The Woodlands takes 1-0 lead over Tomball

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Woodlands High School baseball team opened the 2011 playoffs with an 8-0 shutout of Tomball Thursday at Scotland Yard.

The Highlanders had been somewhat silent at the plate, so it came as quite a relief when both Elliot Richoux and Alex Dunlap hit two-out, first-inning homers to stake their team to a 4-0 lead.

Richoux, who went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, hit a solo blast to get things started and then hit a second home run of the night to highlight a four-run sixth innings. It was Richoux’s 11th and 12th homers of the season.

Dunlap belted a two-run homer in the first inning while Robbie Goldschmidt and Andrew Godail added two hits apiece to the 13-hit attack.

It was more than enough offense for Bryan Brickhouse (8-3), who threw a complete-game two-hitter, striking out 11.

The Highlanders (25-5-2) continue the best-of-three bi-district playoff series at 7 p.m. Friday in Tomball. A third and deciding game, if necessary, would be played at 3 p.m. Saturday in Tomball.