The McLennan Highlanders and Vernon Chaparrals split today's doubleheader at Bosque River Ballpark.
Vernon came from behind to take game one 6-4 with Nick Greaney taking the loss on the mound.
McLennan scored two in the bottom of the second inning. Cole Fontenelle doubled and scored on a single by Katcher Halligan. Halligan was out at second on a fielder's choice by Ravaughn Morgan, and Morgan was out on a fielder's choice by Daniel Altman. Altman stole second and scored on a single by Hank Bard.
The Highlanders added a run in the fourth as Bard doubled and scored on a single by Izzy Lopez.
Vernon got on the board with a run in the top of the fifth. Alvaro Espnial drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a ground out by Zak Skinner. Pierre-Emmanuel Planes reached on an error, and Jayden Hill singled to score Espinal.
The Chaparrals took the lead with five runs in the sixth. Cameron Upchurch and Sergio Ortiz both singled. Upchurch came in to score on a McLennan error. Espinal then singled to score Ortiz. Cole Miears and Skinner both singled. Espinal and Miears both scored on a McLennan error. Planes drew a walk, and Hill singled to score Skinner.
McLennan rounded out the scoring with a run in the bottom of the sixth. Altman doubled and Bard reached on an error, moving Altman to third. Lopez followed with a sacrifice fly to score Altman.
It was all McLennan in the nightcap, as the Highlanders picked up the 8-0 run-rule victory with Devin Bennett going the distance on the mound.
The Highlanders put a run on the board in the bottom of the second. Mateo Zeppieri led off with a double and Halligan singled. Zeppieri then scored on a sacrifice fly by Lopez.
McLennan added two runs in the fifth. Jason Hawkins was hit by the pitch and Elijah Rodriguez singled. Both runners scored on a double by Fontenelle.
Three more McLennan runs scored in the sixth. Halligan walked and Morgan singled. Altman followed with a single to score Halligan. Morgan and Altman both advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Elijah Rodriguez.
McLennan sealed the win with two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Fontenelle, Zeppieri and Halligan all walked to load the bases. Morgan also walked, bringing Fontenelle in to score. Lopez then reached on an error to score Zeppieri and win the game.
The Highlanders and Chaparrals will close the series with a noon doubleheader Saturday in Vernon.
Vernon 6, McLennan 4
Vernon 000 015 0 – 6 12 2
McLennan 020 101 0 – 4 10 4
Chase Senecal, Angel Diaz (6) and Dillon Flores. Will Carsten, Nick Greaney (6), Will Glatch (6) and Hark Bard. WP: Senecal; LP: Greaney. Leading hitters – Vernon: Alvaro Espinal (2-4, RBI), Cole Miears (3-5), Jayden Hill (2-4, 2 RBI) and Sergio Ortiz (2-4); McLennan: Cole Fontenelle (2-4, 2B), Katcher Halligan (2-4, 2B, RBI), Daniel Altman (1-4, 2B), Hank Bard (2-3, 2B, RBI) and Izzy Lopez (1-2, 2 RBI). Record: McLennan 24-8-1 (10-3).
McLennan 8, Vernon 0
Vernon 000 000 0 – 0 5 1
McLennan 010 023 2 – 8 7 1
Marcos Escalera, Brandon Smith (6), Connor Donathan (7), Tyler Coakley (7) and Dillon Flores. Devin Bennett and Jason Hawkins. WP: Bennett; LP: Escalera. Leading hitters – Vernon: Zak Skinner (1-3, 2B); McLennan: Elijah Rodriguez (2-4, 2 RBI), Cole Fontenelle (1-2, 2B, 2 RBI), Mateo Zeppieri (1-3, 2B), Ravaughn Morgan (1-3, RBI), Izzy Lopez (0-2, 2 RBI), Daniel Altman (1-2, RBI) and Rodric Black (0-1, RBI). Record: McLennan 25-8-1 (11-3).
