'Birds start district with blast

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Show That Speed Landon Appling gives a shout as he runs toward first base after making contact.

The Ricebirds opened up district play Monday with a win over Terry at Rosenberg.

It was a very successful night for El Campo as the varsity baseball team moved to 1-0 in District 24-4A with a 11-0 shut-out of the Rangers.

El Campo led off the game with a pair of runs in the first inning.

Tyler Socha got the offense started with a single to right field. Holden Whitley bunted him over to second on a sacrifice. Whitley made the first out of the inning, but put Socha in scoring position.

The Rangers pitcher got Andrew Kinder to strike out in the next at-bat and with two outs, Landon Appling came up to the plate with pressure.

A passed ball advanced Socha to third base and Appling hit a nice shot to center field to bring in the two base runners and give the 'Birds an early 2-0 lead.

The second inning was El Campo's hottest showing at the plate. The Ricebirds belted eight runs.

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Grip It, Rip It Holden Whitley provides El Campo some presence from the left side of the plate.

Blake Korenek opened the offensive production with a single and set himself up for the first run of the inning. After the next batter struck out, Gram reached base on a fielding error. The Rangers' gaffe on going after the second out soon came back to crush any chance of keeping the score close.

Socha connected for a double to center field and brought in Korenek. Graham scored later on a passed ball and Whitley walked to claim first base.

Bryan Skow hit into a fielder's choice that put Whitley out but brought in Socha for the third run of the inning. Skow safely took first base. Kinder hit a single to right center field and put two runners on base for El Campo.

Appling hit single in almost the same spot and brought Skow home.

Hamman hit for another single, this one to left field, and scored Kinder. Korenek walked in the next at-bat and eventually, Appling, Hamman and Korenek all came home to score runs.

The big inning game El Campo a 10-0 lead.

The Ricebirds were silent through the next two innings while preventing any Ranger runs.

El Campo came through with one final score in the top of the fifth inning.

Chris Quinn led off the inning and hit into the first out.

Thad Deiss followed with a triple to deep right field. A double by Socha easily made the final score of the game.

Hamman and Appling combined for solid outings on the mound and finished the night with a shut-out. Appling also led the team with three RBIs.

The Ricebirds are set to finish up the El Campo Tournament tomorrow. Due to Friday's rains, games have been postponed, preventing a strict schedule for play.

El Campo will get back into district competition Tuesday when the Ricebirds host the Bay City Blackcats. El Campo will travel to Foster Friday and return home March 18 to host the Seven Lakes Spartans.