Day 2 recap: MLB RBI Southwest Regional Tournament
Day 2 of the MLB RBI Southwest Regional Tournament has officially concluded. The Rangers RBI softball team went 2-0 today to advance to tomorrow’s championship game against the reigning World Series champion, Astros RBI.
All three Rangers RBI teams battled hard today, each making it to the elimination game for a chance to advance to the finals. Rangers RBI 18U baseball fell to Astros RBI, 6-5, Rangers 15U baseball lost to Astros RBI, 15-10, and Rangers RBI 18U softball was victorious against NOLA YA RBI, beating them, 8-6.
The Rangers RBI softball team started the day with a 4-1 victory over RBI Austin. Pitcher Nicole Gonzales had 12 K in seven innings. Rangers batters put up four runs, highlighted by a lead-off double by Ximena Zamarron, immediately followed by a Melanie Henderson double, driving in the Rangers’ first run of the game. The Rangers advanced to the elimination game against NOLA YA RBI to determine who will meet Astros RBI in the finals. Starting pitcher Giovanca Frias held NOLA to four runs, and Tamya Waiters pitched three straight shutout innings to end the game. Gabriela Quintanilla dominated on offense and defense, making elite plays at short and hitting a clutch triple at the plate.
Earlier today in pool play, Rangers RBI 15U battled back from an 0-2 start to win their first game of the tournament against RBI Austin. Nick Smith led the charge from the mound, holding Austin’s offense scoreless. At the plate, the Rangers generated six runs. The early morning win earned them a spot in today’s elimination game, with the winner advancing to the finals. Rangers RBI faced Astros RBI only to fall short of a victory by five runs. After a tough start from Rangers pitchers, Amaad Garrett took control of the game, pitching 6 1/3 innings allowing only four earned runs.
Rangers RBI 18U baseball finished day one of pool play leading the division with two wins. This morning they faced RBI Austin in a 6-1 loss. Pitcher Christian Jarmon threw six no-hit innings, and Chris Marcellus was a key playmaker. Despite the loss, they advanced to the elimination game against Astros RBI. Chris Marcellus had another stellar game, hitting a home run and critical pop-up that landed in right-center. The entire team battled in the seventh inning down 6-3, driving in two runs in the last half of the inning. With two outs, bases loaded and a full count, the game concluded with a called strike from the home plate umpire.
Rangers RBI will face Astros RBI in the 18U Softball Championship Game at 10:30 a.m., Astros RBI will face NOLA YA RBI in the 15U Baseball Championship Game at 8:30 a.m. and Astros RBI will face Austin RBI in the 18U Baseball Championship Game at noon.