Baseball Rules La Vernia in State Semifinals

With a slow start, scoring only three runs in the first three innings, the Eagles flipped a switch and continued their pursuit for a second consecutive state championship by defeating La Vernia with a final score of 16-0 in the fifth inning. With quality at-bats, competitive baserunning, and an incredibly supportive dugout, the team exploded in the fourth inning, scoring 13 of their total 16 runs.

Starting pitcher Chad Ricker had an impressive performance this game. When asked how he felt about pitching his last high school baseball game, he responded “It was a bittersweet moment. I would love to keep pitching for this team, I love every single guy on this team and treat them like they’re a brother to me.”

Along with Ricker’s excellent performance, Junior Bo Hogeboom went 2-3 with two RBI’s in his state tournament debut.

“I was pretty nervous at first, but then I realized that it’s just another game,” Hogeboom said. “I needed to have fun with my team and live in the moment.”

The Eagles had five players with at least two RBI’s; Ricker (3-3, three RBI’s), joined by Preston King (2-2, two RBI’s), Carter (2-3, two RBI’s), Bo Hogeboom (2-3, two RBI’s), and Hayden Clearman (1-2, three RBI’s).

The team will play Sweeny for the second year in a row in an effort to take home the state title.

“Sweeny is good and they want revenge,” junior Alex Gonzales said. “We just have to keep doing what we do and we can get another championship win under our belts.”

Argyle vs. Sweeny, Thursday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. @ UFCU Disch Falk Field.