Mineral Wells Area News

Mineral Wells taking part in China Springs tournament

By DAVID MAY | Special to Mineral Wells Area News

Mineral Wells and the Robinson Rockets turned in strong mound performances twice on Thursday. However, Robinson earned 3-2 victories in both games, winning the second contest in walk-off style in the China Spring High School tournament.

Robinson scored all three of their runs in the top of the second off Rams freshman starting pitcher Hayes Hering, who went four innings, allowing two hits and recording five strikeouts. But Hering also walked six batters. All three runs were earned.

A Kord Henry two-run homer to left drew the Rams within a run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Rams had a chance to tie or take the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Owen Gadd reached base with one out on an error that allowed him to move into scoring position at second. Another Rockets miscue put Gadd on third and left Braxton May standing on first.

May was caught trying to swipe second for the second out ahead of a walk by Preston Mendez. The Rams left both runners on base as the game ended with the third out.

Newt Schroeder tossed a scoreless three innings in relief of Hering, fanning three batters and allowing two hits and a pair of walks.

Rockets starter Cayden Birkes went the distance, with the lefty giving up three hits while walking and striking out four Rams batsmen.

GAME TWO

Robinson walked off the Rams in the second game on a one-out line drive hit to center in the seventh inning.

Both teams again turned in strong performances from the bump. Curry Crouch hurled five innings for Mineral Wells, striking out one and walking two while giving up five hits and two earned runs. Jaxon Cox record four outs in relief. 

The Rockets led off the seventh with a walk, then sacrificed the runner to second before Cason Helpert knocked in the winning run for another 3-2 victory.

Robinson got on the scoreboard in the first when Cayden Coe singled, scoring a run.

Mineral Wells Varsity Rams tied the game in the top of the second on a two-out Devin Russell single to center, scoring Jackson Hicks running in place of May, who reached base on an error.

The Rockets regained the lead in the bottom of the third off of a Birkes single.

In the fifth inning, Holden Hering’s single to center scored Henry, who singled and moved to second on a William Hollifield hit.

Hollifield went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Rams, which rapped seven hits in the game.

Mineral Wells (8-5) will continue play in the China Springs tourney on Thursday when they face North Crowley.