By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

Westlake continues its playoff march with a one-game Class 5A Region IV semifinal contest against Laredo United Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

United (27-5), ranked No.  7 in the latest Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association poll, defeated Eagle Pass 5-4 in dramatic fashion in the regional quarterfinals. Trailing 4-3 with two outs in the seventh inning, staff ace Luis Pollorena stole home to tie the game and force a rematch with Westlake.

Last year, United rallied in the seventh inning during a 7-6 win over the Chaps in the regional semifinals.

Westlake will likely face Pollorena, a lefty who allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out 14 in the complete-game win over Eagle Pass. In last season’s game between the teams, Pollorena  gave up just one hit and struck out six in three innings of relief work while picking up the win.