hit a two run homerun placing Lockhart ahead for good. A. Crider also contributed a triple and an RBI.
The Lions fell 8-5 to the Austin Lanier Vikings despite a great “come-from-behind” rally that put runs on the board in the last innings. A. Crider went two for three with a double and a homerun. The Lions’ late rally was not enough to win the game, but showed their determination and “never give up” attitude toward their sport.
“A.J. Crider did a great job on the mound,” Elder said. “We need a couple more guys to step up and give us those extra innings we need on the mound.”
The Lions traveled to Bastrop to face the Bears on Tuesday, Feb. 26 and will participate in the Austin St. Stephen’s Tournament from Thursday, Feb. 28 – Saturday, March 1. Check next week’s Post-Register for scores and highlights.
See you at the game.
agarza@post-register.com