WHARTON, TEXAS – The Wharton County Junior College Pioneers baseball team is competing in the Regional Tournament after wrapping up their regular season in second place, their best finish in 16 years.
The last time WCJC finished in second was in 2005, though they did tie for second in 2016.
“I’m proud of our players,” said WCJC Head Coach Trey Porras. “This is the first time since 2005 that WCJC has finished outright in second place. That’s a big accomplishment. We are heading in the right direction.”
The Pioneers finished second in Region 14 South and are seeded second in the Regional Tournament, which be played from May 7 through May 9 at the University of Texas at Tyler. The Pioneers are competing in the North Sub-Regional, with their first game scheduled for 5 p.m. May 7 against Bossier Parish. During the regular season, WCJC played Bossier Parish three times, winning two and losing one.
If the Pioneers win their first game, they will play at 2 p.m. May 8. If they win that game, they will go on to the North Sub-Regional championship game on May 9. The winner of the North Sub-Regional will play the winner
of the South Sub-Regional on May 14 through May 16 in a best two out of three series for the overall championship and a trip to the junior college World Series, held in Grand Junction, Colo.
WCJC finished their regular season at 26-25, with a 17-13 conference record. The Pioneers wrapped up their regular season on May 2 against Blinn College, losing the first game, 12-11, and winning the second, 6-4.
WCJC played 51 games in the regular season, scoring 337 runs and 55 home runs.
Porras credited the efforts of his team and the dedication of his coaching staff for a successful season. Assisting Porras are John Cannon, Michael Molina and Ricky Watkins.
“I feel very fortunate to have these coaches on staff,” Porras said. “They really put it all together.”
WCJC Athletic Director Keith Case noted that the Pioneers had unique challenges this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic limited off-season play and further affected travel, schedules and numerous other aspects of the season.
“I am proud of the coaches and the players. This season they battled the normal challenges while also fighting all of the COVID-19 protocols,” Case said. “They have overcome all the obstacles in their way.”
The Regional Tournament will be broadcast by tsrnsports.com
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