It was a disappointing start for the McLennan Highlanders at the Region V Tournament as they fell to the Midland Chaparrals 9-5 on opening day. Freshman Grant Miller took the loss on the mound.
Midland began the scoring with two runs in the top of the second. Cade Bullinger led off with a solo home run. Garett Wilkinson then doubled and scored on a double by Benton Rogers.
The Chaps added two more runs in the third. Once again Midland led off with a home run, this one by Riley King. Frainyer Chavez then singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, stole third, and scored on another wild pitch.
McLennan got on the board with a run in the bottom of the third as George Callil singled, moved around to third on a single by Aidan Shepardson and scored as Dylan Neuse was safe at first on an error.
Two more Midland runs scored in the fifth. Tommy Gillman drew a lead-off walk and Chavez singled, both scoring on a single by Bullinger.
The Chaps increased their lead with two more runs in the sixth. Rogers singled, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ethan Barker and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Gillman followed with a single to score Rogers. Gillman then moved around to third on a pair of wild pitches and scored on a single by Chavez.
The Highlanders scored two in the bottom of the eighth as Neuse walked and scored on a Josh Breaux home run.
Midland’s final run came in the top of the ninth as Chavez singled, moved to second on a single by Jordan Billups and scored on a single by Wilkinson.
McLennan rounded out the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs on the board, Callil singled, Shepardson was hit by the pitch and Neuse walked. To load the bases. Breaux followed with a single to score Callil and Shepardson.
The Highlanders move into the elimination bracket and will face either New Mexico or Temple at 1 p.m. Saturday.
