BRENHAM, Texas – The Laredo Palominos spoiled the festivities Saturday at Leroy Dreyer Field.
Laredo defeated the Blinn College baseball team 7-4 and 6-3 to knock the Buccaneers out of first place in the Region XIV South Zone and take some of the fun out of Blinn’s Turn Back the Clock Day.
The Buccaneers donned uniforms authentic to those the club wore in the 1920s and ’30s while offering fans 50-cent hot dogs. Prior to the game, Washington County Little Leaguers were invited onto the field prior to the game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and join the Buccaneers on the field for the national anthem. Proceeds from the event went to benefit Washington County Little League.
But once the games started, things went south for the Buccaneers. Sophomore right-hander Jason Simms took the loss in the opener, allowing five runs – three earned – in three innings.
Freshman Trent Rape was a bright spot in relief, holding Laredo to two earned runs over four innings.
“He’s been big for us. He’s really growing up,” Blinn (29-18, 18-12) coach Harvey McIntyre said. “He gave us a chance to get back into the game.”
Holden Cammack hit a two-run single in the seventh, but Blinn couldn’t erase the early 7-0 deficit. Eric Wood was 1-for-2.
The Buccaneers didn’t have much more success in the second game. Sophomore Trevor Seidenberger allowed four runs – three earned – on eight hits and three walks. He lasted 5 1/3 innings, striking out six.
“He wasn’t sharp, but he competed,” McIntyre said.
Christian DeLeon threw 3 2/3 innings in relief, allowing one earned run.
“Both our bullpen guys gave us a chance,” McIntyre said.
Markus Carr and Wood each went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
The losses drop Blinn from the South Zone lead down to third place headed into Sunday’s conference finale. San Jacinto and Galveston are each 19-12 and will meet Sunday for the final game of that series. Alvin is 19-13 in conference. All four teams have clinched a spot in the Region XIV Conference Tournament, but the seeding won’t be determined until Sunday’s action is complete.
Blinn hosts Laredo at 1 p.m. Saturday in its conference finale.
“We’ve got a four-horse race here,” McIntyre said. “I’ve never seen this league with this much parity before.”
For more information on Blinn baseball, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
