Brenham vs. Magnolia

SCORE: 10-0

GAME SUMMARY

Well Dog fans, the truth of 4A Baseball is that out of the teams that make the post-season, only one will end their season with a win. Despite some excellent late season play, the Magnolia Bulldog's season ended Saturday night in Mumford, Tx's "Cotton Palace" at the hands of the Brenham Cubs. Kyle Black made a valiant playoff start, and gave the team great energy by striking out Drake Roberts to start the game. He retired the next two batters, and the Dogs were feeling good. But Brenham made sure that feeling didn't last long. The Dogs couldn't get anything going against their #3, Eric Stegent, as he faced just one over the minimum, giving up one hit to Senior Duncan Wendel. All but two of the balls hit were on the ground, with Greene hitting a deep fly to center, and Senior Zach Brooks hitting a scorching line drive that Stegent knocked down for a put out at first. On the contrary, Brenham scored 2 in the bottom of the 2nd and never looked back. No need to expound on that. NOT the best night for the Dogs, but clearly, it WAS the BEST season ever for Magnolia. It was a great ride through a tough pre-season schedule (thanks Dale!), 2nd in district 17-4A, and then undefeated in the playoffs until the Region III final against our district rival. If you're still not convinced, here's a couple of stats to ponder: Magnolia was 3-7 vs. 5A teams in the 5A UIL playoff bracket, and 2-3 vs. teams that reached the 5A Regional finals in that bracket. We had two of the top 5 batting averages in District 17-4A (Wendel and Tornberg), and the only non-Brenham name in the top 5 in district RBI (McGowan). We had two of the top 5 strikeout pitchers (Greene and Wendel) and 3 of the top 5 in wins for pitching (Greene, Wendel and Kirkland). We'll miss the seniors from this squad, but they've left a legacy to build on. For the returning players, there will be new challenges next year, but new talent as well. And last but not least, we thank Dale Westmoreland for building Magnolia into a baseball power in 4A.
Brenham 10 Magnolia 0

Magnolia vs. Brenham

SCORE: 3-2

GAME SUMMARY

When the season started, 244 teams in Texas began the long quest to make it to the State Playoffs in Austin. At the start of this weekend's play, your Magnolia Bulldogs were one of the last 8 teams remaining. We came into Game 2 needing to win to force a deciding game 3 against the Brenham Cubs. In Game 2, again we had players step up to do what had to be done to beat the green team from the north. Facing Kevin Kubeczka, the dogs were able to score 3 runs in the second inning. Greene first reached on an error by the 3rd baseman. Luna followed with a single down the 3rd base line to give Magnolia 1st and 2nd with one out. Then came the big blow of the game, a triple off the bat of Travis Lee, over the head of the center fielder to the wall in right center. Greene scored, and so did Luna. Brooks stepped to the plate and got two quick strikes on him before lifting a single to left center to score Lee with the third run. Little did we know that that would conclude the scoring for Magnolia, leading 3-0 at the end of 2. The Dogs were quiet from then on, with only Greene getting a double to start the 4th, but we couldn't move him from there. In a truly gutty performance on the mound, Wendel made those 3 runs hold up with a complete game, 132 pitch effort. Wendel and the Dogs made Brenham strand 6 runners in the first four innings. But in the 5th, with Wendel nearing the 100 pitch mark, he walked 3 and gave up an infield single, allowing Brenham to score 2. Dogs still led, 3-2 at the conclusion of the 5th. Wendel pitched a quick 1-2-3 6th, and got 2 quick outs in the 7th. Needing just one more out, Colten Walla laced a single up the middle to represent the tying run on first. Stegent followed with a walk featuring 2 pitches that should have rung up the third out on a K. But Wendel coaxed a grounder to Kirkland at first who flipped to Wendel for the final out of game 2. The Dogs won on true determination from all involved, 3-2. Dale Westmoreland said, "If you'd have asked me at the start of the season, I would have loved to accept a deciding game 3 versus Brenham to see who goes to Austin." OK, well, we didn't really ask him that, but we're sure that's what he would have said. Because, Dog fans, we're as close as we can get to Austin. Game 3 is Saturday night at 7:30 in Mumford.
Magnolia 3 Brenham 2

Brenham vs. Magnolia

SCORE: 10-2

GAME SUMMARY

For the first time since district play, the Magnolia Bulldogs failed to win a baseball game. Anticipation was high as Brenham and Magnolia made the trek to Mumford to play Game 1 of the Region III finals. Brenham kicked off the scoring by plating 1 run in the bottom of the first, after 2 outs had been made in the inning. They added two more runs in the bottom of the second, by stringing together 3 hits, to take the lead 3-0. But the Bulldogs showed life in the top of the 3rd. Kirkland led off with a double to right over the head of the right fielder. He then moved to 3rd on a botched fielder's choice when Brooks grounded to the pitcher. All were safe. Kirkland scored on McGowan's sac fly to center, and consecutive singles by Reed (scoring Brooks) and Wendel kept the threat alive. But it ended right there, with the score 3-2 for the men in green. Unfortunately, Brenham was able to capitalize on walks and hits in the 4th inning to put this game nearly out of reach. They scored 5 in the 4th, and added 2 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th to do us in on the night. Final score: Brenham 10 Magnolia 2. Greene was a horse again, throwing 104 pitches in a losing effort. The men in blue (maybe wearing green?) didn't particularly help as the strike zone varied most of the night. Stockert came in in the 5th, and pitched well, giving up only 1 hit, but a couple of errors allowed the runs to continue to mount. Glad we got this one out of the way - it's been a while since we played less than stellar defense. Notables from this game: Brooks and Tornberg led the offensive side with 2 hits a piece. Schlottman for Brenham wasn't fooling many as we got 8 hits, but rarely were we able to string them together to mount a charge. Defensively, the play of the game had to be Travis Lee's throw to the plate in the bottom of the third nailing a would be runner trying to score on a fly to center. It was a strike, and Brady made the tag easily to end the inning.
Brenham 10 Magnolia 2

