Tomball baseball took another big step forward Thursday night, defeating A&M Consolidated in the first game of their best-of-three showdown 5-0.

“We had a packed crowd in Tomball last night,” Coach Doug Rush said. “We thank everyone for their support.”

Game 2 will be tonight at 7 at A&M Consolidated.  If the Cougars lose tonight, a necessary Game 3 will be Saturday at 1 p.m., at Fireman’s Park in Brenham.  The winner of the series advances to the state tournament.

“I think we’ll win tonight,” junior Dylan Bass said. “We’ve been working really hard.”

Junior Nick Banks pitched a four hit shutout last night and also hit a double and two singles, driving in two of the five runs.  Senior Matt Mundkowsky also had a double and two singles and drove in two runs. 

Spence Rahm had an RBI double.  Junior Dillon Menville had a double and scored a run.  Senior Troy Gillen added a bunt single.

The Cougars are currently 27-8 in this record-breaking season. One more win, and they are Austin-bound.