AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Amarillo High refused to quit Saturday, erasing a five-run deficit to defeat Monterey 7-5 at Sandie Field in a dramatic comeback victory.
Monterey jumped out to an early lead, plating three runs in the opening frame. A wild pitch brought home the first run before Lincoln Lamm ripped a two-run triple. The Plainsmen extended their advantage to 5-0 in the second on RBI singles from Aaron Lopez and Logan Casarez.
Fifth-inning rally sparks comeback
The Sandies clawed their way back into the contest in the fifth, using a pair of singles to manufacture runs and trim the deficit. Tate Blackwell delivered the key blow with a game-tying single that knotted the score at 5-5.
Amarillo High seized the lead for good in the sixth when Austin Sluder singled home the go-ahead run. Blackwell followed with a bases-loaded walk to provide insurance and push the advantage to 7-5.
Pitching holds down the stretch
Taegen Tate gutted out the victory despite a rocky start, allowing eight hits and five runs over six and one-third innings while striking out eight. Blackwell slammed the door in relief to preserve the comeback win.
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The Sandies pounded out 11 hits, led by Jayden Cedillo’s 3-for-3 performance. Blackwell drove in three runs despite going just 1-for-2 at the plate. Sluder and Goldyn Howell also recorded multiple hits as Amarillo High drew six walks and turned one double play.
Lamm paced Monterey with two RBIs, going 1-for-3 from the cleanup spot. Ashton Castillo led the Plainsmen with three hits from the leadoff position. Monterey played error-free baseball with Joaquin Maldonado handling seven chances.
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