In an exciting three-game series featuring competitive play from both teams, the Jesuit Rangers toppled the Oak Ridge War Eagles, overcoming a loss to win two games in a row. The Rangers felt the pressure of losing that first game as both wins were win-or-go-home games, demonstrating their ability to remain focused despite the dire circumstances. For example, J.T. Mix ’17 stayed strong in the batter’s box, fouling off three balls before receiving a walk that scored the winning run in Game 2. Later the next day, with the season again on the line, pitcher JJ Montenegro ’17 threw one of his best games of the season, combining with Jacob Palisch ’17 for a shutout. These are just some of the highlights of the electric series against Oak Ridge. Here’s a closer look at each of the three games:
On Thursday, May 26th, the Jesuit Rangers traveled out to Rice University to play the first game of the Regional Semifinal playoffs against the Oak Ridge War Eagles. With Jacob Palisch on the mound fresh off of his no-hitter against Highland Park, Jesuit looked poised to take home a win. However, due to an error, a rough 1st inning for Palisch, and a measly three hits for the Rangers’ offense, Jesuit lost the first game of the series 3-0. The loss clearly sent a message to the rest of the team, as now they had to win two games in a row in order to stave off elimination.
With their backs against the wall, the Rangers traveled back to their hometown of Dallas, Texas on Friday, May 27th, with revenge on their minds as they entered Game 2 held at Dallas Baptist University. Kyle Muller ’16, recently named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas, stood on the mound for Jesuit, and the players hoped his veteran experience could help them in this must-win situation. However, Oak Ridge didn’t simply fall over and give up, rather they played a very competitive game against the Rangers. Despite senior Pete Hamrick’s and junior Mark Ready’s RBI’s, the game remained tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, so it went to extra innings. Muller brought out some of his inner strength, going nine straight innings and throwing a whopping 134 pitches before JJ Montenegro was called to pitch in the 10th inning.
Finally, in the bottom of the 11th inning, the Rangers managed to get the bases loaded thanks to two-out singles from Matt Horvath ’16, Jared Kengott ’16, and Jake Ryan ’17. With the game on the line, J.T. Mix stepped up to the plate. Mix worked his at-bat to a full count, the pressure heightened as the game lay in his hands. Staying patient, Mix fouled off three straight strikes before the Oak Ridge pitcher finally threw a pitch inside that gave Mix the walk, and brought in the winning run. The team mobbed Mix for his “clutch” at-bat and prepared to play a winner-take-all game the next day.
On his pressured and tense at-bat, Mix noted that “It had been a long game and we had come close to ending it so many times. When I stepped into the box, I told myself I was going to do whatever it took to get the job done and get the series to game 3. Even if I failed, I had a lot of confidence in the team that’d we’d pull it out eventually, and that helped calm my nerves a little. It’s definitely something I’ll never forget.”
The Rangers returned to Dallas Baptist University for the final game of the series on Saturday, May 28, once again facing elimination in a must-win game. Despite pitching two innings the night before, Coach Brian Jones decided to start Montenegro as he had performed well. The coach’s instincts proved correct, as Montenegro didn’t allow a run in the 6 and 1/3 innings he pitched, striking out four batters.
Commenting on his big performance in Game 3, Montenegro said “It was one of the best feelings ever. Especially after my recent struggles.”
While he prevented Oak Ridge from getting on the scoreboard, the Rangers’ offense responded by cranking out three crucial runs that would give them a comfortable lead. In the 1st inning, catcher Bryce Bonner ’16 doubled to score Hamrick, and later in the 3rd Hamrick scored Muller for a second run. Finally to cap off a fantastic game, Jared Bond ’16 cranked a home run to right-center field in the 6th inning to give Jesuit a 3-0 lead.
With only three more outs to go before they could secure a win, Coach Jones brought Palisch in to close the game. Palisch was able to help the team get the last two outs to win the game. Everyone in the dugout ran onto the field after the final out, congratulating each other on a hard-fought series win.
As the team looks to the next round, Mix noted that team chemistry is paramount to winning the next series, saying “If we keep playing our style of baseball and backing each other up, we’re going to be a hard team to beat. It’s a different team, but this year we’ve really come together. We’re a family, and that’s what we have to our advantage.”
Be sure to come out and support the Jesuit baseball team as they take on Humble Atascocita at Concordia University this Friday, June 3rd at 7pm!
