Bulldogs double up Tigers by 18-9 score
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Photo contributed by Terrell Jessen Wharton's Michael Mata scoops up the ball on a play at first base during a recent non-district game against rival Boling

SWEENY - Sweeny built a commanding early 11-2 lead and finished with a 18-9 win over Wharton Friday night at Bennet-Outlar Field.

Wharton batters totaled 13 hits and threatened in every inning but Sweeny took advantage of several fielding errors.

"We played and battled them gallantly but we made some crucial errors at inopportune times," said Wharton coach Floyd Ciruti.

The Tigers slipped to 1-1 and plays at 2-0 Columbus at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

The Cardinals were 2-0 after beating Stafford 10-4 last Friday. The Tigers host Needville, which was 2-0 before playing Stafford, Thursday night.

The Bluejays beat Columbia 11-0 on Friday night. and hosts Stafford tonight.

Sealy crushed Royal 44-1 on Friday and was 1-1 before playing the winless Roughnecks.

Wharton jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first but Sweeny answered with eight runs in the bottom of the inning Friday night.

The Tigers made it 8-2 with a run in the second but Sweeny came up with three to go ahead 11-2.

Wharton picked up four runs in the fourth to trail 11-5 but Sweeny picked up one in the bottom half to make it 12- 5.

The Tigers wouldn't quit and scored three runs in the fifth to close the game to 12-9.

Sweeny answered with two in the bottom half to go up 14-9. The Bulldogs then picked up four more runs in the sixth to make it 18-9.

Wharton's J.D. Rivera continued his success at the plate and was three for five with three RBIs and a double. He scored two runs.

He owns a stunning .500 batting average with 22 hits in 44 at bats. He has 11 RBIs.

18-9 score

Chris Acuna was three for four and scored three runs. Taylor Ustynik was one for two with a two-run homer.

Kris Looper started for Wharton and pitched into the second.

He gave up eight runs on seven hits, striking out one and walking two.

Michael Mata pitched three and two thirds innings. He gave up three runs on six hits, striking out two and walking four.

Robert Herrera finished the game and gave up four runs on one hit.

24-3A Standings

Teams
Sweeny	(7-4)	2	0	.1000
Needville	(10-0)	2	0	.1000
Columbus (10-3)		2	0	.1000
Wharton	(5-7)	1	1	.500
Sealy	(5-5)	1	1	.500
Columbia (2-10)		0	2	.1000
Stafford	(4-9)	0	2	.000
Royal	(0-6)	0	2	.000

Friday's Results
Sweeny 18, Wharton 9
Sealy 44, Royal 1
Columbus 10, Stafford 4
Needville 11, Columbia 01
Tuesday's Results
Sweeny at Royal, late
Columbia at Sealy, late
Wednesday's Game
Stafford at Needville, 7:30 p.m.
Wharton at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday's Results
Needville at Wharon, 8 p.m.
Columbus at Sweeny, 8 p.m.
Sealy at Stafford, 7:30 p.m.
Stafford at Columbia, 7:30 p.m.