Badger baseball displays high-octane offense as AC world series concludes

Cheers roared across the field and in the Big Blue Texans dugout as second baseman Colin Christensen hauled in a pop fly to conclude the Amarillo College Black & Blue World Series on Oct. 25 at Sandie Field.

The winning squad stormed the infield in jubilation following their 17-10 Game 4 victory against the Black 66's, securing a 3-1 series win.

"It was a great series. It was really fun to finish up the year competing with all the guys, seeing new talent, and taking the dub," Texans team captain Gabe Watson said. "The team had a great performance all around and guys stepped up when they needed to.

"An added bonus was we won snapback hats. Also, Jan, Grant, and I were on the winning team in the world series back-to-back years."

Big Blue headed into the bottom of the third inning facing a 7-4 deficit following a four-run third by the 66's.

The Texans plated nine runs in the bottom of frame via five walks and four hits.

Jacob Sullens, a redshirt freshman transfer from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, recorded an RBI double to start the scoring in the third. Ryan Branch ensued with an RBI single and after two walks, and Christensen doubled to left field, driving in two runs.

Bret Deegan brought home Christensen on a single. Jan Avila added an RBI on an error via a double play attempt.

The third-inning offensive onslaught gave the Texans the advantage the rest of the way.

"It was an exciting series and fun to see the guys go out there at compete at a high level. Our offense and defense showed this fall that we should be significantly improved from a season ago with continued hard work," Amarillo College head coach Brandon Rains said.

Wednesday's offensive showcase featured 23 hits and five home runs between the teams.

Watson hit his third home run of the series via a solo blast in the sixth. Watkins, a returning sophomore first baseman, added his second homer of the series.

For the Black 66's, returning sophomore outfielder J.P. Hinojosa had a solo homer in the top of the second inning. Freshmen Nate Barry and David De Hoyos each hit two-run home runs.

Freshman second baseman Peyton Bush led the 66's with a team-best three hits.

The Amarillo College Black & Blue World Series concluded fall ball for the Badgers. AC baseball began their next phase of training on Monday, Oct. 23.

The Badgers will complete their lifting and conditioning program over the next seven weeks before spring training begins in January.