Lobo comeback falls short
    by Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News ~~ April 26, 2005

The Monahans Lobo baseball team made a late charge in the game, but it was Fort Stockton that made clutch plays when it mattered most, outlasting the Loboes 7-4.

Trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, MHS lead off batter Tico Olivas lined single over second base.  The Panther right fielder misplayed the ball and Olivas plowed onto third base.  Fort Stockton then made a costly throwing error, paving a away for Olivas to score.

The Panthers had two errors and three down in the game, both coming on one play.

The Monahans side of the inning brought promise for the Loboes.  Trailing 5-1 in the game, MHS put two runners on base before FSHS coach Rojas called timeout to make a pitching change.  M.J. Salmon, in relief of Octavio Contreras, immediately gave up a hit to load the bases for the Loboes.

Olivas stood at the plate for Monahans and picked up an RBI scoring Miguel Gonzales on a sacrifice fly to right field.  Scotty Najar was hit by Salmon pitch to load the bases once again.

Facing two outs, Larry Jasso smashed a Salmon pitch deep to the fence picking up two run RBI standup double, scoring both Sean Merrick and T.J. Brooks.  The ball bounced over the wall keeping Najar from advancing to home, but the Loboes were back in the game, trailing 5-4.

The Panthers added a run in the sixth inning, and picked up a home run in the top half of the seventh inning leading 7-4.

Fort Stockton brought in Billy Bradshaw to close out the game on the mound.  The fiery Bradshaw gave up a lead walk and a single to Jasso before the Panther defense closed the door on the Loboes comeback.

Jasso went three for four at the plate, with two RBI's.

Monahans left seven runners on base, and Fort Stockton stranded eight in the game.

The loss mathematically eliminated the Loboes (10-11-1) from playoff contention.

Presidio will represent District 3-3A as the Champion, and Seminole is holding down second place.  Despite losing 12-10 to Pecos Saturday, Greenwood remains in the third and final playoff spot.  The Rangers still face Fort Stockton and Monahans.

The Loboes travel to Seminole Tuesday April 26, and come back home for the Season finale of Friday April 29 with Greenwood.

keyed by Bryan Smith