Central Heights cruises to state final

In the regional final round of the playoffs, Central Heights had their backs up against the wall after a tough 1-0 loss to Kirbyville.  Grayson Rodriguez was the hard luck loser in that game, going the distance, giving up just the lone run while striking out 10 batters. It was the juniors first loss of the season.

At the Dell Diamond on the state’s biggest stage, the Texas A&M commit bounced back and left no doubt, striking out 14 in the Blue Devil’s 7-0 victory over Whitesboro.  His coach, Travis Jackson, has seen this type of dominance all season.

“He has been our stud all year long and one of the best pitchers in the state of Texas,” said Jackson. “He had 14 strikeouts and it was a big performance for us.  He has been 10-15 all year long and he came through for us again.”

Rodriguez set the tone early in the game, striking out the first three batters he faced.  That was backed up by an early 2 runs in the bottom half of the inning.

“That was a big help,” said Rodriguez, who improved his overall record to 14-1.  “We came out in the first inning and got a two run lead and it just made the game go a lot smoother knowing you have some support to work with.  It makes my job so much easier.”

4-hole hitter Rowan Arrant provided those two runs with a double to the right center wall, and ended the day 2-3 from the plate with 1 base on ball and 4 RBI.

“I just really wanted to get ahead of this team because I knew they could come back,” said Arrant.  “We just wanted to get ahead and stay ahead.”

Jackson added on how big of a momentum swing those early runs were.

“I love to see the two runs on the board in the first inning.  That was a great at bat by him.  They were 2 RBIs that were much needed early, and it’s a good feeling to get up early instead of waiting for late.”

The Blue Devils added on 1 more in the fourth and a pair of two-spots in the fifth and sixth frames to put the game out of reach.  Whitesboro’s two hits came from starting pitcher Cayden Cobb and third baseman Scout Sanders.

It all now comes down to one game for Central Heights as the state championship is set for noon on Thursday in Round Rock.  If the Blue Devils handle that moment like they did Wednesday’s win, everything else should take care of itself.

“I think our guys handled it pretty well,” said Jackson on the surroundings.  “We played in some big parks this year and I think we’re accustomed to it. We have one more and that is what we have been shooting for all year long and we have to just go win it.”

Rodriguez, who will be at shortstop in the state game, knows now it only takes one more win.  “It is what we have been shooting for all year to get to the championship.  Now we just have to finish it off.”

Winning Pitcher: Grayson Rodriguez (14-1)

Losing Pitcher: Cayden Cobb (13-2)