Magnolia vs. Friendswood

SCORE: 7-1

GAME SUMMARY

It didn't take long in the 97 degree heat for Bulldog bats to come alive. As the visiting team, we were less than 10 pitches in and we had two hits from Wendel and Tornberg. After a fielders choice on a Kirkland grounder, that yielded Friendswood no out, the bases were loaded for Brady Reed. Brady stood his ground in the box and got hit with a pitch, and Magnolia was on the board with a lead they would never relinquish. The big blow came just two pitches later when Luna took a Friendswood fastball deep over the left center field wall, it was a 4 run "big fly" of the Grand Slam variety. The Dogs were off to a 5-0 lead, and never looked back. We added a sixth run in the 3rd inning on a single by Reed, a walk by Luna and then an RBI single to left by Travis Lee. The Dogs would complete their scoring in the top of the 7th, when Greene singled to right, Rowden (running for Greene) stole 2nd and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Reed. Seven hits in this one by the Dogs, but none bigger than the shot that sunk Friendswood's hopes by Luna. On the defensive side of the ledger, Kirkland pitched extremely well, and is coming into great shape for the playoff run. He allowed 1 run on 4 hits, and just 2 walks. He struck out 6 in 5 and 1/3rd innings, and only allow two runners to reach 3rd in the game. Wendel came in to close it out, getting strike outs for 3 of the 5 outs we needed. If you haven't been paying attention, the Dogs have an 8 game winning streak going, having not lost since District play. Going where no Magnolia high school baseball team has gone before - to the Regional finals. That will be our 5th round this year, with the winner getting a ticket to the 4A State Baseball SemiFinals in Austin. We're going deep, deep, deep, deep, deep in the playoffs! Go Bulldogs!

Magnolia vs. Friendswood

SCORE: 7-6

GAME SUMMARY

Baseball is won by the team with the highest score at the end of the game. Thursday night's first game of the Regional Semi-Final Playoffs saw Magnolia trailing for most of the 2 hours and 20 minutes that these 7 innings lasted. From the onset, Friendswood clearly remembered to bring their bats to this contest. They scored 3 runs in the top of the first on 4 hits including a 2 run homer. It could have been even more, but Wendel's relay throw to the plate nailed a greedy Friendswood batter trying to stretch a triple into a round tripper. Magnolia would come back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the first, with Green's RBI single through the left side of the infield scoring McGowan, and then Reed's two run double to the left field corner scoring Wendel and Rowden (running for Greene). Friendswood scored a run in the 2nd and 4th innings to take a 5-3 lead. Magnolia added a run in the bottom of the 4th on a hit by Reed, a couple of walks and a couple of errors on Friendswood. Magnolia wouldn't tie it up again until the 5th inning, when Kirkland got hit by a pitch, and Luna doubled him home. After a scoreless 6th, the score stood knotted at 5 all. The real fireworks started in the 7th. Friendswood struck first with two singles and a hit by pitch loading the bases. A full count walk brought in their 6th run, and gave them a 6-5 lead, with the bases still loaded, one out. Greene then used his 104th pitch of the night to coax a pop foul to third and get the 2nd out. The next three pitches were all for strikes, striking out their last batter and leaving 'em loaded. Magnolia's half of the 7th started with Tornberg safe at first on an error on their 2nd baseman. Greene got his second single of the night up the middle giving us 1st and 2nd, nobody out. After a fielder's choice on Kirkland's sac bunt attempt, Magnolia still had runners at 1st and 2nd with one out. Luna came to the plate and quickly had two strikes. But on the fourth pitch, he hit a beautiful soft liner to left center that scored the runner from second. The throw to the plate was late, but their catcher, thinking he could nail the advancing Luna, threw down to 2nd. Kirkland was able to stride home with the winning run! Magnolia wins game 1, 7-6. We were out hit 12-6, but not outplayed. Magnolia's 6 hits were provided by Reed, Greene and Luna, each with two a piece. One step closer to Austin.......

Magnolia vs. Mongomery

SCORE: 9-3

GAME SUMMARY

In the second game of the regional quarterfinals, Montgomery scored first with a run in the bottom of the 1st, on the only hit Magnolia starter Joe Kirkland would give up. Like a magician, Joe kept them off the board through 4 innings, despite giving up several walks. Kirkland picked a runner off second in the second, got a double play in the 4th, and struck out two at opportune moments. Meanwhile, Magnolia scored a tying run in the second on a lead off single by Tornberg. Colin moved to second on an wild throw by the 3rd baseman, and moved to third on a balk. Luna lifted a sac fly to center to bring him home. The score remained a tied 1-1 until the top of the 5th. Magnolia used singles by Luna, Kirkland and Wendel to score three runs, building a 4-1 lead. Tornberg took over mound duties, and retired Montgomery in the 5th preserving the lead. After a scoreless 6th for Magnolia, Montgomery scored 2 runs on a hit, a couple of walks and a hit batsmen. With two on and two out, Wendel relieved Tornberg and coaxed a grounder up the middle, but it wasn't until Conner Lee scampered to 2nd to beat the advancing runner that we were out of the inning with a 4-3 lead. Magnolia bats came alive in the 7th to overwhelm Montgomery. A lead off walk to Conner, and then singles by Wendel, Tornberg, and Greene brought in a 5 run windfall for Magnolia, and an unsurmountable 9-4 lead. Wendel struck out 2 in the 7th to close out any hopes of a Montgomery comeback, and the Magnolia Bulldogs had done it! They won the regional quarterfinal round for the first time in school history, and move on to play Friendswood in the Regional Semifinal series starting May 26th. Having won our 3rd straight series, we're going deep, deep, deep, deep in the playoffs this year. One step closer to Austin for these talented Dogs.

