Two Corpus Christi programs remain alive in the UIL high school baseball playoffs with both one series win away from returning to Dell Diamond in Round Rock to defend their state championships.
Defending Class 4A Division I state champion Calallen and reigning Class 3A Division I state champ London each advanced to the UIL state semifinals after surviving Region IV.
Here is what to know about the final two Corpus Christi-area teams still standing.
Calallen Wildcats
Calallen continues to play like a program with championship expectations.
The Wildcats advanced to the state semifinals for the 15th time in program history after overwhelming Davenport 16-6 in five innings in Game 2 of the regional final. Calallen erupted for a 14-run second inning after nearly three hours of lightning delays at Cabaniss Baseball Field.
Senior Drayton Mitchell has fueled the Wildcats throughout the postseason. Mitchell hit for the cycle in Game 1 against Davenport before homering in Game 2 to help complete the sweep.
Mitchell, who is also a standout pitcher, has helped lead the rotation alongside the Wildcats’ other ace Coll Carroll.
Both have formed one of the top one-two pitching combinations in Texas the past four seasons.
The Wildcats have also showcased depth throughout the lineup with any batter presenting a challenge for the opposition.
Drayson Gamez delivered five RBIs in the regional final clincher with Blake Quinn, Wyatt Duke, Aidan Flores, Dallin DeBellas, Reese Rusher and Ian Garcia also producing in key moments offensively.
Head coach Steve Chapman’s squad is currently 8-0 in the playoffs.
London Pirates
London’s postseason consistency continues to place the Pirates among the state’s premier Class 3A programs in the state.
The Pirates advanced to the state semifinals for the sixth consecutive season after sweeping Falfurrias in the regional final. London opened the series with a 10-2 victory before finishing the sweep with a 4-0 shutout behind a dominant performance from pitcher Crosby Zeller.
A strong non-district schedule, plus pitching, defense and timely hitting have once again fueled London’s playoff run.
Senior Christian Olivares and junior Aiden Salinas have anchored the Pirates throughout the postseason. Both are coming off of strong performances in the series-clinching victory as London continues to dominate offensively.
Head coach Albert Amaya has helped establish London as one of the most consistent postseason baseball programs in Texas. The Pirates became just the third program in Texas history to reach six consecutive state semifinals.
London, which captured the program’s second state title last season, has won 12 conecutive games and is 8-0 in the playoffs.
What’s next?
Both teams now stand one series victory away from returning to Round Rock for the UIL state championships at Dell Diamond.
Calallen will attempt to defend its Class 4A Division I crown and London looks to continue its strong postseason run with a trip back to the state title game.
Calallen will face Bullard in the Class 4A Division I state semifinals. The series begins at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Buda Johnson High School. Game 2 is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Buda Johnson, with a third game, if necessary, 30 minutes after Game 2.
London will take on Huntington in the Class 3A Division I state semifinals. Game 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Buda Hays High School. Game 2 will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, with Game 3, if necessary, scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Two teams remain: What to know about Calallen, London in state semifinals
Reporting by Rey Castillo, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
