(La Joya, Texas)-The 31-6A runner-up La Joya Coyotes (21-14-1) made a statement this past weekend by defeating 29-6A San Antonio Brennan (19-16) in the Best of Three series 2-4, 3-0, 15-5 in the University Interscholastic League 6A Area playoffs. The Coyotes will now meet the 32-6A runner-ups, Weslaco Panthers (25-9-1) in the Best of Three series beginning on Thursday night in Weslaco at 7:30 p.m. Game Two will move to La Joya at 7:30p on Friday, followed by Game Three on Saturday at Weslaco 7:30 p.m. if necessary. The winner will meet 25-6A Round Rock Westwood (23-8-1) or 28-6A San Antonio Johnson (23-8) in the regional semifinals next week.
In the playoffs, the Coyotes swept San Benito in two games 3-1, 3-0 followed by another win over SA Brennan. Against the Bears in Game Three, the Coyotes exploded for 15 runs. Now, the Coyotes will face a tough Weslaco Panther team that eliminated Eagle Pass in a come-from-behind win after being down 7-0 in the fifth inning. The Panthers won with bases loaded, one out, and a game-winning base hit in the bottom of the seventh.
The Coyotes will put six pitchers on the mound, if needed, to fend off the Weslaco Panthers this weekend. Junior 6’3 Hunter Morales (6-3) will be the Coyotes go-to-guy on the mound, probably on Thursday night in Game One. To date, he has 75 strikeouts, 27 era, and has allowed 37 hits in 49 innings pitched. Senior Santiago Tijerina (4-1) will be looking at Game Two at home. He has 64 strikeouts in 58 innings and has allowed 46 hits with 19 runs given up.