By LARRY GAGE
Bobby Barker tossed his second no-hitter of the season Friday night at Tarpon Field, as Port Isabel ran away from Rio Hondo by the score of 13-0. The game was called after five innings due to the 10-run rule.
Barker struck out six Bobcat batters and walked only two. “Everybody came out with a lot of intensity,” Barker said after the contest. “We really needed the win.”
It was apparent from the start that the Tarpons were ready. The first Rio Hondo batter walked and then took off for second base on an attempted steal. Shortstop Josh Barker moved over to cover the bag and took a high throw from catcher Bucky Rivera for the tag out. “That boosted our excitement,” Josh said. “Everybody was ready for the ball and knew what we had to do.”
First baseman Blake Sapp accounted for four outs, including three assists. The assists were all on throws to first from Bobby Barker, who also made a total of four outs, including one infield pop fly.
The home boys were also primed for a maximum effort at the plate. Tarpon batsmen ripped a total of 12 hits, and Bobby Barker led the team with three hits and had two RBI’s. Jesse Loera (1 RBI), Blake Sapp (2 RBI’s), and James Ramirez each collected two hits. Ramirez drove in two runs with a triple in the third inning. Armando Fierro and Josh Barker also had two RBI’s each.
With the win Port Isabel pulls into a three-way tie for second place in the District 32-3A standings with Grulla and La Feria, all with 4-2 district records. Leading the league with a perfect 6-0 mark is Zapata. It will be a Tarpons vs. Hawks (Zapata) matchup at Tarpon Field this Tuesday (April 5) evening.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Apr. 4 edition of the Port Isabel South Padre Press or check out our E-edition by clicking here.
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