(La Joya, Texas)-Alex Guajardo scored the winning run on a bases loaded walk-in as the 31-6A La Joya Coyotes (18-10-1) swepted it’s Best-of-Three series 13-1, 2-1 against the 32-6A Weslaco Panthers. The Coyotes will now meet 29-6A champions, San Antonio Stevens (21-6-1) in the area playoffs. On Saturday, the Panthers took a 1-0 lead but late throwing errors plagued the purple and white as they were eliminated from the state playoffs. “This is awesome,” said Guarjardo. “I knew that we could rally back.” In the seventh inning, the 5’4″ shorts stop nailed a shot to deep second base but a wild throw by the second baseman put Guajardo at second. Two errors loaded the bases. On a 3-2 pitch, Panther relief pitcher, Julian Casares walked in the winning the run. Weslaco sophomore pitcher, Stone Gomez held La Joya to a 1-1 tie until he was replaced. Throughout the day, players from both teams kept hydrated as the temperatures reached 100 degrees. Still, this did not stop La Joya HS sophomore side-arm pitcher, Santiago Tijerina from keeping the Panther batters off balanced. He allowed five hits for the day and went the distant to get the win.
