The Austin Bulldogs unleashed their bats in an impressive 19-3 victory over the host Morton Ranch Mavericks in their opening game of the Katy Tournament.

The Bulldogs got off to a quick start in the first inning, loading the bases before CF Tyler Whitaker scored their first run on a sacrifice fly by C Chris Miller. The Mavericks battled back in the bottom half of the inning, with a walk and three consecutive hits, plating two runs and taking a short lived lead.

In the top of the second inning LF Andrew Sciba singled to left field. Tyler Whitaker then collected his second walk of the game to put two men on base for P James Sullivan who then deposited his first of three base hits of the night, scoring Sciba. Whitaker also scored on the play following an errant throw to third base, giving the Dawgs a lead which they would never relinquish.

After retiring the side in order in the bottom of the second inning, the Bulldogs got it rolling by scoring 7 runs in the top of the third inning to take a commanding lead. The inning was highlighted by 5 hits, including a ground rule double to left field by 3B Jared Boyle, one of his two ground rule doubles of the night, and a double to deep center by Sullivan, who drove in two runs on the hit. Both Boyle and Sullivan would later score. Runs were also scored by Whitaker, Miller, RF Eric Abney, Sciba, and 2B Nate McMillan in the inning.

The hit parade continued in the fourth inning, as the Dawgs sent 13 batters to the plate while adding another 8 runs to the tote board, with RBIs in the inning provided by SS Cody Brown, Sciba, Boyle, Sullivan, and Whitaker. The inning was highlighted by Whitaker's 363 foot warning track single, and Boyles second extra base hit of the game.

The Dawgs would add another run in the 5th inning to complete the scoring, as Whitaker scored his 5th run of the game on 5 plate appearances.

Defensively, James Sullivan provided four dominant innings of pitching, highlighted by his striking out the side in order in the second inning as he held the Mavericks to just 4 hits while recording 7 strikeouts. Other web gems included some nice outfield catches by RF Eric Abney and LF Andrew Sciba, and a solid play by 3B Jared Boyle who, with the bases loaded with Mavericks, handled a sharp hit ball at the hot corner, feeding to C Chris Miller to force out the lead runner at the plate.

Austin will continue play in the tournament with a double header tomorrow at 4:00 and 7:00 PM at Seven Lakes High School.

Bulldog Offensive Highlights

Hits (11), James Sullivan (3), Jared Boyle (2), Tyler Whitaker, Chris Miller, Joe Morris, Eric Abney, Andrew Sciba, Nate McMillan
RBI (12), James Sullivan (4), Tyler Whitaker (2), Cody Brown, Chris Miller, Jarrod Boyle, Eric Abney, Andrew Sciba, Nate McMillan
Extra Base Hits (3), Jared Boyle (2 x 2B), James Sullivan (2B)

Bulldog Pitching Highlights

James Sullivan (WP), 4 Innings, 7 K's, 1 BB, 4 Hits, 2 Runs (2 earned)
Eric Abney, 1 Inning, 0 K, 1 BBs, 1 Hits, 1 Run (1 earned)

Score by inning:

Submitted by: Allen Miller