THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
LD Bell High School Athletics

The Weatherford Kangaroos (18-11-1, 6-5 as of Friday morning) are still alive District 3-6A’s playoff race. Weatherford knocked off the first-place Hurst L.D. Bell Blue Raiders, 5-0 Thursday on the road (a continuation of Tuesday’s game which was delayed due to storms), setting up a crucial rematch, scheduled for Friday night at home for the Roos, who are looking to lock up the district’s fourth and final playoff spot. Since falling to Richland 5-2 earlier this month and putting the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy, Weatherford has won both district games to stay afloat. Weatherford Head Baseball Coach Jason Lee said his team’s recent surge is reflective of the Roos’ unwavering confidence in themselves and each other. “These guys have been resilient all year,” Lee said. “They continue to believe in themselves and fight every pitch of every game. They don’t ever believe they are out of any game and they believe they can play with anyone.” Lee added that securing the shutout versus the district’s first-place team not only gives Weatherford a mental boost moving forward, but also boosted the team’s playoff chances. “It was huge to get a win versus a team like L.D. Bell period,” Lee said. “I think it definitely gives our guys a confidence boost. Plus, [the win] eliminated Abilene and assured at least a tie with Richland for the last playoff spot.” Senior pitcher Mason Riney and the Roos’ defense did well shutting down a Blue Raiders’ outfit which had won its previous three games by a combined score of 23-3. Riney lasted six innings, allowing zero runs and five hits while earning three strikeouts. L.D. Bell’s offense went three up, three down in three innings in the face of Weatherford’s stout defensive effort. The Roos’ own offense capitalized on the team’s defensive play, racking up nine hits coming from six different batters. Seniors Chris Molina and Grant Baldwin, as well as sophomore Luke Bagwell collected two hits apiece. Junior Jake Seglem, as well as sophomores Landon Ellington and Bruce Collingsworth each tacked on one hit for Weatherford. Those at bats translated into two scores for the Roos in the top of the third inning, one run in the fifth inning and two more runs in the sixth inning. Weatherford has put up at least nine hits in each of its last three games (Richland, Arlington Heights and L.D. Bell). Lee expressed optimism that the Roos can continue that trend moving into Friday and beyond. “We have definitely been focusing on our approach at the plate over the last month, and maybe it is starting to click at the right time,” Lee said. “The guys have had great at bats over the last three games and put the ball in play forcing the defense to make plays. “Hopefully we can keep the sticks going.” Friday’s result between the Roos and Blue Raiders, as well as Richland’s finish (also Friday) against Euless Trinity will determine which team continues playing come the start of the bi-district round.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
LD Bell High School Athletics

WEATHERFORD 5, LD BELL 0

FORREST MURPHY

Weatherford Democrat | 4/27/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Raiders Athletics