This week, as a final tune-up before the start of District play, the Spartans played in the Grand Oaks Tournament. The Spartans won three out of four games and look ready for their first District showdown against the Cy Fair Bobcats this week.

Highlights:

Spartans 6 - Klein Oak Panthers 3

After spotting the Panthers an early three-run lead, the bats came alive to score the next 6 runs to secure the W. Caden Baker, John White, Paxton Terveen, Braxton Wakefield, Luke Barre, and Alex Skoutelakis all contributed a hit apiece to pace the offense. Wakefield’s home run was his second of the season. Getting the ball on the mound and lasting three innings for the win was Ford Givens with scoreless relief help from Matthew McDuffie to declaw the Panthers.

Spartans 7 - Conroe Tigers 0

Next up for the Spartans was a game with the Conroe Tigers on their home field. The home fans didn’t have much roar about and went home unhappy after Cade Hanlen (4IP/4H/5K) and Harris Timmreck (1IP/2K) combined on the four-hit shutout. Providing the run support were White and Terveen with two hits each, including Paxton’s second HR of the young season. Baker, Brecken Menuet, Henry Braniff, Blake Barry, and Ethan Gentil also joined in adding a hit apiece.

Spartans 1 - Lake Creek Lions 2

In a very competitive matchup with one of the top 5A programs in the state, the good guys fell to the Lions 2-1, snapping their seven-game winning streak. In a pitcher’s duel, the Spartans mustered four hits. Baker, Menuet, Alex Skoutelakis, and Tucker Copeland provided the firepower, with Menuet’s triple plating the only run in the last inning. Thomas Cloud continued his streak of solid performances on the mound allowing only one hit over three innings, and Barre followed it up with a one-hit outing over the final two innings.

Spartans 13 - Waller Bulldogs 5

The Spartans used their last game before District play to build some momentum in a thorough and complete defeat of the Bulldogs. The Green Gladiators exploded for thirteen runs over the first two innings and coasted from there. The seven-run first inning included home runs by Braniff (2H) and Barre,  sparking the twelve-hit attack on the day. Also joining the hit parade were Skoutelakis with three hits, Baker and Terveen with two hits, and Maddox Garnero and Copeland adding a hit apiece. Carson Craft (2IP/2R/3K) started the finale and got the W, while Christian Merchan (1IP/0R/K) cleaned up to close out the 3-1 tournament.

It may be Spring Break, but District play begins Tuesday with a home game against Cy Fair at the Backyard. First pitch is set for 7:00 pm. The season is off to an exciting 11-4 start, so make plans now to come out and support your Stratford Spartans!