Diamond Rams knock their way into playoffs

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Diamond Rams knock their way into playoffs

April 20

13:57 2024

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By DAVID MAY

Special to Mineral Wells Area News

Behind a strong performance from pitcher Ben Bullock and a 10-hit offensive attack, the Mineral Wells Rams earned their way into post-season play with a 4-2 win Friday over the visiting Graham Steers.

It was Mineral Wells’ third win in its last four outings, and second win this week over Graham after a 4-0 victory Tuesday on the Steers’ home turf.

Video by Matt Waggoner

Bullock went the distance on the hill for the Rams. The senior lefty struck out nine and walked just two Steers batters while allowing three hits. Graham recorded single runs in the third and the fifth innings, both earned.

The game was scoreless in the bottom of the third when Braeden Wells led off with a walk allowed by Graham starter Bruin Wright. Adrian Holifield followed with a single to right. Wells and Holifield pulled off a double steal ahead of Josh Petrie’s single into center field, scoring Wells.

Wright worked his way out of further damage by inducing a line out, a strike out and a ground out.

The Steers answered in the top of the fourth. A lead-off walk and a one-out single but two Graham baserunners on the corners. A single produced a run to knot the game at one run apiece.

Mineral Wells retook the lead for good in the top of the fifth, plating two runs while chasing Wright from the game. Rylan Wells led off with a single and Owen Gadd walked. Steers junior reliever Harison Brockway took over.

Curry Crouch laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Wells and Gadd into scoring position. After a strikeout, Ridge Newton delivered a two-out, two-RBI line drive hit into right field to put the Rams on top, 3-1.

Right-fielder Rylan Wells’ second hit in the bottom of the sixth produced Mineral Wells’ fourth and final run. Graham scratched out a run in the top of the seventh but ended the game on a ground out to Bullock.

Newton went 3-for-3 at the plate, including his two-RBI hit. Holifield and Rylan Wells had two hits apiece.

The Rams (8-14, 4-7) sit solidly in fourth place in the District 6-4A standings after sweeping Graham and Glen Rose to post the team’s four district wins with two remaining against second-place Stephenville (5-5). Mineral Wells hosts the Yellowjackets on Tuesday before traveling to Stephenville on Friday to close the regular season. Both games list 7 p.m. start times.