In a thrilling District 13-6A baseball game, the College Park High School Cavaliers showcased their dominance by defeating the Cleveland High School Indians 2-1 on Saturday, with standout pitching performances leading the charge.
The Cavaliers' starting pitcher, Holden Judge, set the tone with a solid performance, recording 13 outs and keeping the Indians' offense at bay. The game's turning point came in the fourth inning when Orlando "Pica" Baldares delivered a clutch single to put College Park on the scoreboard. Luca Anzalone further solidified the Cavaliers' lead with an RBI single in the sixth inning, demonstrating the team's resilience and offensive prowess.
Cleveland managed to score a run in the fifth inning, thanks to Andres Campos' RBI single. Despite a strong effort from their starting pitcher, Xavier Woods, who allowed only one earned run over six innings, the Indians fell short in their first district game of the season. Woods also contributed with a double, showing his versatility on the field.
Jackson Hollas, who came in as a reliever for College Park, was a key factor in sealing the victory, striking out four and allowing no hits over two and two-thirds innings. His performance was crucial in maintaining the Cavaliers' lead and securing the win.
The Cavaliers, dressed in their iconic pinstriped uniforms, displayed exceptional teamwork and strategy throughout the game. The overcast day provided a rare and atmospheric setting for this daytime district showdown. Catcher Luca Anzalone and Pitching Coach Andrew Lantrip played pivotal roles in managing the pitchers and ensuring a tight defensive game.
"Jackson Hollas came in a big spot with good command of his fastball, securing four strikeouts and giving no hits. It was a crucial performance that helped us clinch the win." - College Park Head Coach Mike Faherty
College Park opened the district season with three games in a week. "This is Cleveland’s first district game and our third game of the week. So we had to face their number one pitcher Xavier Woods with our third starter of the week, Holden Judge," said College Park Head Coach Mike Faherty.
With tough pitching expected from their District 13-6A neighbors, The Woodlands, Grand Oaks, and Oak Ridge high schools later in the season, it is crucial for College Park to sweep their series against Cleveland, New Caney, and Caney Creek to maintain their strong standing.
The Cavaliers are showcasing their pitching and defense, as evidenced by a shutout of Grand Oaks in the first district game and a narrow win over Cleveland. It's expected that Coach Faherty will soon get the bats going to provide ample support for the team's strong pitching and defense.
This victory marks a significant achievement for College Park as they continue their impressive start to the district season. With two wins in their first three games, including this hard-fought battle against Cleveland, the Cavaliers are proving to be a formidable force in District 13-6A. The team looks forward to resuming their suspended game against Grand Oaks on Monday, March 18, 2024, with confidence and determination.
