HUTTO – The Taylor Ducks now lead 1-0 in their three-game series against the Robinson (Waco) Rockets after winning game on Thursday, May 11, at Hutto High School.
They needed all seven innings to get the job done. After a long hard-fought game, the Ducks finally broke through when it mattered most to grab game one by a score of 1-0.
Coming into the game, the two teams recognized that their collective record is 0-0 and the new season was upon them. With that comes more competitiveness and ferociousness as both teams try to scratch and claw to add to the win column.
The Ducks’ defense came out ready to play in the first inning, and they did not disappoint securing three outs after seeing only four batters. This inning would set the tone because the Rockets answered the bell and countered with strong defense of their own.
Three ducks went up to the plate, and just as quickly three Ducks went down, and the inning was over. Around this point of the game, both teams sensed what type of game this was going to be, and the battle was on.
With the game now set to be low scoring, the focus on defense became evident and they went back-andforth trying to gain an edge on the other. Three batters up, three batters down became the theme for the game as it moved into the later innings deadlocked at zero.
As the tensions rose, the Ducks’ dugout remained calm, cool and collected. Trusting in their abilities, the Ducks stayed the course and as the game’s end drew near, they knew a big play was coming up.
In the top of the seventh, the Ducks’ defense secured two outs, but allowed a runner to make it on base. The Ducks never flinched, and shortly after fielded a ground ball and got the final out.
Now, in the bottom of the seventh, the Ducks knew they were one swing away from calling the game and they entered the batter’s box with that type of confidence. Cohen Tyree was the lead off hitter, and got the dugout fired up with a base hit.
Connor Cobb came in to pinch run for Tyree and Chris Perez was up next, and also hit a single. Devin Valdez pinch ran for Perez. Cobb was ruled out shorlty after, which was then followed by Valdez stealing second and putting a runner back in scoring position as the chess match continued.
Aiden Aguero then stepped up to the plate, and with the game on the line, he made a play. Aguero hit a single and once Valdez saw it was in play he tucked his head and ran full speed, only looking up to see home plate.
Valdez was ruled safe as the dugout erupted because the Ducks just won game one.
With one win down, the Ducks will had a chance to end the series Friday, May 12, when they played game two against the Rockets at Hutto High School.