Magnolia vs. Mongomery

SCORE: 6-5

GAME SUMMARY

Magnolia's first at bat predicted a good outcome in the first of the Regional Quarterfinal games against Montgomery.  Noah McGowan took the second pitch he saw far beyond the outfield fence, and gave Magnolia a 1-0 lead.  Montgomery added a run in the top of the 2nd to tie the game at 1 a piece.  But Magnolia would add a run in both the 3rd and the 4th to take a 3-1 lead.  Luna doubled in Tornberg in the third producing the 2nd run.  Then, in the 4th Magnolia manufactured a run after lead off walks by Reed and Brooks.  McGowan put down a sacrifice bunt, and Reed scored on a groundout by Wendel.  Montgomery was not done however, scoring an unearned run in the top of the 5th, taking the score to 3-2. 
But Magnolia would answer again in the bottom of the 5th, when Luna walked, and Greene turned a 2-2 pitch into an RBI double.  A balk and a ground out by Kirkland scored Greene, giving Magnolia a 5-2 lead.
Greene had kept Montgomery off balance through 5, giving up 5 hits, but only allowing 1 earned run.  But starting off the Montgomery 6th, Caleb Williams took his first offering yard, bringing Montgomery within 2. 
Wendel then came in, but couldn't keep Montgomery from adding on two more runs, one of them earned.  The game was going to the bottom of the 6th knotted at 5.  McGowan led off the Magnolia half of the 6th with a walk.  Wendel traded places with him on a fielders choice.  But Ty Rowden, pinch running for the pitcher of record, stole second, moved to third on Travis Lee's groundout, and best of all, scored on a passed ball.  Wendel shut the door in the top of the 7th, and Magnolia had
manufactured this win, 6-5.   We were out hit 9-7, but not outplayed,
and that, Bulldog fans, made the difference in this one, Magnolia takes a 1-0 lead in the best of 3 quarterfinal series.

Magnolia vs. Nederaland

SCORE: 9-4

GAME SUMMARY

It was a beautiful day for a two game sweep of Nederland in the Region III Area Championship round of the playoffs. Magnolia brought their bats AND their gloves to beat Nederland 9-4 to advance. Joe Kirkland pitched all 7 innings in this one, scattering 7 hits, allowing 3 earned runs, and effectively kept Nederland from any hopes of playing a decisive third game in this series. The big story however continued to be the hitting from the Magnolia Bulldogs up and down the lineup. After Nederland scored their first run in the second inning, our Dogs were quick to come back with one in the bottom of the third. Back to back singles by Reed and Luna set the stage for a deep sacrifice fly to center by Zach Brooks. But the big blows came in the bottom of the fourth inning when Magnolia put a 5 spot on the board to take a 6-1 lead. With the bases full of our Dogs, Luna singled home a run, Brooks coaxed a walk for another RBI, McGowan lined a single to right center scoring two more, and Wendel hit a sac fly to center. But wait, there's more. In the bottom of the 5th, Magnolia added another run when Tornberg turned an inning opening single into a run when Kirkland grounded to short. We finished our scoring by adding two more runs in the sixth when Wendel doubled to deep left center and brought home Luna and Brooks. Luna went three for three on the afternoon; Wendel had 3 RBI, and Brooks and McGowan both had 2 RBI apiece. Magnolia advances to play Montgomery next week. What once was 32 teams in the 4A Region III Playoffs is now down to 8 teams. We are going DEEP DEEP DEEP in the 2011 playoffs.
Magnolia 9 Nederland 4

Magnolia vs. Nederaland

SCORE: 5-3

GAME SUMMARY

The playoff version of the cardiac kids made an appearance on this Friday night game at Kingwood High School, but the Magnolia Bulldogs pulled this one out late, winning 5-3 over the Nederland Bulldogs. Both teams scored a run in the first inning. Magnolia's earned when McGowan singled to lead off the game, and eventually scored on an error by the Nederland 3rd baseman. Nederland would score runs in the second and fourth innings as well to take a 3-1 lead. The score stood that way until the top of the 6th, when the Magnolia Bulldogs plated 3 runs on 2 hits, and were helped out with 2 walks and 2 hit batsmen. Luna singled to load the bases, and Hickman got a pinch hit RBI by getting hit to bring home the first run of the inning, Magnolia still trailing 3-2. Then McGowan hit a liner into the right center gap for a bases loaded double, scoring 2 more runs for Magnolia. Magnolia's Bulldogs tacked on an insurance run in the 7th on doubles by both Kirkland and Luna, bringing the final tally to 5-3. Greene started this one and used 99 pitches to cover 5 innings, giving up 3 runs. After a leadoff double in the first, he scattered 5 more hits over 5 innings to notch the win. Wendel relieved in the 6th, giving up no hits, and allowing no runs to finish off Nederland and pick up the save. Defensively there were some outstanding plays including two diving catches by Travis Lee in center. A nice play at the plate kept Nederland from adding to their totals, with Tornberg and Reed nailing a runner trying to score from 3rd. Greene picked off a runner at 2nd base, and Wendel and Tornberg nabbed a base runner trying to move to 3rd in the bottom of the 6th. As a result, Nederland could never mount a comeback, and game one of this Region Area playoff series was won by YOUR Magnolia Bulldogs. Game 2 (and 3 if necessary) will be played on 5/14 at Kingwood H.S. starting at 2:00.

