Varsity Lions stumble as district season starts

The Lockhart Lions now sit at 0-2 in district play after a rocky Spring Break.

The Lions opened their district season at home on Wednesday, March 17, facing off with the Manor Mustangs. A dominant pitching performance from the Mustangs was the story of the game. The final was a 10-1 victory for Manor.

First baseman Sammy Yanez was the standout player for Lock

hart, going 3-3 at the plate.

Friday night had the Lions taking on the Rattlers in San Marcos. Lockhart fell behind early and struggled at the plate for most of the game.

The Lions did put together a late game rally, sparked by a solo homerun from shortstop Ryan Hitter and a two-RBI double from centerfielder Brian Martinez.

Unfortunately, the rally was not enough and the Lions ultimately fell 11-4.

“We are still seeking consistency as a ball club,” head coach Gene Salazar said. “We have to be able to pitch and defend better in order to compete on the field. As you know, focus is a key element in competition. We are working to ensure that our focus as a team gets stronger as the game goes on. We have to get better at staying focused.”

Salazar said team members are showing great individual efforts, citing among them the fact that Martinez and Will Rodriguez have both been named to the AISD All-Tournament Team.

“We just have to put all the facets of the game together,” he said.

The Lions hosted the Del Valle Cardinals on Tuesday, March 23, and will travel to Elgin to face the Wildcats on Friday, March 26.
(Courtesy of Gene Salazar)