Westlake battered host Connally 12-6 Friday to claim a spot in the playoffs for a sixth straight year and the 22nd time in the past 23 seasons.

Now, the Chaps hope to claim a bigger prize.

Westlake (19-7-1 overall, 9-1 in District 25-5A) will clinch a fifth consecutive district title with one more conference win. The Chaps host Anderson today and face Austin High Friday at Burger Center.

While Westlake pitcher Chris Watkins fanned 13 batters and improved to 8-0 with his complete-game effort, an explosive third inning keyed the win against Connally. The Chaps scored eight runs on five hits in the frame, and they took full advantage of the Cougars’ problems in their battery. Connally hit three Chap batters and had a wild pitch and passed ball in the third. Jon Darilek and Andres Mitre each had an RBI single in the inning.

In the game, Connally tallied four hit Chaps, had three wild pitches and three passed balls.

Darilek went 2-for 3 with three RBIs and three runs scored. Miles Hanson added two hits and two runs scored.