LEAGUE CITY, Texas-The state title is on the line.
The Guaranty Bond Bank and Trust Texarkana Bulldogs, led by head coach Cody Engstrom, vie for the American Legion Texas state title as they open play today at Clear Creek High School.
Engstrom believes his Bulldogs are ready for the challenge. In the divisional series, the team lost to the East Texas Broncos, but the Broncos weren't able to meet the roster requirements to field a team to the state tournament.
"It's baseball," Engstrom said. "Anyone can win on any given day. I feel like if we go down there and throw strikes and play defense, we should be able to play with anybody. It just comes down to fundamentals."
Starting on the mound for the Bulldogs' first game will be either Rory Baugus or Jared Roberts. Triston Brooks catches, Kyrian Williams gets the nod at first base, Logan Overmyer plays second, Jacoby Ross is the third sacker, and Lavert Paxton rounds out the infield at shortstop.
Kyle Choate starts in left field, A.J. Synder will be in center with Nick Anderson in right.
Engstrom said that his team will go into this tournament with a different mindset.
"We went into the divisional series knowing that both teams would go to state, no matter what, win or lose," he said. "I think the guys will have a different mindset going into this tournament because it's win or go home."