That focus is paying off. Marler went 3 for 4 with five RBIs, reaching base every plate appearance in the Cougars’ 12-2 six-inning win over Rudder on Thursday afternoon in District 19-5A baseball action at Bombers Park.
“I was just focusing on seeing the ball out of the pitcher’s hand, because lately I’ve realized when I don’t focus on that, I don’t hit as well,” Marler said. “So I was staying on my back leg, trying to see it as long as I could, see it deep, and it worked out.”
Marler hit a pair of RBI doubles in the third and fourth innings and drove in the final two runs of the game with a single to left-center in the sixth. He was the only College Station (21-9, 8-4) hitter to finish with multiple hits and the only Cougar starter to record a hit, but sophomore catcher Chanden Scamardo drew three walks and scored three runs. First baseman Josh Alexander twice was hit by a pitch and reached base three times, scoring two runs.
“Once we got into the game and we kind of loosened up a little bit we did some good things on the bases, and we got some better swings off as the game went on,” College Station head coach Scott Holder said. “I think we’re still playing a little tight, a little tight early as long as the game is close.”
Thursday’s game, which was moved from College Station because of field conditions, didn’t start out the Cougars’ way. Rudder (5-17-1, 3-9) struck first in the top of the second on a two-run single by sophomore left fielder Brant Roberts. He brought in starting pitcher Trent Tompkins and first baseman Jaice Garcia, who finished 2 for 3.
“He’s a competitor; he’s going to give you everything he’s got on the mound,” Rudder head coach Chase Sanford said of Tompkins. “But I don’t care who you are on the mound, you’ve got to have defense.”
Tompkins’ offspeed pitches kept College Station off-balance, but he was tagged with the loss, allowing eight runs (one earned) on one hit with three walks and a strikeout.
College Station’s Grayson Lange picked up the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing two hits with one strikeout. Jordon Bellows started and allowed two runs on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
College Station courtesy runner Dalton Carnes scored on an error in the second to cut the Rangers’ lead in half, and the Cougars took a commanding 6-2 lead in the third. Bryson Lucas, who made a pair of impressive diving catches in center field in the top of the frame, was hit by a pitch to lead off and scored on a ground ball by Brandon Williams. The ball was overthrown, also allowing Zach Williams to score on the play to give the Cougars a 3-2 lead. Brandon Williams later scored on another error, and Alexander was hit by a pitch to set up Marler’s first double, a ball the wind carried into center.
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The Cougars added four more runs in the fourth. Zach Williams and Brandon Williams reached on a walk and an error, chasing Tompkins. Garcia came on to pitch and walked Scamardo before another error cleared the bases, and Marler brought in Alexander with a single to left.
In all, Rudder committed five errors.
“The thing with us is we’ll play one really good game defensively, and we’ll turn around and we’ll have one really bad inning, and they’ll fix it,” Sanford said. “It comes with inexperience. It comes with playing timid.”
Both squads have one last regular-season series starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday. College Station will host district champion No. 8 Magnolia West, while Rudder travels to Magnolia.
College Station 12, Rudder 2 (6 innings)
Rudder 020 000 — 2 3 5
College Station 015 402 — 12 5 0
Trent Tompkins, Jaice Garcia (4) and Rudy Schultz; Jordon Bellows, Grayson Lange (4) and Chanden Scamardo.
W — Lange. L — Tompkins... Click here to read full article
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