Tigers go 1-2 in own tournament
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Wharton's baseball team went 1-2 in the 49th Annual Wharton Invitational Tournament completed Saturday night at Tiger Field.

Wharton beat Cypress Springs 10-2 on Thursday night, lost to Bay City 8-4 on Friday night and then dropped a 8-6 decision to Bellville on Saturday.

Fielding errors proved costly in the two losses.

"We have to eliminate mistakes and not give up the big innings," said Wharton coach Floyd Ciruti.

"If we do that, we'll be fine."

The two losses left the Tigers, which had an open date on Tuesday, with a 2- 6 mark on the year.

"We're not really happy with that record," said Ciruti.

Jersey Village went 3-0 in the tournament to take the championship. The Rams beat Bay City 5-4, Bellville 4-0 and El Campo 8-0.

The Brahmas went 2-1, also beating El Campo on Friday.

The Ricebirds went 1-2, beating Cypress Springs and losing to Bellville and Jersey Village.

In the loss to Bay City, Wharton fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first and the Black Cats picked up four more runs in the second.

Wharton made it 5-1 with a run in the third. Lucas Munoz singled, moved to second on a passed ball and came home on a base hit by J.D. Rivera.

The Tigers made it 4-2 with a run in the fifth. Taylor Ustynik doubled and scored on a two base hit by Rivera.

The Black Cats answered with three runs in the sixth to go up 8-2.

The Tigers scored two runs in the seventh to bring the score to 8-4.

Ustynik reached on a fielding error. Munoz singled and Ustynik scored on a sacrifice fly by Ben Williams. Munoz then scored on another single by Rivera.

Cody Boatwright started the game and pitched into the fourth. Robert Herrera pitched two and a third innings and Tim Garcia finished the game.

In the loss to Bellville, Wharton jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first.

Rivera single and Williams reached on a bunt hit. Kris Looper then walked to load the bases.

Rivera scored on a fly ball by Mata. Brian Cervenka followed with an RBI single. Looper later scored on a fielding error.

The Tigers picked up two runs in the third to go up 5-0.

Williams walked and stole second. Mata followed with an RBI single. Munoz then singled and Mata scored on a passed ball.

Wharton made it 6-0 with a run in the fourth. Ustynik singled and courtesy runner Justin Lathon was caught stealing. David Horta followed with a single and Rivera delivered an RBI double.

Ustynik started the game and pitched four innings. Herrera finished the game.

Wharton plays Westbury at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Jersey Village Invitational Tournament in Houston.

The Tigers play Sam Rayburn at 4 p.m. Friday and will play again in the tournament on Friday.

Wharton starts playing for keeps next Tuesday against Stafford in the District 24-3A opener. Game time is 8 p.m. at Tiger Field.