By Brian Argabright
drnhsports@gmail.com
It took a little bit longer than they would have liked, but the Del Rio Rams baseball team picked up its first district win this week.
The Rams scored a run in the top of the eighth inning Tuesday to edge Laredo LBJ, 3-2, in Del Rio’s district opener.
Del Rio didn’t have trouble putting the bat on the ball as the Rams racked up eight hits, but it was translating those hits into runs that was the problem.
The Rams struck for their first run in the top of the third inning. Jose Borrego ripped a two-out triple to centerfield and then scored on an error by the LBJ centerfielder to stake Del Rio to a 1-0 lead.
Another triple in the top of the fourth inning led to the Rams’ second run. This time it was Will Cooper who made the dash around the bases after lacing a shot to right field. Cooper would score on a John Flores double to give the Rams a 2-0 advantage.
The 2-0 score would stand until the bottom of the sixth inning. LBJ was able to load the bases, and then Cooper struck the next batter with a pitch to bring in the Wolves’ first run. LBJ then followed with a single to plate the tying run before a fielder’s choice ended the rally and kept the game tied at 2-2.
After a scoreless seventh inning, the Rams reclaimed the lead in the eighth when Sebastian Patiño jumped on the first pitch he saw and deposited it over the left field fence for a solo blast and a 3-2 Del Rio lead.
Alex Rodriguez came onto pitch in the bottom of the eighth and retired LBJ in order on just six pitches to get the save.
Cooper was the Rams’ starter and went seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out six.
Borrego, Patiño and Flores each had two hits for the Rams. Rodriguez and Cooper had the Rams’ other hits.
The Rams return to action Friday when they host the Laredo United Longhorns at 7 p.m. at The Bank & Trust Ram Field. Tickets must be purchased online at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/delrioathletics?embed=1
