Friday night at the ballpark did not disappoint as the Cuero Gobblers emerged victorious against San Antonio Kennedy in an intense district matchup on March 20, clinching an 8-5 win that saw plenty of ups and downs for both teams. The game took place in front of a lively crowd at Kennedy Field.
The Gobblers opened the scoring in the top of the first inning, igniting excitement among their fans. The game began with bases loaded for the Gobblers after 2 walks and a hit by pitch. Collin Ferrier got the action going with a single to left field scoring Lincoln Orosco. The momentum continued as Kyle Bias followed suit with another single to left field scoring Christian Ferrier. Walker Dietze grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Will Scott to cross home plate, bringing Cuero ahead early with a score of 3-0.
However, the dynamic of the game changed in the bottom of the third inning when Kennedy forged ahead. After singles to left and right field, an error on a throw to first, and a sacrifice fly to right, the home team managed to turn the tables, bringing the score to 4-3 in their favor.
Dietze started the fourth inning off with a line drive to right field followed by Aiden Strecker with a hard ground ball to shortstop. A couple of walks later, the score was tied 4-4. This backand- forth showed the competitiveness of both teams searching for the first district win.
As the game progressed into the sixth inning, Kennedy regained the lead with a powerful double knocking in a runner from second. This pivotal moment pushed Kennedy ahead 5-4 heading into the last inning.
But, the Gobblers were not ready to fold in the towel just yet. The seventh inning saw an electrifying comeback, starting with a base hit from Lincoln Orosco. The rally intensified with Scott’s line drive to right field, knocking in Orosco, bringing the score to 5-5. The Gobblers were in full swing as Collin Ferrier knocked a ground ball to center, allowing Scott to score, and Eli Garrett added to the momentum with a single that drew an error, further pushing the Gobblers ahead. Dietze capped off the inning with a commanding double to left field, ensuring a total of four runs in that crucial seventh inning, sealing their fate at 8-5. The excitement continued into the bottom of the 7th where the Fighting Gobblers ended the game on a double play bringing home their first district win!
Scott's contribution on the mound was significant as he took over pitching duties in the middle of the 5th inning. He not only maintained his composure, but also struck out three batters, allowing just one hit and one run over three innings.
With this victory, Cuero recorded a total of nine hits, with standout performances from Ferrier and Dietze, each securing two hits and two RBIs.
Looking ahead, the Gobblers are set to face off against SA Kennedy in a home district game on Tuesday, March 24, which is Little League Night, and then head to Navarro on March 27. Both games are set for 7 p.m.
