Next step: Canyon baseball keeps winning, and want to carry the momentum as far as it can
John Doan has his Canyon High baseball team rolling.
After sweeping district rival West Plains in the Class 4A Region I quarterfinals last weekend, Doan has coached the Eagles into the regional semifinals against Springtown. With Canyon Randall’s playoff exit against Seminole in the same round, Canyon High is the only Canyon ISD team still playing.
The Eagles will play one game against the Porcupines after the latter won a coin flip to decide between a traditional three-game series that Canyon preferred or a one-game playoff that Springtown preferred. The game takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Wolfforth Frenship.
The different format doesn’t change Canyon’s approach, but it does change its mindset.
“Every pitch will matter,” Doan said. “Mistakes will be magnified, and if we can get them into some chaotic situations and into making those mistakes, we’ll be there to capitalize.”
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The Eagles started their series against West Plains with a comeback. Down 7-3 heading into the final two innings, Canyon cut its deficit in half with two runs in the sixth inning and earned a walk-off win in the seventh with a two-run single from junior Jacob Burris.
Burris played a key role in the comeback, having hit an RBI triple in the sixth inning to start the Eagles’ five-run rally. Canyon also received crucial relief pitching from sophomore Noah Sanchez, who gave up one hit and struck out two batters in 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
“I can’t say enough about our guys’ resiliency,” Doan said. “I was really proud of the way we battled back in those last innings. All the craziness hit.”
The Eagles carried its momentum into Game 2, comfortably defeating the Wolves 9-1. Canyon received stellar performances from the top of its batting order, with junior Zabien Urteaga and sophomore Carson Allen combining for six RBIs and three runs scored in the second and third spots, respectively. Both got Canyon off to a fast start in the first inning, with Urteaga’s RBI single and Allen’s long two-run home run laying the groundwork for a win.
“In my 29 years of coaching, I’ve never seen a ball hit that hard,” Doan said.
The Eagles were just as dominant on the mound, as junior Colt Cruth and sophomore Bayler Schilling gave up no earned runs. Schilling allowed no hits in three innings pitched.
“They were big time,” Doan said. “It was a really good weekend of baseball.”
Canyon’s eyes now turn to Springtown, who’ve lost once this postseason. Doan said he believes the Porcupines can challenge his hitters with their defensive play and with senior and Angelo State commit Brayden Fox, who he said he believes will be Springtown’s starting pitcher.
“He relies heavily on his fastball and can work both sides of the plate,” Doan said. “I would anticipate that’s who we’re about to face.”
Doan said a fast start like the one in Game 2 against West Plains is crucial. He wants his players to earn baserunners and runs quickly to establish momentum and boost the Eagles’ energy in the dugout.
“We have to get those guys behind fast,” Doan said. “We have to see if they can play from behind. That’s extremely important.”
But regardless of the result, Doan is proud of the way Canyon has played this season.
“When it’s all said and done,” Doan said. “We can be proud of the way that we competed and represented our school.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Canyon baseball poised, ready for regional semifinal vs Springtown
