Wildcats fall short to Shiner in postseason rematch

ALTAIR – The Wildcats did not have to go far from home to take on their district rivals from the regular season in the regional quarterfinals. After a sweep of Skidmore-Tynan for the Area Championship, the Wildcats moved on to face off against the Shiner Comanches in a rematch to avenge two regular season losses at the hands of Shiner. The Wildcats scored three runs in each of their prior games, losing by a combined 17-6 during the district season between two matchups. The postseason matchup proved to be similar to the regular season as the Comanches once again displayed their advantage over the Wildcats as Shiner never trailed in a sweep victory over Weimar. The Wildcats finish their season in the third round after claiming Bi-District and Area Championships in the prior rounds.

Game 1, L, 7-0

The Wildcats had difficulties at the plate in both games of this series, similar to their struggles against Shiner earlier in the season. Weimar never got any meaningful momentum going as their bats were limited from doing much damage. Baserunners also never reached threatening positions as the Comanches effectively managed the game with their pitching and defense. The other side of the ball was equally unforgiving for the Wildcats as Shiner found success reaching base and taking advantage of their ability to put the ball in play and score runs.

There were a few moral victories the Wildcats could take away from their game one shutout defeat. The main advantage going for Weimar was that the Wildcats held Shiner to their first game under double-digit scoring after the Comanches scored at least 10 runs in every game of the postseason leading up to the game.

Game 2, L, 2-0

Weimar came into game two with increased confidence after holding Shiner to their first game of the postseason in which they scored less than 10 points. That increased confidence translated to the field as they had an even better defensive performance in the second game. The Wildcats came out with much better production on defense and pitching as they held the Comanches to just two points in the game. It was Shiner’s first time scoring as low as two points since a win against Flatonia in late April.

However, despite the Wildcats much improved defensive effort in the game, their hitting could not back up their effective defense as they were once again held to a shutout defeat. Many of the same issues from game one resurfaced as Weimar struggled to deal with Shiner’s pitching or put balls in play away from the gloves of the Comanche fielders.