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REGIONAL FINALS: JJ Pearce looks to upset Flower Mound Baseball
As we inch closer and closer to the UIL Baseball State Tournament, Dallas-Fort Worth area teams are giving it everything they have in the tank with hopes of continuing their season and capping it with a ring. VYPE DFW takes a look at the JJ Pearce Mustangs and the Flower Mound Jaguars as they head into their regional final matchup!
JJ Pearce Mustangs (29-17, 15-1) -- 85 runs
The Mustangs have not only showcased resiliency this season, but they have put in a phenomenal effort both at the plate and defensively. Led by the likes of Sam Kinder, Tyler Sessions, Natanael Melendez, AJ Ripley, Vince Villegas, Degan Kubat, Brody Ross, and other talented athletes, the team has remained focused throughout their regular season and into playoffs. Despite starting the season off with a rocky non-district schedule while posting only a handful of victories over the likes of Atascocita (2-0), Eastlake (5-3), Wylie East (3-2), and others, the Mustangs were able to head into district play determined to pull their season back to the top.
In district play, the Mustangs posted a top-of-the-district finish with a 15-1 district record-- dropping just one matchup against Dallas Jesuit. Despite the loss, Pearce recorded several demanding victories over the likes of Richardson Berkner (5-0, 12-2), Irving Nimitz (14-4, 7-1), Richardson (11-1, 9-0), Lake Highlands (14-0, 3-1), and more en route to the playoffs. With a playoff spot secured, this team played brilliantly as they took down Arlington Lamar (4-3, 6-2), McKinney Boyd (3-5, 5-4, 6-5), Arlington Martin (0-5, 4-3, 8-7), and Fort Worth Boswell (10-5, 1-6, 11-0) in order to advance to the regional finals where they're set to face off against a tough Flower Mound team.
Flower Mound Jaguars (38-4, 14-0)
Power at the plate paired with impeccable defensive plays has helped guide the Flower Mound Jaguars baseball team so far this season. Led by Cooper Harris, Garrett Wallace, Adrian Rodriguez, Wes Brown, Cody Brady, Zack James, Sean O'Rourke, and other tough athletes, the Jaguars have been on a mission to take down anyone who stands in their way this season. Posting a 91% winning percentage with only four losses to their name, the Jaguars took on their non-district opponents with confidence as they defeated the likes of Barbe (8-3), Opelousas Catholic (6-4), Keller (6-2), Byron Nelson (8-2), Frisco Lone Star (8-4), and others to prepare for their district schedule.
District play saw the Jaguars finish at the top of their district with an undefeated record. Outscoring district opponents and securing incredible victories, the Jaguars defeated Flower Mound Marcus (10-0, 5-1), Plano (17-2, 8-7), Lewiville (11-1, 10-2), Hebron (3-2, 3-0), and more to secure a playoff spot. Without hesitation or doubt, the team has sent Little Elm (7-1, 6-4), Dallas Jesuit (3-1, 10-0), Prosper (1-0, 5-3), and Keller (1-6, 2-1, 10-4) packing in the playoffs. Geared up and ready for Richardson's JJ Pearce, this team is ready to get going!
What To Expect
Both teams are hard hitters looking to score early and often in this playoff series. Outscoring their opponents by a combined 151 runs already this season, the Jaguars will look to continue showcasing their strength at the plate. However, having faced tough opponents already, the Mustangs have been sharpening their tools to go up against a team like Flower Mound. Both fans can expect a hard-fought series with plenty of powerful moments on the field.
Be sure you catch these two teams in action as play begins on Saturday, June 1!
Best In State: Flower Mound Baseball Defeats Pearland in State Title Pairing
Add "Flower Mound Jaguars" to the list of powerhouse baseball teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and state. This season, the Jaguars truly showed their abilities and strength when chasing a goal that they proved was achievable. Led by junior Adrian Rodriguez, who hit a two-run home run during the championship game and was named tournament MVP, Flower Mound baseball secured a 6-4 defeat over Pearland; bringing home the program's second state title.
Congrats to @FMJagsHardball on their second #UILState Baseball Championship! 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/NI287hT2mn
— Texas UIL (@uiltexas) June 11, 2023
Outscoring their opponents by a combined 167 runs on the season, the Jaguars showed their ability to make timely hits, get on base, and keep a scoring mindset through every inning of every game. With tactical defense helping to power the way to greatness, it comes as no surprise to any baseball fan in the state that Flower Mound was able to secure the UIL Class 6A State Title this season.
Standout pitcher Zack James, catcher Zane Becker, third baseman Josh Glaser, and outfielder Sam Erickson were all honored with being named to the All-Tournament team.
With many juniors returning next season, the Jaguars have a strong chance at making another great playoff run. Fans can expect great things coming out of this squad during the offseason.