Sharyland Rattler Baseball: My Site News: Rattlers claim top ranking

Rattlers claim top ranking
Rattlers claim top ranking

By Ernie W. Webb III

The Monitor



MISSION — Rio Grande Valley athletic programs may not receive much attention from the rest of the state, but the Sharyland baseball team took a monumental step in gaining respect.

After months of battling for position in the Class 4A state rankings, the Rattlers broke through Monday, securing the top spot in baseball poll.

“We knew it was coming because we’ve been watching the rankings,” Sharyland coach Bart Bickerton said. “We figured we’d move up after they (former No. 1 Hewett Midway) lost.”

While the Rattlers (23-4) expected to move up to the top spot, Bickertown acknowledged that the ranking was a positive step for Valley teams.

“This is nice for the Valley. We should have a little more respect,” Bickerton said. “Now it’s a matter of taking the next step and getting past the Corpus Christi schools in the playoffs.

“I’ve already talked to the kids. The ranking doesn’t mean anything right now. Where you finish is what matters the most.”

The Rattlers appear to have as good an opportunity as any team in the Valley to make a run at the state championship. However, the squad took a blow last week when pitcher Tim Haines suffered a broken left wrist.

“Haines’ injury has been a big blow for us. Now it’s almost like were the underdog if he can’t go,” Bickerton said.

Haines, who finished the season with a .312 batting average and 17 RBIs, cannot hit, but he may be available for pitching duties if cleared by a physician.

If Haines (8-0, .70 ERA) can’t go, the Rattlers will rely on Jaime Garcia, a rifle-armed pitcher with an impressive 8-2 record and .90 ERA. Garcia’s fastball breaks into the low 90s.

“Pitching has been our strength all season,” Bickerton said. “We’ve had three no-hitters and four one-hitters, so they’ve done the job all season.”

Third baseman Fabian Garza anchors the offense with a .460 average and five homers, while lead-off hitter Rolando Salinas checks in at .380 with 26 RBIs.

The Rattlers, who tied for the District 31-4A championship with an 11-1 mark, have a first-round bye in the Class 4A state playoffs.