Comanches take 2nd place in Hallettsville tournament

HALLETSVILLE – The Shiner Comanches took care of business Saturday as they captured second place at the Jimmy Appelt Tournament.

Shiner 3, Gonzales 2

The Comanches started off slowly in their first tournament game Friday against the Gonzales Apaches. Shiner chased Gonzales throughout the day, giving up two in the first inning to give the Apaches the lead for most of the game until the final two innings. The Comanches had multiple chances to score throughout the day, but could not bunch enough hits together to get a runner home.

In Shiner’s fourth frame, with one out and a men on second and third base, there was no reason why the Comanches should not bring those runs in. Weston Roller got on base when hit by a pitch before multiple Apache errors allowed Shiner to plate a pair of runs. But by rule, if a batter his hit by a pitch, the ball is declared dead and no runners are allowed to advance. Both runners were sent back to their respective bases, giving Gonzales a bases-loaded jam with one out.

But Shiner could not take advantage of the situation, as the next two batters struck out and popped up to the outfield to leave the bases full.

Shiner’s defense shut down the Apaches in the subsequent innings. It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth that the Comanches gave up a third run, but scored one of their own in the bottom frame.

After a lackluster sixth inning, the Comanches provided drama one would usually see in the movies. With two outs in the bottom of what would have been the final inning, both Jacob Stafford and Blake Michalec got on base and eventually scored to tie the game, forcing one last extra inning per tournament rule.

In the top of the eighth and final inning, Shiner forced a double play that initially was ruled safe at first by the on-field umpire before being overturned by the plate umpire. With Roller on third and two outs in the inning, Brady Cejka drove in the game-winning run, drilling the ball past third base to complete the 4-3 comeback win for the Comanches.

Shiner 15, Brazos 6

No dramatic comeback was needed for the Comanches in their next game against the Brazos Cougars. Shiner exploded for a five-run first inning and an eight-run second inning for an impressive 13-2 lead.

Hoping for a mercy rule, the Comanches scored twice more to increase their lead to 15-2, before giving up four runs in the third inning.

That’s when the bats cooled down for both teams as Shiner posted a 15-6 win after five innings.

Hallettsville 3, Shiner 2

By winning its first two games, Shiner clinched a spot in the championship round to face the hometown Hallettsville Brahmas.

The Comanches started the game strong, bringing in two scores before Hallettsville answered back with one of its own.

After a scoreless frame from the Comanches, Hallettsville tied the game at 3-3 before some controversy ensued. With two outs and a man in scoring position in the top of the sixth inning, Ty Condel tried to drive in Blake Michalec for the go-ahead score. Michalec was sent flying into home, but a very close call at the plate went to Hallettsville for the third out of the inning.

The umpires did not make any friends in the bottom of inning with a similar call. The Brahmas had a runner representing the go-ahead score sliding into third base, hoping to get into scoring position. Although the ball beat the runner and third basemen appeared to make the tag, yet another controversial call by the umpire left Hallettsville with a runner in prime scoring position. While the fielder may have missed the tag, that didn’t stop Shiner fans from showing their distaste for the officiating. The runner eventually scored for a 3-2 Hallettsville lead.

After a three-up, three-down inning, the Brahmas took home the first-place trophy as Shiner settled for second place. Jacob Stafford, Blake Michalec and Brady Cejka of Shiner were named to the all-tournament team for their tremendous play throughout the weekend.

Shiner hosts Stockdale at 7 p.m. Tuesday.