WESLACO, Texas — In a nail-biting conclusion to a grueling 11-inning showdown, La Joya High School emerged victorious over Weslaco High School, clinching a 6-5 win in Game 3 of their Region IV-6A quarterfinal playoff series. The game, which stretched over four hours and forty-four minutes, concluded just past midnight at Weslaco High School.
La Joya High School Coyotes now advances to the Region IV-6A semifinals, where they will face San Antonio Johnson. This marks Coyote's second regional semifinal appearance in three seasons.
The game started with Weslaco taking an early 4-0 lead by the second inning. La Joya High School Coyotes responded with a three-run rally in the third and tied the game 4-4 with another run in the fifth. The score remained tied through nine tense innings, as both teams showcased exceptional pitching and defense.
In the top of the 11th, Coyote’s Alfonso Balboa drew a crucial four-pitch walk, setting the stage for the Coyotes. After a flyout, Rolando Solis singled, advancing Balboa to third. Coyote's leading hitter, Homer Munoz, then came to the plate. A passed ball allowed Balboa to score, giving La Joya a 5-4 lead. Munoz followed with a deep hit to left-center, driving in Solis for an additional run, making it 6-4.
Weslaco refused to go down quietly. In their half of the 11th, they drew two walks, putting runners on first and second with two outs. Weslaco singled and brought in a run, narrowing the gap to 6-5. With bases loaded and two outs, Coyote's Roel Garcia secured the final out by catching a chopper and stepping on first, sealing the victory.
La Joya now turns their attention to the semifinals against San Antonio Johnson. Game details will be annpunced Monday.
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