Magnolia vs. Kingwood Park

SCORE: 11-1

GAME SUMMARY

In Game 2 of the first playoff series, Magnolia continued where they left off, using a 14 hit attack to finish off Kingwood Park 11-1 in just 5 innings. Offense was the key to this victory again, with Magnolia plating 5 runs in the first inning on 4 singles to lead 5-0. Magnolia would add a run in the second inning on 3 more hits, including a double by Travis Lee to the left field corner. The Dogs added another run in the 4th on a sac fly by Brady Reed. But the big blows came in the 5th inning. Kirkland led off with a towering shot over the left field fence. Then the Dogs pile on 4 more hits and 3 more runs to run rule the Panthers. Hitting stars in this one were Tornberg (3 for 3), Kirkland (2 for 3), Greene (2 for 2), T. Lee (2 for 3), Black (2 for 3) and McGowan (2 for 4). All this firepower overshadowed Kirkland's presence on the mound. Joe held the Panthers to one hit and one un-earned run on the night. Another step closer to Austin.......
Magnolia 11 Kingwood Park 1

Magnolia vs. Kingwood Park

SCORE: 15-4

GAME SUMMARY

In this first round playoff game, Magnolia dusted off the bats, and swung them well - piling up 17 hits to overwhelm the KWP Panthers 15 - 4. Noah McGowan was the freshman of the hour, heck, the player of the game, as he belted two big bombs over the left field fence on his way to a 7 RBI game. His first was a two run shot that put the Dogs up 4-2 in the second inning. His second bomb was of the Grand Salami variety, clearing loaded bases to cap off the scoring at 15 in the top of the 7th. But McGowan wasn't the only offensive star of the night. Brady Reed went 4 for 5, Garrett Luna was 3 for 5, Kirkland was 2 for 2 with 3 walks, and Travis Lee was 2 for 6. The Bulldogs were hitting up and down the lineup. Defensively, Greene settled down after giving up a couple of runs in the 1st to notch his first of many playoff victories to come in 2011. In addition to striking out 3, he had a nifty pick off at 2nd base in the first. Schuetz relieved in the 6th inning and handled the Panthers well, and then Stockert came in to close the door in the 7th with a 1-2-3 inning. The Dogs played error free ball on this night, a trend which will serve them well if they can keep it up. Game 2 of the series returns to Magnolia to accomplish the first step towards Austin for this team. Goin' deep in these playoffs we are......
Magnolia 14 Kingwood Park 4

Montgomery vs. Magnolia

SCORE: 6-5

GAME SUMMARY

Magnolia visted the Montgomery Bears for the last game of the regular season. While Montgomery was playing to assure a playoff spot, the Bulldogs were trying to get in shape for a deep playoff run. Montgomery struck first, scoring two runs off Wendel in the first. No worries, the Magnolia bats were in full working order. Luna walked in the second inning and came around to score after Conner Lee singled and Brooks rifled the first pitch he saw to left center. Then Magnolia broke out for 3 more runs in the third inning The inning started on consecutive singles by Wendel, Travis Lee and Greene to get the first run across the plate. Then a well placed sac bunt by Reed and a sacrifice fly from Luna scored the second run of the inning. Next up was Hickman whose double in the left center gap brought in the 3rd run of the inning, and gave Magnolia a 4-2 lead in the game. And quoting an infomercial, "just wait, there's more". In the fourth, a two out double by Travis Lee off the left center field wall (the best hit ball of the night) started another rally for the Dogs. Greene singled through the hole between short and third, and Brady Reed followed with a grounder up the middle, scoring run number 5. Dogs led 5-2 at this point. But the Bears would come back. They scored 3 runs off Greene (only 2 earned) and then scored a go ahead run in the bottom of the 6th off of Stockert to beat our Dogs 6-5. The game had its bright spots: Conner Lee went two for two, Travis Lee was 2 for 3, and Greene and Wendel were both 2 for 4 to lead the Magnolia offense. Next up: Our deep, deep playoff run. Bring it on!
Montgomery 6 Magnolia 5

Brenham vs. Magnolia

SCORE: 4-2

GAME SUMMARY

Senior Night has come and gone for another batch of talented seniors. These seniors had hoped to knock off Brenham once this year, but now they'll have to do it in the playoffs, as Brenham took this game 4-2. Jarred Greene pitched well, but Brenham got their hits in the right spots and led from the first inning. Joe Kirkland pulled the Dog's within one with a towering shot over the left center field wall in the bottom of the 2nd. At that point the score was 2-1 in favor of Brenham. Brenham tacked on runs in the 3rd and 4th to make it 4-1. In the bottom of the 4th, Wendel and Travis Lee opened the frame with singles. They were on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out, but the Dogs couldn't push a run across. In the 6th, the Dogs picked up a run on a balk by Brenham starter Ty Schlottmann making it 4-2. That left runners on 2nd and 3rd again, but once again a strike out ended the inning without further damage. Mitchell Stockert pitched a scoreless 6th and Schuetz a scoreless 7th, but we couldn't muster another threat, and lost 4-2. Defensively there were some gems in this one. In the 3rd, Brenham batter Jordan Cooper hit a double into the left field corner with Colten Walla on first. Wendel took the McGowan throw and fired a strike to Hickman who blocked the plate nicely, applying the tag to nail Walla at the plate. In the 4th Kirkland started a nifty 3-6 double play by stepping on first and throwing to a waiting Wendel who applied the tag on the runner at second. Both plays kept the Dog's in the game, and both showed that the Bulldogs have a talent for this game.
Brenham 4 Magnolia 2

