Reyes single gives Brahmarettes 3-2 playoff win
EB battles Yorktown in Region IV semifinal series at Shiner Starplex
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Photo contributed by Jackson Williams East Bernard's Liz Reyes steps on home plate for the Brahmarettes first run in Friday's Region IV Class 2A playoff game against Rosebud-Lott.

SMITHVILLE - Liz Reyes two-out single chased home Brittney Wilcox from second to give East Bernard a 3-2, extra inning win over Rosebud-Lott in Friday's Class 2A Region IV quarterfi- nal playoff game at Tiger Field

Wilcox blooped a single down the left field line to start the ninth inning.

After Laura Kubes struck out, Wilcox moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Anna Giannetti, bringing Reyes to the plate. She had been in the same situation in the bottom of the seventh inning with Kubes at second but popped out.

"The first time I really wasn't focused but the next time I just said I have to get her in," said Reyes, who added she was motivated after being heckled by a Rosebud-Lott fan in the stands.

"I heard someone yell out that you can't hit worth a flip and I told myself 'I'm going to rock her socks,'" said Reyes.

EB coach Amy Bush agreed. "They were pretty harsh and I had to talk to the girls about being focused and stop hearing all that stuff that's going on."

Despite jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, East Bernard squandered several scoring opportunities and was lax defensively.

"I feel that if you can play this poorly and still win, then you do right next time. We can work to get more focused."

EB pitcher Courtney Repka struck out 22 and gave up only one hit, a single in the sixth which didn't lead to a run.

"She stepped on the mound tonight and showed she was a hoss." said Bush.

East Bernard advances to the Region IV semifinals and will tangle with District 29-2A runner-up Yorktown, which beat Dilley in a three-game series over the weekend in San Antonio. The teams will play the best of three games series starting Thursday at the Shiner Starplex. Thursday's game is set for 7 p.m., Friday's game is 6 p.m. with a game three, if necessary, starting 30 minutes following game two.

The Kitty Kats lost the first game 1- 0 but came back to win the next two by 4-1 and 2-0 scores.

In the top of the bracket, Danbury took two of three games from Lago Vista and Poth did the same against George West.

So the Lady Panthers and Pirettes will play a three-game series beginning Thursday night in Weimar.

In Friday's game, EB jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. Reyes walked and moved to second on a bunt single by Haley Dawson. Samantha Wasek walked to load the bases. The two lead runners then scored on a single by Repka with Wasek going to third and Repka moving to second on a throw.

Rosebud-Lott pitcher Victoria Conners retired the next three batters to get out of the early jam.

After Repka's hit, Conners faced the minimum 15 batters though the fifth. She allowed one hit but got Dawson doubled off of second in the third when Bartek flagged down a fly in center.

The Lady Cougars picked up an unearned run without the benefit of a hit in the third to make it 2-1

Julie Thornton reached on an error. She made it third after Skylar Savage struck out and scored when a ground ball by Tamara Fabianke was misplayed.

Rosebud-Lott tied the game in their final at bat of regulation without the benefit of a hit.

Victoria Conners led off by getting hit by a pitch. She stole second and was there while Repka was in the process of striking out Paige Bartek and Britnee Ward. But catcher Reyes dropped the third strike on Ward. Conners, running on the pitch, rounded third and went for home while Reyes threw to first to record the out. Conners slid under Repka's tag following the return throw home to tie the game.

Repka then struck out Lacy Hoff to end the inning.

The Brahmarettes loaded the bases with no out in the sixth, with a chance to pick up an insurance run, but came up empty.

Dawson walked and Samantha Wasek reached on a fielder's choice bunt. After Repka walked to load the bases, the next three East Bernard batters were retired by Conners.

EB also threatened in the eighth. Wasek led off with a walk and was erased on a fielder's choice ground ball by Repka.

Courtesy runner Ashley Miculka then moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Kieler. Miculka was then tagged out between second and third on a ground ball by Lopez.

Repka struck out Ellen Reid to lead off the top of then ninth. Wilcox snagged a bunt off the bat of Emilie Skala near the circle for out two and then Repka struck out Conners.

Editor's Note: The series will be broadcast on Radio Station KULP, AM 1390 in El Campo and over the Internet at www.kulpradio.com