MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas-The Rivercrest Rebels scored early and often en route to an 18-11 win over Linden-Kildare in the Region II-2A quarterfinal baseball playoff opener Friday at Eagle Field at Bob Baker Stadium.
It was the first game in the best-of-three playoff series at Northeast Texas Community College. Game 2 began 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1 Friday night. If needed, Game 3 will be played today at NTCC's Eagles Field.
The Rebels had plenty of offense against the Tigers. Baylor Augustus had three hits, including a homer, to drive in six runs for the Rebels.
John Grider picked up the pitching win, giving up eight runs in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked five.
Rivercrest (Bogata, Texas) scored three runs in the first inning on the strength of Augustas' home run and Blake Giles' double.
L-K answered with two runs in its half of the first. Jacob Owen scored on Nic Kunze's fielder's choice, and Trey Schuler scored after the throw on the play sailed high over the first baseman's head.
The Tigers were not able to score again until the fourth inning, when they tacked on three more runs. Owen, Mason Johnson and Colt Neville had singles in the frame, and Kunze and Caleb Cunningham drilled doubles.
L-K scored in every inning the rest of the way, but was unable to keep pace with the Rebels, who finished with 18 hits (four for extra bases), and also scored in every inning.
Owen paced the Tigers with a 4-for-4 performance, and Kunze and Cunningham were 3 for 4 apiece.
Trent Wert was the losing pitcher, allowing eight runs on six hits in two innings of work. He struck out one, hit one and walked one.
Cunningham pitched the final five innings, giving up 12 hits. He fanned four and walked one.
The Tiger defense also committed 6 errors on the night.