PLAINVIEW, TX- Wayland Baptist University hosted a regional quarterfinal matchup between two district champions in the Shallowater Mustangs and the Falcons of Bushland, Friday evening for game one in a best-of -three. Shallowater’s Texas State commit Hayden VanderRoest would toe the rubber in this one, VanderRoest has been very dependable and one of the top arms in the area. Bushland would counter with junior right-hander Skyler Jaco.

Offensive productivity would come early and often for both teams. Starting in the top-half of the first, a leadoff double from 2B Blake Carter, who would later score on a sac-fly from CF Cutter Sparks to give the Mustangs an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom-half of the inning, VanderRoest would issue a leadoff walk to put an early runner on for Bushland. It wouldn’t take long for Bushland to push that runner across, after a two-run home run from Jaco would give the Falcons a 2-1 lead.

Fast forwarding to the bottom half of the fifth, control issues from VanderRoest would lead to free bases for the Falcons. Bushland would be able to capitalize on the issued walks, with a two-run RBI double from RF Brody Philips, extending the lead to 4-1. A sac-fly from DH Bladen Covey would push one more run across increasing the lead to four (5-1).

Shallowater would answer in a big way in the sixth, after a solo shot that would be driven over the bullpen and exiting the stadium in left-field to reduce the Bushland lead back to three (5-2).

Continued offensive productivity from Philips in the sixth would result in another run being plated on an RBI triple, making it a 6-2 ballgame. In the seventh Shallowater would not be able to get anything going, dropping game one with a final score of 6-2. Jaco would be very impressive and effective for the Falcons throwing a complete game with a line of 7.0 IP, 10K, 5H, 2R.

Final Score: Bushland 6, Shallowater 2.

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SCOUT NOTES

Skyler Jaco, RHP, Bushland, 2020
Uncommitted. At an estimated 6-foot, 160-pounds right-handed pitcher, athletic, wiry-strong frame that is likely to add strength with continued growth. Was very sharp in playoff game versus Shallowater, one of the better arms in the area of the 2020 class. Quick, clean, long and loose arm stroke, ¾ arm slot. Deliberate, athletic, repeatable delivery. Fastball comes out at 82-84, touching 85 occasionally, with arm-side run. Flashed a slider with + movement at 73-76. Curveball showed more of a slurve shape at 70-73, was able to use both pitches to keep a solid Shallowater lineup off-balance. Finished his day going 7.0 IP, 10K, 5H, 2R.