HS Softball: District playoff spots, positioning up for grabs SPORTS

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Austin Bulldogs’ baseball program has seen an entire graduating class come through without a postseason – but they are looking to end that drought, and recently took another major step towards accomplishing that goal with a strong week on the diamond.

Last week, the Bulldogs won all three games they played. Austin had a pair of 8-7 wins over George Ranch on April 10 and Elkins on April 11 before defeating Clements 2-1 on April 14 to win their fourth consecutive game.

Dylan Christie had a strong effort on the mound for the Bulldogs (12-13, 84 district) in the win over Clements, while Hampton Phillips smacked a home run to aid the offensive effort. The Bulldogs are now on a four-game winning streak, and are inching closer to the program’s first playoff berth since the 2018 season.

Elsewhere in the district, the playoff race is still jam packed as several teams fight for playoff spots and positioning entering the regular season’s final few weeks.

Following the loss on April 10, George Ranch beat Travis 8-2 on April 11, then fell 7-2 against district-leading Ridge Point on April 14 before defeating Bush 14-6 on April 15.

Brandon Mays and Grant Reynolds had a double and two RBIs apiece for the Longhorns (14-14-2, 8-5) in the victory over Bush, while Johnathon Canter picked up nine strikeouts in 6.2 strong innings of work on the mound against

Travis.

Hightower picked up two wins last week to keep hold on the district’s fourth playoff spot, defeating Bush 3-1 on April 11 and taking down Dulles 6-2 on April 14. Braylen

Kizzee had two hits including a homer for Hightower (13-7-1, 7-5) in the victory over Dulles, and Jeremy Payne picked up three hits of his own while driving home two runs. Clements also kept pace in the tight race, winning 9-2 against Elkins on April 10 before the loss to Austin and then winning 6-5 over Travis on April 15. Cooper Cgielski and Stefano De -