Pearland takes out Beaumont West Brook to advance

May 12, 2010

PEARLAND — If the Pearland Oilers look to the first round as an omen to last year's state tournament run, then head coach Ben Pardo will be more than happy to enjoy the ride again.

Last year, the Oilers routed Baytown Sterling 10-0 in the first game of their best-of-three series, lost the second game 16-14 on a walkoff home run, and then blasted the Rangers 21-3 to take the series.

This year, it was a different team, but same scenario. Pearland beat Beaumont West Brook 9-3 in the first game, lost the second game 6-5 on a walkoff two-run homer, and then blasted West Brook 14-1 in the third game to take the series.

"I'll gladly take this first series as an indication of a repeat run from last year," Pardo said with a sly grin. "The kids really came through to put West Brook away and now we have to focus on getting past Fort Bend Kempner."

Pearland and West Brook met at Clear Lake High School in the third game of the series and there wasn't any question as to the outcome as the Oilers, after giving up a run in the top of the first inning, exploded for eight runs in the bottom half of the first for a commanding 8-1 lead.

The top four hitters for the Oilers were 6-for-11 with seven runs scored and 11 RBIs.

Jake Paddock led the way going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and five RBIs including a three-run double and a pair of RBI singles.

The Oilers added five more runs in the bottom of the second for a 13-1 lead and the rout was on.

There were eight batters who stepped up to the plate in the second frame as Matt Rhodes delivered one of the big hits in the inning with a two-run triple that scored Matt Matthews and Keith Freund who had both walked. Paddock stroked a single to plate Rhodes. Drew DeKerlegand stepped up and launched a 370-foot home run over the left centerfield fence to complete the five run second inning.

Meanwhile, Pearland righthander Brock Hartson was relaxed on the mound and was in total control of his pitches as he got the win while allowing only two its while striking out two. Freshman Blake Goins stepped in relief of Hartson in the top of the fifth to get one strikeout as the Oilers ended the game with the mercy-rule 14-1.

Pearland (27-7) will now face Fort Bend Kempner (20-12) in a best-of-three series. The Oilers will face the Cougars on Thursday, May 13 at Kempner at 7:00 p.m. The second game will be at Pearland on Friday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. The third game (if needed) will be on Saturday, May 15 at Manvel HS at 5:00 p.m.

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