For the first time since 2010, the Tyler Legacy High School baseball team has advanced to the regional round of the UIL Baseball State Tournament. The Red Raiders are scheduled to play Tomball on Wednesday and Thursday at 5:00 p.m., as well as Saturday at noon (if necessary) for the 6A DII Regional Semifinal at Lufkin High School. With a series victory, the Red Raiders would advance to the fourth round, also the first time since 2010.
This season has tested our team in every way, presenting adversity and challenges from the very beginning,” said Tyler Legacy Baseball Head Coach VJ Bunner. “Early in the year, we were playing competitive baseball but struggled to close out games. Recognizing the need for improvement, we focused on preparation and mindset, two areas that proved instrumental in our strong finish to the regular season."
"Our schedule was among the toughest in the state, by design. Competing in one of the most competitive districts in Texas, we faced several well-coached, high-caliber teams each week. Our goal was clear, and that was to ensure we were prepared to go toe-to-toe with the best programs across the state.”
Over the weekend in the Area round, Tyler Legacy took care of Copperas Cove, winning in just two games in the best-of-three series. On Thursday, the Red Raiders took game one by a convincing score of 17-1, behind two home runs and seven RBI by senior Noah Felton, and sophomore Calvin Rippy tossing six innings, allowing just one earned run in the victory. They scored eight runs in the sixth inning and seven in the seventh inning. On Saturday, Tyler Legacy earned the sweep, winning 4-1. Junior Cale Zips pitched exceptionally well, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just one hit and one unearned run, while striking out seven batters.
In the Bi-District round, Tyler Legacy defeated Rowlett two games to one. In game one, senior Nolan Hable produced a big strikeout to keep the game tied with the bases loaded in the seventh inning and followed that up with the walk-off knock to give his team a 3-2 win. After a 2-0 loss in game two, the Red Raiders responded with a 16-3 drubbing of the Eagles in game three. Sophomore Jaden Davis drove in five runs, senior Simeon Garner four, and sophomore Owen Harrison three, while Hable struck out 11 batters in the victory.
“Senior leadership has been a cornerstone of our success, especially with younger players
stepping up to fill key roles,” said Bunner. This group has shown relentless determination. Day in and day out, they’ve committed themselves to getting better and forming a gritty, unified team that takes pride in its identity. From top to bottom, our program operates with a shared mindset: the standard is the standard, regardless of the opponent.”
Tyler Legacy has also now won eight of their last nine games overall heading into the series against Tomball. You can purchase tickets to the games on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (if necessary) at Lufkin on GoFan. You can also purchase tickets at the gate via credit card or Cash App.
For more information, contact Reese Lannon at Reese.Lannon@TylerISD.org