District 26-6A experienced “shrinkage.” What had been an imposing 9-team district the past few years shrunk to just seven after the UIL’s most recent round of redistricting, with Anderson reclassified as a 5A program and Buda Johnson moved to the more southern-facing District 29-6A. Baseball powerhouses Westlake, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs remain, however, making the district more condensed; the battle for the playoffs even more highly concentrated before.
With Bowie in rebuilding mode but still dangerous, the district-opening series between Austin High and Del Valle takes on added significance. We join the series in progress, if you will, as Del Valle captured the district-opener 3-0 on Tuesday night (3/12) at Burger Field in Austin.
The Cardinals got all three runs in the third inning. Singles by Jorge Alvarado, Chris Gonzalez and Brandon Martinez loaded the bases before the fourth consecutive single by Donovan Douglas plated Alvarado with what turned out to be the winning run. Maroons pitcher Fletcher Wilson induced the next two batters into Fielder’s Choice ground outs at home, but Jayson Acosta’s single, coupled with a Maroon’s error, knocked in two more insurance runs.
Andru Rodriguez allowed just two hits in notching the complete-game victory. Wilson pitched well in defeat for Austin High, allowing just one other hit outside of the 5-hit third inning.
Austin High (0-1, 3-10) and Del Valle (1-0, 3-7-1) meet again Friday night (3/14) from Del Valle High School. With only 12 district games on the docket – and desperately needing to earn a series split – the rematch is critically important for the Maroons.
David Roy and James Scott will have all the action for you on VYPE Live!What: Austin High @ Del Valle
When: 7:00 Pregame, 7:30 First Pitch
Where: Del Valle HS
Who: David Roy, James Scott, Lulu Corn
Watch: https://www.vype.com/7pm-baseball-austin-high-vs-del-valle-2671325066 AND https://vypelive.com/web/g/15454
