Panthers Sweep Celina in Playoffs

Hillcrest had plenty to celebrate during its bi-district playoff series against Celina. After sweeping the Bobcats, the Panthers will face Benbrook in the area round. (Photo: Chris McGathey)

Ryan Prager’s proficiency on the mound and at the plate led Hillcrest to a first-round playoff triumph.

The Panthers upset Celina in a best-of-three series in the Class 4A Region II bi-district round, claiming a 3-1 win in Game 1 and a 6-0 shutout in Game 2.

Prager was the star of Saturday’s series clincher, throwing a shutout on the mound — with 11 strikeouts — and hitting a sixth-inning home run to key an eight-hit offensive outburst.

In the series opener, Leo Garcia was the winning pitcher, while Ethan Edmundson tallied three hits and recorded the save on the mound.

The Panthers (16-13) will next meet Benbrook (22-4) in the area round, and will host Game 1 of the best-of-three series at 5 p.m. Friday. The series shifts to Fort Worth Arlington Heights on Saturday for Game 2 and a deciding third game, if necessary.

A year ago, Hillcrest defeated Seagoville to open postseason play before falling to Joshua in the area round.

Share this article...
Email this to someone
email
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.