High school baseball season starts Monday
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Mike Konvicka Wharton sophomore hurler Kris Looper throws a pitch in last year's District 24-3A game against Columbus. The defending district champion Tigers play Waltrip at Delmar Field in the season opener Tuesday.

Wharton, Boling, and East Bernard's baseball teams all made the playoffs last season.

And the Tigers, Bulldogs and Brahmas will try to repeat as they crank up their respective seasons next week.

The Brahmas play Sweeny in a 7:30 p.m. game Monday at Outlar-Bennett Field.

The Tigers travel to Houston to play Waltrip in a 7 p.m. game on Tuesday at Delmar Field.

The Bulldogs host Sealy in their opener on Tuesday.

Wharton claimed the District 24-3A title last year with a 13-1 record and went 23-7 on the season. The Tigers lost a three-game series to Bridge City in the area round of the UIL playoffs.

Returnees include sophomore pitcher Kris Looper, who was the All-Wharton County Newcomer-of-the-Year.

Also returning are seniors J.D. Rivera, Brian Cervenka, Taylor Ustynik, David Horta, Ben Williams and Cody Boatwright.

Juniors include Lucas Munoz, Michael Mata and Jesmon Grant.

Boling made the playoffs last year but lost to Hallettsville in the bi-district series.

Boling first year coach Charles McGee welcomes back pitchers Sean Hollis, Justin Hobbs, Kris Henson and Tanner Thompson.

Also back are Jacob Copeland, Koby Sanchez, Simon Mendoza and Corey McCook. Newcomers include Dustin Ortiz.

East Bernard, under new coach Doug Grigar, made it to the area round last year before losing to Lexington in a twogame series.

Returnees include Cameron Orsak, Chris Plunkett, Clinton Graves, Aaron Alexander, Jacob Hudman and Ricky Simpson.

Later in the week, Wharton plays in the Houston Christian Tournament, Boling plays at the Rice Consolidated Tournament in Altair and EB hosts Sacred Heart in a doubleheader.