vs. Calhoun
FRANKLIN — The Taylor Ducks varsity baseball team went 1-3 in the Franklin Tournament on March 6-8, falling to 2-6-1 on the season. The Ducks opened the tournament with an 8-5 win over the Sandcrabs. Taylor plated a run in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly from Mario Newman. The Ducks’ offense exploded in the second inning, scoring five runs. Mason Sunvision hit an RBI single to make it 2-0, and Kaddy Maravilla followed with a two-RBI single, extending the lead to 4-0.
Taylor added two more runs on a Calhoun throwing error. The Sandcrabs fought back with a three-run home run in the third to cut the deficit to 6-3. However, the Ducks responded with two insurance runs in the fourth to put the game away. Newman earned the win, pitching two innings and allowing three runs.
vs. Lorena
Taylor’s offense struggled in a 6-1 loss to Lorena. The Ducks managed five hits but failed to convert with runners in scoring position. Lorena built a 3-0 lead, scoring one run in each of the first three innings. Taylor finally got on the board in the fourth on an RBI single from Maravilla, making it 3-1. Lorena added three insurance runs in the fifth to secure the win. Conner Woods took the loss, allowing five runs over four innings.
vs. Cuero
The Ducks fell 1-0 in a pitchers’ duel against Cuero, despite a strong performance from freshman Tayden Talley. Talley threw five innings, allowing one run and striking out five. Taylor had four hits but failed to advance a runner into scoring position. Talley took the loss.
vs. Franklin
Taylor closed the tournament with a 15-2 loss to defending Class 3A state champion Franklin. The Ducks fell behind 3-0 in the first inning. After a scoreless second, Franklin erupted for nine runs in the third to extend the lead to 12-0. Taylor got on the board in the fourth when Mario Aguero scored on a groundout, making it 12-1. Franklin responded with three more runs. Aiden Dimas took the loss, allowing eight runs in 2 1/3 innings.
The Ducks will look to turn things around as they open district play with a home-and-home series against Lampasas on Tuesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 13, at 1 p.m.
