By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

Pitching has buoyed Westlake’s lengthy stay atop the District 25-5A standings, but a remarkable showing at the plate carried the Chaps into the postseason.

Powered by a pair of home runs from Michael Todd, the Chaps pounded Pflugerville Connally and ace pitcher Ryan Sasaki 8-2 Saturday afternoon at Woerner Field. The result clinched a playoff spot for first-place Westlake (16-10 overall, 10-1 in District 25-5A) and knocked the Cougars (17-9, 6-5) into a tie with Austin High for the district’s fourth and final playoff spot.

Todd, whose four home runs leads Westlake, had plenty of company in his power play against Sasaki. Chandler Geller added a home run, and Adam Seitzman and Michael Perkins each had a double. Overall, five of Westlake’s nine hits accounted for extra bases.

Todd started the scoring with a two-out solo shot in the second inning, and his two-run shot in the fourth frame gave the Chaps a 5-0 lead.

That support gave more than enough cushion to Chap starter Holt McNair, who rebounded from his first district loss a week ago by scattering seven hits and allowing two runs in a complete-game win.  

Todd, a senior outfielder, ended the game with three RBIs and two runs scored on 2-for-2 hitting. Geller added two runs ad two RBIs while going 2-for-4.