Cedar Park defeats Rouse, moves into a tie with Liberty Hill in 25-5A title race
By Michael Adams
madams@onthesidelinessports.com
A year after reaching the Class 6A state semifinals, the Westlake Chaparrals found themselves facing elimination heading into the final week of the regular season.
On Tuesday in Buda, the Buda Johnson Jaguars put the final nail in the Chaps’ coffin.
The Jaguars (17-12-1, 10-4 District 26-6A) defeated Westlake 5-4 in eight innings, eliminating the Chaps (18-12-1, 8-7) from playoff contention.
The loss moves Johnson into third place with a one-game lead over Bowie, which lost to Lake Travis on Tuesday.
The first-place Cavaliers hold a one-game lead over Dripping Springs in the race for the district championship. Lake Travis can win the district title with a win over Bowie Friday at the Toney Burger Sports Complex in Austin.
All four playoff spots from 26-6A have been determined, as Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Buda Johnson and Bowie will represent the district in the UIL baseball playoffs set to begin next week.
Cedar Park makes 25-5A a two-team race
Heading into this week, District 25-5A had three teams still in contention for the district championship. After Cedar Park’s 3-1 win over Rouse on Tuesday at Raider Field in Leander, the race is down to two.
The win moves the Timberwolves (23-5-2, 11-2) into a tie with Liberty Hill with one game left in the regular season. The Panthers (21-5-2, 11-2) defeated Glenn 9-2 on Tuesday at Liberty Hill.
Both teams wrap up their series on Friday. Cedar Park hosts Rouse, while Liberty Hill travels to Glenn. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Rouse still has a path to a share of the district championship but will need to beat Cedar Park Friday and hope Glenn upsets Liberty Hill.
Should the Timberwolves win and the Panthers lose, or vice versa, the winning team will win the district title outright.
San Marcos sets up district title game
A five-run third inning propelled San Marcos (27-5, 12-3 District 27-6A) to an 8-2 win over Converse Judson on Tuesday in San Marcos.
The win turns Friday’s regular season finale with New Braunfels a winner-take-all for the 27-5A title.
The Rattlers and Unicorns (25-6-1, 12-3) are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. at Unicorn Field in New Braunfels.
Scores from around the area
Class 6A
Stony Point 9, Manor 0
Lake Travis 1, Bowie 0
Buda Johnson 5, Westlake 4 (8)
San Marcos 8, Converse Judson 2
Cedar Ridge 4, McNeil 0
Del Valle 5, Austin High 3
Class 5A
Cedar Park 3, Rouse 1
Liberty Hill 9, Glenn 2
Leander 10, Lockhart 0]
Georgetown 12, Bastrop 2
McCallum 12, Eastside 0
Class 4A-below
Thorndale 4, Holland 0
Jarrell 12, Marble Falls 5
Rosebud-Lott 9, Granger 4
Giddings 8, La Grange 6
Gateway 10, Lampasas 0
Taylor 8, Manor New Tech 0