Gonzales Dominates as Centex Junior Little League Advances to Texas State Little League Championship

GRAFORD, Tx. – In a thrilling matchup between the Centex All-Stars and Mineral Wells, pitcher Frankie Gonzales delivered a masterful performance, leading Centex D-9 to a resounding 6-0 victory and securing their spot in the Texas State Championship. Gonzales pitched a complete game gem, showcasing his exceptional skills on the mound and propelling his team to the next level.

From the first pitch, Gonzales demonstrated his dominance, striking out a batter in the top of the first inning and setting the tone for the game. In the bottom of the first, Centex wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Tywon Walker led off with a base hit to shortstop, followed by an impressive steal of second base. Walker’s aggressive base running paid off as Ryder Castro drove him home with a single, giving Centex an early 1-0 lead.

Gonzales helped his own cause by grounding into a fielder’s choice, earning a spot on first base while Castro was forced out at second. Ty Dawson then stepped up with a line drive single, advancing Gonzales to third. A wild pitch allowed Gonzales to cross the plate while Dawson moved to second. Tre Costillo continued the offensive onslaught with a single to right field, scoring Dawson and extending Centex’s lead to 3-0 after the first inning.

Despite leaving Hunter Mariante stranded on first base in the first inning, Centex maintained their momentum heading into the second inning. Mineral Wells managed to load the bases in the top of the second but failed to capitalize on the opportunity, leaving them empty-handed and unable to chip away at Centex’s lead. The bottom of the second saw Cam Eveleigh, Cooper Camp, and Ross Garcia reach base for Centex, but they too were left stranded, with the score remaining 3-0.

Gonzales continued to dominate in the top of the third inning, striking out Goen and leaving Mineral Wells base runner Hollifield stranded on second. In the bottom of the third, Gavin Brummett drew a walk but was thrown out on a fielder’s choice single hit by Ryder Castro. Gonzales and Castro were left on base as the inning concluded, with Centex’s lead intact.

As the game progressed, Gonzales refused to yield any runs to Mineral Wells. He showcased his pitching prowess in the top of the fifth inning, striking out two batters and leaving a baserunner stranded at first, effectively preserving his shutout. The bottom of the sixth inning brought more success for Centex as Ty Dawson and Hunter Mariante reached base, followed by a walk issued to Calib Hill. With two outs, Dawson took advantage of a passed ball, scoring a crucial run and advancing the other runners. Cam Eveleigh then delivered a clutch single, driving in Mariante and Hill, further widening Centex’s lead to 6-0.

The drama continued in the bottom of the sixth as Ross Garcia was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. However, despite the favorable situation, Centex couldn’t capitalize, with Sean Benavides hitting a hard ball to the shortstop, resulting in a forceout at second base.

In the top of the seventh, Mineral Wells struggled to find answers against Gonzales, failing to mount a comeback. With his dominant performance, Gonzales solidified Centex All-Stars victory and propelled them to the Texas State Championship.

Gonzales’s complete game performance was nothing short of spectacular. He threw 86 pitches, allowing only five hits, no runs, and recording an impressive six strikeouts. His exceptional control and ability to stifle the Mineral Wells lineup played a crucial role in Centex’s triumph.

With their eyes set on the Texas State Championship, Centex Little League Juniors head into the tournament with confidence, fueled by the remarkable performance of Frankie Gonzales. Their path to the title won’t be easy, but with Gonzales leading the way, Centex D-9 has positioned themselves as a formidable force and a team to be reckoned with.

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