By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

Westlake first baseman Joseph Trahan earned a spot on the Class 5A all-state tournament baseball team after going 2-for-3 with an RBI in the Chaps’ state-semifinal loss to champion El Paso Socorro.

Socorro center fielder Cory Falvey received the MVP award from the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association. The senior had three home runs and nine RBIs in two games as the Bulldogs won their first state championship.

Bulldogs bite into record book

Falvey’s performance helped Socorro’s powerful offense etch its name in the record books. His three home runs in a state tournament set a new record for any classification. In addition, catcher JessiRay Navarrette matched the Class 5A two-game tournament record with six hits in eight at-bats. The record is now shared by four players

Westlake’s David Gruber is tied for the Class 4A record for hits in a series with six hits in seven at-bats in 1984.

State unkind to Chap pitching

Westlake’s struggles on the mound at the state tournament continued Friday. In their past four state tournament games, the Chaps have allowed an average of 10.5 runs in four consecutive state semifinal losses. In addition to Friday’s 11-3 loss, those setbacks include: 14-9, Houston Bellaire, 1999; 10-1, Klein, 1998; and 7-6, Deer Park, 1990.

 

News and notes

Socorro ended the season with 74 home runs. … Prior to four errors against Socorro, the Chaps had committed just two errors in its previous 41 innings. … Aside from a pair of nondistrict setbacks while fielding a reserve-heavy lineup, the Chaps hadn’t allowed 10 runs since an 11-1 loss to Waco Midway March 14.