Magnolia vs. Waller

SCORE: 2-1

GAME SUMMARY

On a windy day out west in Waller, Magnolia had an old fashioned pitcher's duel between Waller's Trent Rape and the Bulldog's Duncan Wendel. Magnolia had the better of the duel most of the game, scoring two early runs in the first and third innings on hits by Wendel and RBI hits by Tornberg and Travis Lee. Wendel held Waller scoreless thru 6 innings giving up just 1 hit thru 6. In the top of the 7th, things got interesting. The first batter was a strike out victim, and the second batter had a clean single to right. When the third batter walked, that set up men on first and second with one out. The next batter lined a pitch off Duncan's leg that ended up in shallow right field, scoring the lead runner, and shrinking the lead to 2-1. Joe Kirkland came in, and with four pitches, coaxed a ground ball to short. Wendel went to Black at 2nd for the second out, and Black tried to turn the double play. Interference on the runner approaching second awarded Magnolia the third out and shut down the threat, earning Kirkland a save, and the Magnolia Bulldogs the win, 2-1. In addition to solid pitching, good field work was on display again. Most notable was a caught foul ball near the opponent's dugout by Tornberg. He fearlessly approached the fence and snagged the out. Reed and Kirkland added hits to those mentioned above, with our Dog's outhitting their dogs 6-3 for this game.
Magnolia 2 Waller 1

Magnolia vs. Stratford

SCORE: 5-2

GAME SUMMARY

In the latest installment of the "cardiac kids", Magnolia prevailed thanks to a 9th inning 3 run home run by Jarred Green. The game started simply enough, with Magnolia taking the lead on single by Wendel and a double by Travis Lee. Wendel was dealing from the mound and kept Stratford off the scoreboard until they scratched out a tying run in the bottom of the 4th. Magnolia scored again in the sixth inning on a walk to Greene, a single by Reed and a double by Kirkland. In the seventh with Magnolia clinging to a 2-1 lead. Greene was closing the door in relief until the Spartans cobbled together a run on two singles and a sacrifice bunt. It took until the top of the 9th when Wendel and Lee again singled to allow Greene to come to the plate. With two outs he hit a shot over the left field fence, giving Magnolia the 5-2 lead. Greene continued on the mound in the bottom of the 9th and shut the door for good, allowing the men in maroon to leave with a 5-2 win. The Dogs got 11 hits in this one, with Reed, Tornberg, Lee and Wendel getting two apiece. Greene, Kirkland and Brooks provide the others.
Magnolia 5 Stratford 2

Magnolia vs. Magnolia West

SCORE: 7-3

GAME SUMMARY

In this district rematch, Joe Kirkland took the mound for his first district start of the season. Although Magnolia West jumped out to a lead on un-earned runs in the 2nd and 4th innings, the Dogs sent 12 men to the plate in the bottom half of the 4th, and came away with 6 runs. The big blow was Jarred Greene's 2nd 3 run home run in as many games. Travis Lee reached on an error, was moved to 2nd base on a single by Tornberg, and then Jarred took his full count pitch over the right field wall. But the dogs weren't done. Three straight walks to Luna, Kirkland and Brooks set the stage for a sac fly from McGowan, and a single from Wendel. The Dogs grabbed a 6-2 lead and never looked back. Joe pitched into the fifth inning before Jarred Greene came on in relief. Magnolia extended their lead to 7-2 on singles by Luna and Brooks, and a second sac fly from McGowan. In addition to Greene, an offensive gold star goes to Tornberg who had 3 hits in four trips to the plate. Defensively, several good leather stars were earned as well. Kyle Black was back at 2nd base, and snagged 3 line drives, McGowan gunned down a runner at the plate, and Wendel and Tornberg each made nice plays on the left side of the infield. Get out the broom, Magnolia swept the series from their crosstown rivals.
Magnolia 7 Magnolia West 3

Magnolia vs. Klein

SCORE: 15-6

GAME SUMMARY

On the first hot day of the season, Magnolia jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Klein.  That lead didn't last long, as fielding miscues led to 9 unearned runs in the 2nd inning, and Klein never looked back.  Magnolia kept scoring in the later innings, but could never mount the needed comeback against this familiar 5A opponent.  Kirkland started this game, getting the Bearkats 1-2-3 in the first.  He set up to do the same in the second, but the miscues derailed that effort.  Schuetz and Stockert both tried to hold Klein at bay, but were not able to keep them off the board. On the offensive side, Reed and Wendel both went 3 for 4, with Brady hitting a 3 RBI double in the first to get the scoring going.  McGowan, Schuetz, Brooks and Luna provided the other hits in a 10 hit attack. Without the unearned runs, we matched Klein at 6 runs.  But, unfortunately they do count, and the Dogs lost this one 15-6.

Magnolia vs. Spring Woods

SCORE: 13-2

GAME SUMMARY

Magnolia continued their district winning streak by beating Spring Woods
13-2 on a fine display of pitching and hitting.  Magnolia scored first and often, using a 14 hit attack.  Wendel and Greene both went 3 for 4 at the plate, and Tornberg and Lee both went 2 for 4.  Brooks added a double and three walks to score 3 runs, and McGowan hit an RBI triple to deep right field.  It was hitting up and down the line-up that gave Greene more than enough runs to pick up the win.  Jarred struck out 8 in this complete game victory, and the season series sweep over the Tigers.

Magnolia 13 Spring Woods 2

Magnolia vs. Northbrook

SCORE: 23-0

GAME SUMMARY

Continuing our new district winning streak, the Dogs brought out the lumber in a home game with plenty of offense. Almost every Magnolia batter either scored a run or was responsible for knocking in a run, which happened early and often. The Dogs piled up 15 hits from 16 different batters sent to the plate. Ty Rowden got his first single of his short season so far, and other singles were added by Williams, Stockert, Sisk, Brooks, Kirkland, Reed, Tornberg and Wernecke. Hickman, Luna and Wendel had 2 hits each. On the pitching front, Wendel, Stockert and Schuetz combined for the shutout, striking out 10, and only allowing 1 hit. Notably, they didn't walk any Raider batter either. This victory lifts the Bulldogs to 6-2 in district play, and finishes our series with Northbrook for 2011.

