Yoemen Bi-District match up moved to The Yards

The Yoemen will continue their season tonight with Game 1 of a Bi-District series tonight at 7:30 p.m. The game was moved to Cameron at The Yards due to the threat of bad weather tonight.

They will play a double-header on Saturday on Waco ISD Field #1. Game one is at 3 p.m. followed by a second game if needed at 5 p.m.

Groesbeck is the second place team in their district. Cameron ended the season in third place.

“We feel good going into this game,” Yoe Coach Hector Delgadillo said. “I think our boys are excited and entering the playoffs brings a new sense of energy to practice. The boys seemed locked in and know what the task we have in front of us.”

Delgadillo said on Tuesday that he was hoping for a good week of practice so the team could build off of that going into Thursday. 

“This is an exciting time of the year for baseball as you get to play someone else for a change,” he said. “Like I’ve told the team, everyone starts back at a 0-0 record so anything can happen in the playoffs. 

Delgadillo gave credit to pitching and defense for the Yoemen playing well.

“When we are playing well it’s because of our pitching and defense,” he said.  “And although offensively we’ve struggled at times, our defense and pitching is what has kept us in the ball game. If we can get our sticks to come around and execute or get those timely hits then that would be great. It will give us a good chance this week especially in a best of three series.” 

He said Groesbeck is playing some good baseball and has been all year so the Yoemen will have to have to limit the big innings especially if they are struggling offensively. 

“If we can pound the strike zone and play defense, that in turn will keep the game close which then will give us our best chance,” he said. “On the offensive side we will have to find ways to get on base, execute and scratch for some runs. Like I’ve told these boys all year, we play to win, not to lose!”

Delgadillo said this year has been exciting especially since the team fought their way into the playoffs. 

“I say that because every district game we played felt like it was a playoff game,” he said.  “We had some close games and had to come from behind to win games. We’ve played a tough non-district schedule to prepare us knowing that our district would be tough race for the top four teams. I’m hoping that experience will pay dividends in the playoffs.”

He gives credit for the team’s success to this year’s seniors.

“Everyone has contributed to the success of this team but none bigger than our senior SS/P and lead off hitter Jason Llanas,” he said. “He lead our team in batting average and strikeouts on the mound. He’s been the heart and soul of this team. Another Senior, Anthony Layne, has also played an important role for us on the mound this year as our number two pitcher. He’s almost had to have our backs by starting Friday’s game especially if we lost our Tuesday game. He’s come through in some big situations. And if they were both off that night or struggling at the plate then we had Senior Alex Alonso step up at the plate or on the mound. He’s been our go to guy this year in some critical games.”