13-6A Postseason: Baseball and Softball Teams Thrive in the Playoffs Following Strong Performances

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Exciting games and historic depths have highlighted some of the journeys undertaken by the remaining 13-6A teams, with the softball teams entering the Regional Semifinals and baseball moving into the Area Round.

Baseball: 

Some teams were hindered by reschedules and weather delays, while others soldiered on and concluded their series within days of their start. 

The Woodlands Highlanders maintained their hot streak through district play by sweeping the MacArthur Generals in back-to-back games. Games one and two were both mercy-rule contests where the Highlanders thoroughly handled business against their opening-round opponents. 

Oak Ridge elected to finish both of their games on the same day, with a doubleheader taking place on Thursday against the Spring Lions. Despite Spring’s district runner-up status, they failed to handle the War Eagles, who took the Bi-District title by posting nine runs in both games. 

Willis’s battles against Dekaney were fueled by the Wildkats’ ability to field against the speedy Dekaney runners, while finding timely hitting that pushed the team to victory. An opening 11-6 win showed flashes of offensive potential for Willis, but several delays forced game two from its Thursday start to a Saturday morning finish. Luckily, the Wildkats finished strong and took game two to finish the clean sweep.

Conroe’s historic presence in the postseason saw the team secure its first playoff appearance since 2007. However, thunderstorms on Thursday forced their game one matchup against Aldine to Saturday, where a doubleheader would determine if the series would end then or go to Monday. The Mustangs took the continuation of game one, but a game two victory by the Tigers secured their first playoff win since 1997 and a winner-takes-all game on Monday. A collapse in the Mustang pitching allowed Conroe to take advantage of the opening, allowing them to advance in the postseason for the first time in 27 years.

Softball:

With only two teams remaining for the 13-6A softball reps, both Conroe and Oak Ridge will be playing with eyes on them as favorites to continue their pushes into the postseason.

Oak Ridge has fought against tough competition while favoring a one-game series over the potential for three games. Flexing offensive prowess against MacArthur in an 18-3 win transitioned nicely into their battle against Klein. A narrow 7-5 victory by the War Eagles in the Area Round demonstrates their ability to win close games ahead of the Regional Semifinal.

Conroe continues to flash its complete prowess on offense and defense following Bi-District and Area titles. A dominant 19-0 thrashing of Nimitz in the opening round led into a two-game sweep against Klein Oak. The Tigers’ win over the Panthers in the Area Round is the deepest Conroe has made it in the playoffs in years, showing the talent on display from the highly ranked Tiger squad.