T-Bird (BB) Wins 3 Straight

The Thunderbirds downed San Jacinto College-North 11-2 in run-rule fashion to end the Tournament of Champions in Houston, Texas at 3-0. 

San Jacinto was the first to score Saturday afternoon putting up two runs in the bottom of the first.

Jesus Mejias cut the Ravens lead in half with an RBI double in the fourth. In the fifth, Lane Arroyos drove in a run on a double into right. Julius Ramirez singled into right on the next at bat to put NMJC ahead 3-2. NMJC added one more run in the fifth scoring on a wild pitch to make the score 4-2 T-Birds. 

The Thunderbirds scored in the sixth off an Arroyos single that drove in two runs. They added another run in the inning on a wild pitch to pull in front 7-2 after six. 

In the seventh, the T-Birds loaded the bases as the Ravens walked in a T-Bird runner on four pitches. A passed ball scored another run, then a wild pitch added the third run of the inning. Finally, an RBI single by Julius Ramirez brought the score to 11-2 NMJC.      

Brayan Orrantia struck out seven batters, nearly pitching a complete game going 6 2/3 innings allowing six hits and one earned run. Luis Urias came in relief for the final third of the inning and ended San Jac's hopes with a groundout to short for the final out.

First baseman Lane Arroyos batted 2-for-3 with four RBIs, two runs scored, and a double. DH Julius Ramirez was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. 

Third baseman Jesus Mejias was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Shortstop Talan Barraza finished with a double and a run scored.

The Thunderbirds ended the afternoon with seven hits and three errors. The T-Birds move to 7-3 on the season. NMJC plays a tournament against Weatherford College and Dodge City CC Feb. 14-15 with the first game against Dodge Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. MST.