Magnolia 23 Northbrook 0

Brenham vs. Magnolia

SCORE: 7-1

GAME SUMMARY

On a cold night in Brenham, the Bulldogs had some difficulty scoring runs.  At the end of the first it was tied at 1, but Brenham would be the only team to score from that point.  In the first Wendel singled and was moved around by Lee and a single from Tornberg.  He eventually scored on a passed ball.  In later innings the Bulldogs had their chances, but couldn't get another run across.  Tornberg had two of Magnolia's 5 singles on the night, with Wendel, McGowan and Reed supplying the others.  On the mound Schuetz, Wendel and Stockert all had a go at shutting down the Cub attack.

Brenham 7 Magnolia 1

Magnoila vs. Montgomery

SCORE: 6-2

GAME SUMMARY

Magnolia brought their bats to this home game, pounding out 10 hits in this 6-2 win.  The Dogs fell behind early, but broke out for four runs in the bottom of the second, on singles by Tornberg, Greene, Reed, McGowan and Wendel.  The Dogs tacked on runs in the 4th and 5th to complete the scoring.  Several Dogs had multi - hit games, including McGowan, Wendel, Tornberg, and Luna.  Jarred Greene pitched a complete game in this one.  This game may have been the defensive best for the Dogs on the 2011 season.  Joe Kirkland started the leather flashing with a diving stop of a grounder to his right in the second.   The Dogs got double plays in the 4th and 5th.  Then it was Colin Tornberg's turn to get in on the action with two web gems in the 6th.  That set up a great throw from Travis Lee to nail a runner at home for the 3rd out of the inning.  All phases of the Dogs skills contributed to this victory.

Magnolia 6 Montgomery 2

Magnoila vs. Magnolia West

SCORE: 8-7

GAME SUMMARY

In perhaps the most satisfying win of the season to this point, the Bulldogs used a total team effort to come from a 6-0 deficit to beat the crosstown rival West Mustangs, 8-7. Jordan Schuetz started this game, and West scored their first 5 runs without getting any hits. Mitchell Stockert came in to relieve and gave up 1 more run on a couple of hits. After 3 innings the score stood at 6-0 in West's favor. The Bulldog bats came alive in the top of the 4th, scoring 4 runs on 4 singles with a couple of key walks thrown in. Singles by Tornberg, Luna, Travis Lee and Black got the Dogs on the board, to close the gap to 6-4 at that point. Duncan Wendel came in to pitch 3 and a third innings, giving up one run in the bottom of the 4th. He struck out 5 while keeping West off balance at the plate. That allowed the Bulldogs to score 4 more runs. Travis Lee was the star at the plate, going 3 for 4, but adding a critical 2 run triple to right center to provide the go ahead runs. Wendel kept them scoreless in the bottom of the 6th, and Jarred Greene came on to pitch a 3 pitch, three up three down 7th inning for the save. It may have looked bleak at one point, but everyone had a hand in helping the Bulldogs pull out the victory.

Magnoila vs. Spring Woods

SCORE: 9-2

GAME SUMMARY

Magnoila vs. Cy-Creek

SCORE: 10-9

GAME SUMMARY

Magnoila vs. Westside

SCORE: 1-5

GAME SUMMARY

Starting this one early on a Thursday morning in Brenham, Westside took the early lead by tacking runs on the board in 4 of the first 5 innings. The Dogs couldn't muster much against Westside pitcher Zairen. The only score for the maroon was in the fifth when the Dogs strung 3 singles together, initially Brooks, then Reed and finally Black with the RBI on his single to left. This inning was the only inning the Dogs sent more than four batters to the plate. Schuetz pitched well in this start. He went 5 innings, giving up 2 earned runs while striking out 4. Stockert pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh. One defensive gem that will stand out in the minds of those that that saw it was Travis Lee laying out in a dive to make a catch in left center. It would have made SportsCenter highlights, but it didn't change the outcome. Westside was the better team on this day. Magnolia 1 Westside 5

Magnolia vs. Klein Oak

SCORE: 4-3

GAME SUMMARY

Oak scored an unearned run in the first. Magnolia matched that with an RBI double from Luna scoring Tornberg in the bottom of the inning. Black kept Oak off balance and off the scoreboard until the 3rd when they edged in front 2-1. It stayed that way until the bottom of the 5th. Magnolia scored 1 to tie it up on back to back singles from McGowan and Black. When Oak went back on top in the top of the 6th, the Dogs quickly manufactured two of their own in the bottom of the frame with no hits, but they count anyway. Tornberg pitched around an error in the top of the 7th and shut the door. Tornberg earned his first save of the season, and the Dogs took down yet another 5A team. Black pitched 5 solid inning giving up 2 runs, and Stockert picked up the win by pitching the 6th, when Magnolia came up with the two important go ahead runs. Magnolia 4 Klein Oak 3

