College Park Cavaliers vs. Grand Oaks Grizzlies
The Woodlands, TX – Monday, March 18, 2024, 10:00 PM
The District 13-6A baseball game between College Park High School Cavaliers and Grand Oaks High School Grizzlies, which was suspended due to rain and lightning on Friday, March 15, resumed on Monday, March 18, with Grand Oaks securing a 5-1 victory.
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Grand Oaks Grizzlies, led by Coach Lou Ferrell and coming off a strong 2023 season with a 22-10-2 record, faced off against the College Park Cavaliers, under the guidance of Coach Michael Faherty, who had a 19-15 record last year. Both teams were eager to make their mark early in the district season.
Grand Oaks set the tone early, with Bennett Hale, a key returning starter, grounding out to score the first run in the opening inning. The Grizzlies continued their offensive momentum in the second inning, with Davin Luck and Collin Martin setting the stage for Jalen Johnson, whose single, combined with a defensive error by College Park, allowed two more runs to cross the plate.
On the mound, Grady Scarborough showed tenacity for the Cavaliers, pitching five innings and striking out four, despite the challenging conditions. However, it was Marc Barnhard of Grand Oaks who stole the spotlight, allowing just one unearned run over five and two-thirds innings, striking out six, and walking five, earning him the win. Austin Dolezal, another key returner, stepped in to secure the save, sealing the victory for the Grizzlies.
Offensively, Grand Oaks showcased their depth, with Chandler Cone leading the charge with two hits. Jalen Johnson, batting ninth, proved to be a clutch player, driving in two crucial runs. The Grizzlies' aggressive base running was also on display, with Parker Blackman, a standout player from last season, swiping three bases, adding pressure to the Cavaliers' defense.
College Park, while facing a tough loss, had bright spots in Julian Garcia, Orlando Balderas, and Aidan Collado, each contributing a hit. The Cavaliers will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games, as the district season continues.
With this victory, Grand Oaks solidifies their position in the District 13-6A standings, while College Park aims to rebound in their next outing. The game highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability, as both teams navigated the challenges of an interrupted match.
