GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Second Baptist School Baseball
RESILIENCY: SBS Baseball returns to State Tourney despite slow start
Due to some of their key returning players--namely juniors JD Crisp (OF) and Turner Murdock (P/UTL)--suffering various injuries to start the year, the Eagles were 3-12 prior to district play.
Second Baptist's JD Crisp (2022)Lily Cox (VYPE)
However, the leaders on the SBS roster weren’t going down without a fight.
“It was a real experience,” said Head Coach Rayner Noble. “We played extremely good competition early on, and the losses were piling up. However, I believe this created a certain mental toughness and unity. Knowing that we had to develop depth and confidence at the same time has been our focus this season.”
The Eagles would proceed to resurge as a unit, climbing up the division rankings with rapid progression to conclude the regular season in the No. 3 spot in their district (9-5 record).
Seconf Baptist's Ty BakerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Subsequently, Second Baptist would trounce San Antonio Christin 7-0 in the Area Round before defeating their district rival Lutheran South Academy by a score of 8-2 in the D-II regional round.
Texas A&M signee Ty Baker racked up three RBIs, which included a two-run shot over the fence. Dallas Baptist University signee Luke Pettitte dominated on the mound. The Eagles return to the state final four.
Second Baptist's Luke Pettitte Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
And to think, some thought their season was over at the midway point.
“Our guys have been resilient all year long,” Noble said. “We have gotten outstanding pitching and hitting as of late. We’re looking forward to going to Arlington for the next step.”
Some of the stars of SBS BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2023 has been a statement year for the Second Baptist program. But, as Coach Noble implied, the job isn’t done yet. Stay tuned for the finale, as the Eagles aim to repeat.
Senior 3B Rowdy Sowers' 2021 TAPPS State Championship ring
TAKE IT BACK: LSA seniors drive to regain TAPPS supremacy
This season, they are the “hunters".
With a new group of players -- led by seniors Rowdy Sowers and Blaine Birkelbach -- LSA will aim to flip the script.
LSA's Rowdy Sowers
“We’re used to always having a target on our backs,” said Sowers. “It’s kind of different this year with us having to chase somebody. At the same time, it’s the same standards we’ve always had in the past. We know what we need to do to get back on top.”
Considering he’s a senior, Sowers will be expected to set the tempo for the young LSA team, which features several talented underclassmen, including two University of Texas commits -- Marcus Cantu and Victor Coronado.
“In the past, our seniors have really established a great culture and that’s something that we seniors want to do for this group,” Sowers said. “I hope to keep building on that culture, not just in baseball, but helping these underclassmen to be better people, better men and better followers of Christ.”
Birkelbach will also be making his senior debut this Spring. After transferring from Pearland, Birkelbach’s junior season saw him have a breakout year for the Pioneers, leading to him earning first-team, all-district/all-state honors in 2022. The change of pace at LSA has allowed him to become a key player on this championship-caliber team.
LSA's Blaine Birkelbach
“I’ve definitely noticed a different culture here [LSA], especially with the coaching and the bonds between the players, ” said Birkelbach. “Everybody just knows everybody here, so it’s been a fun journey with the tight-knit community that exists at LSA. You play a game one night, then you come back and everybody is picking you up, saying ‘good job’ or ‘tough loss’. They’re all just there to kind of pat you on the back, which I love.”
Birkelbach will be playing baseball at Alvin Community College following this final season.
“I hope to carry over the grit and the work ethic,” he said. “I’ve always been one to never stop working, regardless of my ups and downs. One thing that I’ve learned here that’s helped me out a lot, is that ‘it’s not all about you’. Every success and failure is owned by you and your brothers, your teammates and your coaches. No matter what, that ability to thrive, as a team is irreplaceable.”
The TAPPS baseball regular season is finally underway. It will only be a matter of months before LSA has the potential to carry out its goal of taking back the title.