Magnolia vs. Cy Woods

SCORE: 8-9

GAME SUMMARY

Magnolia brought their bats to this game with Cy Woods at Blinn J.C. Singles by Tornberg and Greene scored two runs in the 1st inning. Sisk Doubled off the centerfield fence and McGowan followed with a double in the left field corner to help the Dogs tack on 3 more runs in the 2nd. All 5 of the first Magnolia runs were scored with 2 outs. But slowly Cy Woods climbed back in this one. Travis Lee had kept them to one run in the first three innings, but in the bottom of the 4th, they used 2 "big flys" to pin 7 runs on the Dogs, no matter who was on the hill for us. After Travis, Stockert and Blucher couldn't quite get the bleeding stopped either, and the score stood at 8-5 for the bad guys. In the 5th, Tornberg (3 for 3 on the day with a walk) doubled of the left field wall driving in McGowan again, and Cole Williams brought Tornberg in to score on a single up the middle. Magnolia had tightened the game to 8-7. In the bottom of the 5th, Cy Woods added another run, but the Dogs weren't done. Reed doubled to left followed by a single by Sisk. Back to back walks to Black and Tornberg pulled the Dogs back within one. With the bases loaded, Luna hit a towering shot to left. It was caught, and the Dogs ended this one, one run short. Magnolia 8 Cy Woods 9

Klien vs. Magnolia 3/5/11

SCORE: 6-5

GAME SUMMARY

Behind the stellar pitching of Travis Lee, the Dogs took down another 5A opponent. The Dogs never trailed in this one, jumping out to a 3 run 3rd inning started by a Black walk, and a Hickman single to right. McGowan followed with an RBI double to start the scoring, and Wendel added an RBI single. Later the Dogs tacked on another run on an RBI single by Luna to lead 4-2. In the 6th, Preston Leonard smacked a single to right and scored after more singles by McGowan and Wendel to push the lead to 6-2. Defensive gems by Tornberg and some excellent dig work by Kirkland at first kept it at 6-2 until the bottom of the 7th, when Klein Forest finally showed life. After pulling to 6-5 on a big fly, Mitchell Stockert slammed the door with a 4 pitch save. On the day, Lee pitched 6 and 2/3rds and struck-out 8 to pick up the win. Magnolia 6 Klein Forest 5

Klien vs. Magnolia 3/4/11

SCORE: 8-0

GAME SUMMARY

The Bulldogs couldn't muster much of a challenge to the Klein Bearkats on their home field. Offensively, the Dogs only barked out 6 hits, all singles against Klein's Rutter, a Rice signee. Of those six, five of them came from the first three hitters in the day's lineup - McGowan (1), Wendel (2) and Tornberg (2). Garrett Luna provided the other single. We loaded the bases in the 1st, but never batted more than 4 in an inning the rest of the way. Greene and Luna split the pitching duties. Klein hit a pair of two run homers that provided them more than enough scoring on this day. This was the first ( and hopefully last!) shutout hung on the Bulldogs this season. Klein 8 Magnolia 0

Brazoswood vs. Magnolia 3/4/11

SCORE: 6-5

GAME SUMMARY

In the most exciting game of the Klein tournaments first two days, Brazoswood and Magnolia traded blows for 7 innings. Magnolia put up five runs in the first two innings. In the first, McGowan led off with a single, and moved to third on Wendel's double to left center. Tornberg knocked an RBI single to right, followed by an RBI out from Travis Lee, and the Dogs led 2-1. The Bucks put up a 3 spot in the 2nd to take a 4-2 lead, but it was temporary. Dog bats were alive in the second as well, with Brooks opening the inning with a single up the middle. Hickman, and McGowan both followed with singles to load the bases for Duncan Wendel. Wendel answered the call with his second double of the game, this one scoring 2. McGowan would score an out later on a wild pitch to allow Magnolia to retake the lead, 5-4. After Brazoswood tied the score in the top of the 3rd, the game was scoreless until the top of the 6th. After an opening single, Brazoswood used two bunts, one a sacrifice, one a squeeze, to take the lead for good. Black pitched the first 3 innings, and then Colin Tornberg came in to pitch the final 4, giving up just the one run on only 2 hits. Brazoswood 6 Magnolia 5

Magnolia vs. Atascosita 3/3/11

SCORE: 6-3

GAME SUMMARY

Duncan Wendel kept Atascosita off the scoreboard until the bottom of the 3rd inning when they scored using their first two hits of the game. At that point, Magnolia had already tallied 4 hits, but didn't have anything on the scoreboard to show for it. Finally the Dogs broke through in the top of the 4th when Colin Tornberg singled and Jarred Green reached on an error. Then Zach Brooks continued his hot batting with a run scoring double down the left field line. An out later, Kyle Black delivered a run scoring single up the middle, and Duncan's two-out single tacked on a 3rd run for the inning to tie the score at 3. The score remained tied against the #4 team in 5A (according to H5AB.com), until the bottom of the sixth. Atascosita strung together a couple of hits, and in short order, they were back in front 6-3 for good. The Dogs outhit Atascosita 10-6, and left 5 men on base. Wendel had 3 hits, with Tornberg and Black adding 2 a piece. Colin added a great defensive play on a short hop grounder to close out the 5th inning. You left feeling that this was one the Dogs could have won. Atascosita 6 Magnolia 3

Magnolia vs. Klein Collins 3/3/11

SCORE: 12-3

GAME SUMMARY

The Dogs loaded the bases in the first inning against Klein Collins with nobody out, but failed to score. Unfortunately the Magnolia squad didn't score until Casey Sisk's towering home run in the 6th inning over the left field wall, and on an RBI single by Travis Lee later that inning. That was little assistance to Joe Kirkland who started this game against the #3 team in 5A (H5AB.com). Joe struck out a pair, but Collins had some timely hitting, and displayed some power in their small home park. The Dogs turned in some fine defensive work, including a very tidy double play started by a smart choice by Jarred Greene. On a grounder hit to his right, Jarred chose to go to second, and Duncan Wendel fired back to Joe Kirkland covering first for the inning ending DP in the second inning. Offensively the Dogs had 9 hits but left 11 men on in this one, 8 of them in scoring position. The 9 hole was particularly productive with a Kirkland single, a Cole Williams double over the left fielder's head and a Mitchell Stockert single. Wendel had two hits, and Colin Tornberg had a double to right center. Klein Collins was the better team on this night. Klein Collins 12 Magnolia 2

