By Trey Lopez & Foster Conner
Sports Reporter and Page Editor
The Amarillo College Badgers baseball team played their final home stand in the regular season against second-ranked Midland College, with a double header on Sunday, Apr. 6, and two more games Monday, Apr. 7. The series had to be rescheduled due to weather conditions that occurred last weekend, but the Badgers were determined to make the most of their last games on home turf, playing at West Texas A&M’s Schaffer Park.
The first game on Sunday was a nail-biter, despite a strong performance from the Badgers, who managed to get every player across home plate. Sports Information Director Nathan Heuer said “Coach Rains preaches to get everyone to score, and be aggressive,” Heuer said. Although Midland still came out on top with the final score 8-7. Defense struggles proved costly for Amarillo College in the late innings.
Game two had a different story to it. After a competitive start in the first four innings, Midland’s offense surged ahead. The Badgers had difficulty keeping the pace, both defensively and at the plate. Center Fielder Gerado Prado was the bright spot for the team, recording two RBIs and two hits, but Midland ultimately dominated the game, taking advantage of early errors to seal a convincing victory.
The action resumed Monday with another double header at Schaffer Park West Texas A&M University, beginning at noon. Game one was another close one, Midland scored three quick runs at the start of the game. The Badgers regrouped with two runs in the fifth inning to tie the game. Shortstop Payton Bush led the offense with two RBIs, keeping Amarillo competitive.
Controversy struck while the umpires were the main vocal point of the game. Despite the tension, Midland pulled ahead 6-3 win. In the second game of the day, the Badgers couldn’t regain their momentum. Midland exploded offensively, handing Amarillo a tough 16-4 loss. Once again, Prado stood out with two RBIs and two runs scored.
This series marked the final home stand for Amarillo College Baseball this season at home. They finished with a .500 record at home and now hit the road for a crucial stretch of games. The team will play four games on the road this week, hoping to secure a playoff spot.
Badger Baseball once again faced another team, New Mexico Junior College, for a doubleheader over the Apr. 11 – 12 weekend. They closed out the weekend with a win at the opening game and losing the final three of the weekend to the Thunderbirds.
Twelve games are left in the Spring season, and Badger baseball is sitting at 18 wins- 26 losses. The Badgers will play against the Odessa Wranglers on Apr. 17 – 18, 2025 at Odessa Ballpark.
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