HS Baseball: Rattlers erupt at Connally

PFLUGERVILLE — The San Marcos Rattlers got off to a resounding start on the first day of the Pflugerville-Connally Tournament, combining for 32 runs in a pair of run-rule wins.

San Marcos opened the tournament with a 15-2 win over Harker Heights in five innings, then turned around and belted Connally, 17-2 in four innings.
San Marcos combined for 31 hits, while allowing only seven in the two games, including a 1-hit performance from junior right-hander Chance Laidley against Connally.

Junior Tucker Smith led the Snakes in the opener, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while junior Elijah Perez was 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBIs. The Rattlers posted 14 hits, including four doubles in the win.

Senior Noel Zapata led the way for the Rattlers against Connally, hitting 3-for-3 with three RBIs, senior D.A. Tobias was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, and senior Cruz Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Freshman David Hamilton, who was knocked out of the Rattlers’ Monday night win against San Antonio- Burbank when he was hit in the mouth fielding a grounder, came through with a two-run triple in the win against Connally.

Sophomore righty Derek Gonzales picked up the win on the mound against Harker Heights, allowing four hits and one earned run with two walks and a strikeout. Sophomore right-hander Daniel threw 1 1/3 innings in relief, giving up two runs on two hits.

Laidley picked up the win against Connally, striking out three and walking two in his four-inning, one-hit performance.

San Marcos resumed tournament play today with an 11:15 p.m. game against Copperas Cove.