Fuentes Walk-Off Lifts Apaches over Navarro

TYLER, Texas —  The Tyler Junior College baseball team opened Saturday's double-header with a walk-off victory and went on to secure a 2-1 series win over Navarro College over the weekend at Mike Carter Field.

In Game 1, the Apaches rallied for a 10-9 win in walk-off fashion, overcoming an early three-run deficit and a six-run seventh inning by Navarro. TJC responded with a six-run fifth inning to take control of the game before  Chase Fuentes delivered the game-winning double that scored Garrett Hayes in the bottom of the eighth. 

James Raecek led the offensive effort with a home run and four RBIs, while Reid Graham came off the bench to go 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored. added two hits and an RBI, and Cal Fingleson drove in two runs. On the mound, Chris Langley earned the win in relief, closing out the final inning.

GAME TWO

The Apaches exploded offensively in Game 2, defeating Navarro College 15-4 in a run-rule shortened contest at Mike Carter Field.

The Apaches totaled 13 hits and plated 15 runs, breaking the game open with a 10-run fourth inning after building an early 5-2 lead. David Lillis powered the offense with two home runs and five RBIs, while Micah Roberts went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Davis Perkins added two hits and scored three runs, and Ben Coke chipped in a pair of hits and an RBI.

Tyler also got production throughout the lineup, with Chase Fuentes driving in two runs and Reid Graham adding an RBI. On the mound, Austin Shirley earned the win in relief, tossing four innings while allowing just two runs (one earned) on three hits.

The dominant Game 2 performance secured the series for the Apaches, as TJC improved to 24-17 overall and 11-10 in conference play with the victory.