HALLSVILLE, Texas -- Hallsville threw its ace, Blake Cox, and the right-hander limited Texas High to four hits as the Bobcats opened District 15-5A play with a 10-1 victory Tuesday night.
The Tigers slip to 7-5 on the season.
Cox, a 6-foot-2 senior who has committed to play for Navarro Junior College (Corsicana, Texas), struck out 9 and walked 4 in going the distance. He allowed a double to Jacob Yowell and three singles.
"We faced Hallsville's No. 1 pitcher and they swing the bat up and down the lineup," said Texas High coach John McClure.
"The score was a little lopsided, but we played really good defense, and hit several balls hard right at them," McClure said. "Hallsville is a very solid team."
The Tigers played errorless ball while Hallsville committed one miscue.
The defending district champion Bobcats are coming off a 27-8 record and regional quarterfinalist finish.
Tiger right-hander Worth McMillen, who has committed to play for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, gave up 4 runs on 8 hits in 4 innings. He fanned 3 and walked 2 in taking the loss.
Tanner Ross added a single and drove in the Tigers' lone run, and Brendan Allred and Jacob High added singles.
Cox aided his cause with 2 hits, including a triple. Cade Stuckey and Ethan Miller added a double apiece.
Texas High returns home Friday to face Longview, which blasted Tyler, 15-0, in 5 innings in its district opener Tuesday.
Hooks 6, Queen City 1
HOOKS, Texas -- Hooks sophomore pitcher Ripken Birdwell gave up a run on 4 hits in 6 innings on the hill as the Hornets defeated Queen City, 6-1, Tuesday night.
The defending District 14-3 Hornets improve to 6-9 overall and 2-0 in league. Queen City falls to 1-1 in district.
Birdwell struck out 4 and walked 4 in picking up the win. Jasper Crain pitched a hitless inning in relief.
Hooks snapped a 1-1 tie by scoring 4 runs in the fourth frame.
Leadoff batter Hudson Davis was 2-for-2, including a double, with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He also walked twice.
Braden Mcdonald added a hit and 2 runs batted in, and Casen May had a double and RBI. Birdwell walked twice and scored twice.
Losing pitcher Clint Wylie had one of the Bulldogs' four singles. He allowed 5 runs on 3 hits in 3 2/3 innings on the mound. He fanned 7 and walked 6.
Hooks will travel to White Oak Friday for a non-district game. The Bulldogs will entertain Redwater on Friday.