CenTex Hardball Tournament, Round Rock 2/26/11

SCORE: 12-7

GAME SUMMARY

Game: Westwood: Hard throwing Jordan Schuetz started the game for the Bulldogs, but with the umpire not giving Jordan many calls, Mitchell Stockert came in to clamp down on Westwood with a bases loaded strike out to end the first. At that point Magnolia trailed 3-1. Magnolia's defense came to life in this game. Duncan Wendel finished a nifty pickoff of a runner trying to steal home, and the Dog's turned a 6-4-3 double play in the 3rd to keep Westwood scorless. In the top of the 4th, Noah McGowan doubled home two runs, and we added another on a sacrifice fly to take a 4-3 lead. Westwood added 3 more of their own to take a 6-3 lead. Magnolia added 2 more home runs from Noah McGowan and Garrett Luna to finally take the lead for good in the 6th. Then Magnolia added 5 more for good measure in the 7th on doubles by Noah and Jarred, with singles by Brady, Zach, Duncan and Colin. In the end Magnolia stood on top 12-7. Noah went 4 for 4 with a walk, and Mitchell struck out 5 while giving up only 1 earned run. The Dogs left Round Rock compiling a 4-1-1 record!

CenTex Hardball Tournament, Round Rock 2/26/11

SCORE: 9-9

GAME SUMMARY

Game: O'Connor: Connor Lee was dealing from the mound, and had held O'Connor to one hit and one run through 2 innings. The Bulldog bats woke up in the top of the 3rd. Singles by Duncan Wendel and Travis Lee, and an RBI double from Colin Tornberg gave the Bulldogs a temporary 3-1 lead. But O'Connor built their lead to 6-3. Magnolia added 3 more runs on Home Run blasts by Garrett Luna and Travis Lee to tie the game. But O'Connor added 3 more of their own in the bottom of the 5th, leading 9-6. Colin Tornberg came in to put out the fire, and held O'Connor scoreless from that point. That allow the "comeback kids" (or is that "cardiac kids"?) to add a run in the 6th on Zach Brook's home run swat. It took 2 more runs in the 7th from singles by Luna, T.Lee and Jarred Greene to earn Magnolia a hard fought tie. Final Score: 9-9.

CenTex Hardball Tournament, Round Rock 2/25/11

SCORE: 9-2

GAME SUMMARY

Game 4 Summary: vs. Pfluegerville Travis Lee pitched a whale of a game holding Pfluegerville to 2 runs on  5 hits, for a complete game win, 9-2. Using 7 strikeouts, and some good  pitch selections, the Panthers never got much going. The one threat  they had in the 2nd inning was snuffed out by a nifty 1-2-3 double play  from Travis to Brady to Greene. The Bulldogs on the otherhand piled on  a 4 run 3rd inning to take the lead for good. Duncan and Garrett Luna  converted opening walks into runs, and an RBI single by Zach Brooks, and  an RBI double to left center for Kirkland tacked on runs 3 and 4. Just  to make sure, the Dogs added another 4 runs in the 6th, in part with  Travis Lee helping his own cause with an RBI single to right, and Brady  Reed beating out a potential double play ball to allow another run to  score. Travis made quick work of the bottom of the 6th to let Magnolia  take down another 5A team.

CenTex Hardball Tournament, Round Rock 2/25/11

SCORE:  6-5

GAME SUMMARY

Game 3 Summary: Vs. Lubbock Coronado In this year's first installment of the "comeback kids", Magnolia  quickly fell behind the big hitting Coronado boys. By the third inning  we'd fallen behind by a count of 4-1, with only 2 hits for the good  guys. Jared Greene kept them off the board in the 4th and 5th innings,  allowing our bats to come alive scoring 2 runs in the 5th on 3  consecutive hits by Magnolia. Casey Sisk got us started with a single  to right. Noah McGowan followed with a double to left center, and  Duncan Wendel singled to left. When Garrett Luna lifted a sac fly to  center, the Bulldogs had pulled within 1 at 4-3. We gave them a run  back in the top of the 6th. Jared went 96 pitches before giving the  ball to Kyle Black. In the bottom of the 6th we picked up 2 runs to tie  the game at 5 apiece - again using 3 consecutive hits: singles by Colin  Tornberg and Travis Lee, and a 2 run double by Zach Brooks. Kyle Black  kept 'em off the board in the top of the 7th setting the scene for the  win. Noah opened with a walk, Duncan sac bunted him to 2nd, and Kyle  Black got the game winning single over the head of the shortstop.  Magnolia wins 6-5.

CenTex Hardball Tournament, Round Rock 2/24/11

SCORE:  15-4

GAME SUMMARY

Game 2: Magnolia vs. Highland Park, @ Lake Travis High School
After safely escaping a first inning jam, the Bulldogs were struck hard early.by accidental injury.  First, Kyle Thornell broke his collarbone on his second swing at the plate.  Then in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Brady Reed took a fastball to his batting helmet.  Both were out for the duration of the game.  The Bulldogs scored first, in the bottom of the 2nd inning to take an early 1-0 lead.  But Highland Park brought their bats to the 3rd and 4th innings, scoring the next 7 runs.  Not dead yet, the Bulldogs put up 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th, with Jared Greene doubling home Travis Lee, and Colin Tornberg singling home a second run.  But it wouldn't get any closer from there, with Magnolia losing 8 - 3.  Jared Green led the offense with a single and a double and two runs scored.  Noah McGowan starting just his second varsity game began Magnolia's scoring with a sac fly to right