The San Marcos Daily Record Sports Team is now counting down the most remarkable stories from 2024. One such story that stands out is the San Marcos High School baseball team's remarkable journey to qualifying for the playoffs with an astonishing 27-win season. This article takes a deep dive into their thrilling win at home against archrival New Braunfels.

Unstoppable Rattlers: From Deficit to Victory

Section 1: The Battle Begins

Senior Vlario Prado took the mound for the Rattlers in the first inning, showing remarkable control as he didn't allow a hit despite an error in the outfield that allowed a runner to reach third. Senior Tony Diaz managed to get on base with a bunt single, but the Rattlers couldn't capitalize at the plate. Prado faced a tough situation in the second inning with two runners on and two outs due to a walk and a blip single, but he managed to get out of the inning with a grounder and keep New Braunfels scoreless.In the third inning, New Braunfels got a walk and a single to put runners on first and second, but Prado again worked out of the jam with a grounder and kept the Unicorns' lead at 1-0. The Rattlers went down in order at the plate once again.

Section 2: The Deficit Mounts

After Prado pitched a walk to start the fourth inning, San Marcos made a pitching change and brought in freshman Jack Vasquez. The Unicorns then drew another walk and hit a two-RBI triple to clear the bases and extend their lead to 3-0. A wild pitch brought in another run during the next at-bat that led to a walk, and the Rattlers had to make another pitching change with Caleb Gomez heading to the mound. Gomez pitched three straight strikeouts to strand a runner in scoring position and hold New Braunfels' lead at 4-0.

Section 3: The Comeback

In the fifth inning, the Rattlers showed their fighting spirit. Senior Reagan Chomel kicked off the rally with a single to left field, and sophomore Colson Geesee added another runner with a strikeout. Senior Marco Duenez put the ball in play with a grounder to first, and the Unicorns committed an error to load the bases. Another strikeout followed, but their two-out rally had just begun. San Marcos brought in their first run of the game after getting hit by a pitch, and then another error by New Braunfels brought in two more runs to cut the lead to 4-3. Diaz then knocked an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4.Gomez's momentum on the mound continued in the sixth inning as he struck out all three Unicorns that stepped to the plate while keeping things tied up. The Rattlers were ready to take advantage and reward Gomez's execution.In the seventh inning, Gomez continued his dominance, putting the Unicorns down in order to tally nine straight outs since entering the game and securing the comeback win for San Marcos.

Section 4: Looking Ahead

The Rattlers will return to the field against East Central at East Central high school on Apr. 9 at 7 p.m. Coach Bryan Webb emphasized the importance of these remaining games, stating that their goal was to win as many as possible to get to the playoffs. He also mentioned that the last game of the season against New Braunfels would be crucial."Though we came up a game short of the district title and lost in the first round of the playoffs, we continue to be one of the most consistent programs in the area. Watch out for us this season, especially with playoffs being split into divisions," said Colton McWilliams, the Sports Editor.