Highlanders fall to Midland, still alive in regional tournament

The McLennan Highlanders fell to the Midland Chaparrals 5-4 Monday in the Region V Tournament, forcing a decisive regional championship game tomorrow at 1 p.m.

McLennan began the scoring with one run in the top of the fourth as Andrew Rhodes walked, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Trevor Podsednik, moved to third on a single by Miles Manning and scored on a fielder's choice by Sydney Daley.

The Highlanders added three runs in the fifth inning. Zach Gonzalez singled and Matt Campbell drew a walk. Max Hogan followed with a single to score Gonzalez. Rhodes doubled, scoring Campbell. Hogan then scored on a sacrifice fly by Podsednik.

Midland got on the board with two runs in the seventh as Brynden Arredondo doubled and scored on a home run by Jay Gonzales. 

The Chaparrals stole the win with three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Brent Stewart singled and Josh Narvaiz walked. Blaine Prescott followed with a double, scoring Stewart. Narvaiz came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Clarkson. Caleb Koedyker then singled to score Prescott.

The winner of Tuesday's game will advance to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Midland 5, McLennan 4
McLennan 000 130 000 – 4 9 1
Midland 000 000 203 – 5 7 0
Nathan Bertness, Patrick Herbelin (8) and Dalton Rodriguez, Mason George (5). Jayden O'dell, Cade Davis (5), Michael Brosig (6) and Brynden Arredondo. Wp: Brosig; LP: Herbelin. Leading hitters – McLennan: Max Hpgan (2-4, RBI), Andrew Rhodes (1-3, 2B, RBI), Trevor Podsednik (1-3, RBI), Sydney Daley (0-4, RBI) and Zach Gonzalez (3-4, 2B); Midland: Blaine Prescott (1-5, 2B, RBI), Justin Clarkson (0-3, RBI), Caleb Koedyker (1-5, RBI), Jay Gonzalez (2-2, HR, 2 RBI) Brynden Arredondo (1-4, 2B). Record: McLennan 32-25 (17-15).