Tomball opens Round 1 of playoffs against Bridgeland
May 6, 2022
With the conclusion of the regular season, the Tomball varsity baseball team ended the year 20-8 (9-3 in district) coming in at second place in District 15-6A clinching a playoff berth, putting their playoff streak at ten years in a row. Opening up their playoff series the Cougars travel down to Cypress today to open up against Bridgeland with the first pitch at 4.
The Bears went 21-10 on the year (11-3 in district) claiming the third place position in District 16-6A.
“The Cream of The Crop”
Coming into one, if not the biggest series this weekend, both teams come into this with some of the most respected players in the state despite both teams losing players some star players such as Five star quarterback and MLB prospect at shortstop for Bridgeland, Conner Weigman who graduated early to head up to College Station.
Meanwhile, Tomball graduated current Baylor first baseman Casen Neumann as well as another Baylor player, pitcher Mason Marriott.
“Battle of the Pitchers”
For Bridgeland their bullpen is where they excel, Texas Christian University signee Murphy Brooks has been consistent for the Bear for the last four years. Brooks’ bag of tricks not only holds a 92 mph fastball, he also holds a lot of power in the batter’s box as he often comes in as a designated hitter. Brooks’ status is unknown for this series as he recently injured his pitching hand.
Despite the unknown, Bridgeland is prepared as they have Princeton signee Justin Kim, East Texas Baptist University signee Will Croft and Junior Ben Polleschultz who recently threw a perfect game against Cy Woods with ten strikeouts.
Similar to Bridgeland, Tomball’s bullpen is prepared. It consists of Texas State signee Chase Mora who despite dealing with a shoulder injury has continued to play at the shortstop position while batting. In his place Sam Houston State commit Cade Daniel and Thomas Williamson have played their roles successfully. Behind the two of them, underclassman Keegan Demmer has also stepped up.
“Behind the Plate”
The guys that are behind it all, protecting the plate at all costs are keys to their teams success. Mississippi State signee Ryan Williams has been the Bears’ go to guy behind the plate.
For Tomball the two guys behind it are Centenary College signee Wade Eslick who splits time with the fourth ranked player in the class of 2024, University of Florida commit Cade Arrambide.
“Defense”
Standing at 6’2, weighing in at 210 Robert Hunt is at first, senior Rene Garcia at second, at short sophomore Hudson Pollard and Justin Kim or Carter Aldmon when not pitching.
The infield for Tomball has stood apart from the rest of the competition, at first base Keegan Handal has done well at protecting, at second base University of Houston commit Alan Lopez has excelled in playing his role on defense as well as batting lead off easily getting on base and stealing, at shortstop Chase Mora has taken over but is expected to head back to the mound putting sophomore Coleman Ryan back in position who had an amazing run at short in non-district play as well as in week one versus Tomball Memorial, at third base there is a consistent rotation of Cade Arrambide, Keegan Demmer as well as Thomas Williamson.
“Outfield”
The guys beyond the lines for the Bears are Junior Rene Alegria in left field, sophomore Miles Syptak in center and a three man rotation of juniors Carter Aldmon, C.E Gaitz, or Lane Vicknair. Micah Andrejczak is in left, Caleb Guidry in center and Maddox Feldott in right for Tomball.
What separates all of these outfielders for both teams is that all of these guys have the ability to use their speed effectively and efficiently while continuing to keep their eye on the ball and making the deep throw into the cutoff man.
“What it Takes to Win”
With both teams excelling in multiple aspects of the game the keys for the Cougars to advance
- Get on base early; with Bridgeland’s bullpen staying consistent through district play they need to take what they can get early
- Keep Bridgeland off of the bases; with multiple small but quick batters at the top of the line up if they are able to get on base it will allow the power hitters to bring them in
