The Benbrook Bobcats baseball team returned to the field this week with a fresh start and a meaningful stage.
After a 2-3 showing at a tournament in Corpus Christi, the Bobcats headed to the Drew Medford Memorial Tournament, a Fort Worth event that brings together nearly 30 teams and honors the life and legacy of Drew Medford.
Medford was a standout Paschal High School baseball player who later signed with TCU before his life was tragically cut short in 2016 at age 18.
Known for his competitive spirit, humility, and care for others, Medford left a lasting impact on teammates, coaches, and the Fort Worth baseball community.
The annual tournament now celebrates that legacy by showcasing young athletes and awarding a scholarship to one senior from each participating team who reflects Medford’s character and leadership.
With that purpose in mind, the Bobcats opened tournament play Thursday at Birdville High School against the Arlington Colts.
The Bobcats jumped ahead early when Ethan Tucker delivered a run-scoring single. The Colts answered quickly, tying the game in the first inning, but the Bobcats regained control behind strong pitching and timely hitting.
Jakim Velasquez settled in on the mound, keeping the Colts quiet through the middle innings. The Bobcats added key runs in the third inning with contributions from Sebastian Martinez Colon, Giuliano Martinez, and Evan Smith. The Bobcats eventually pulled away for a 7-3 victory.
Velasquez earned the win, allowing three runs across six innings. Trentin Hornbeck closed the game with a scoreless inning of relief.
Tucker led the offense with two hits while Smith, Martinez, Martinez Colon, Brennan Barton, and Hornbeck each drove in a run. The defense was steady all afternoon, turning two double plays and committing no errors.
The Bobcats had little time to rest before returning to the field later Thursday to face the Lamar Vikings.
Benbrook again struck first. Martinez Colon doubled to spark the offense, and Barton added a sacrifice bunt that helped give the Bobcats a 2-0 lead after the opening inning.
The Vikings tied the game in the third, but the Bobcats responded late. Smith scored on a tag-up in the fifth inning, and Tanner Madara followed with an aggressive steal of home that helped secure a 4-2 win.
Dan Stiefvater started on the mound, striking out five across four innings. Hornbeck came on in relief and shut down Lamar over the final two innings to earn the victory.
Martinez Colon led the offense again with two hits, while Hudson Stockton, Martinez Colon, and Barton each drove in a run. The Bobcats were active on the bases, stealing six bases during the game.
With the two victories, the Bobcats improved to 6-6 on the season and 2-0 in tournament play.
Next up, the Bobcats face Lake Belton on Friday at 4 p.m. at Arlington Heights High School as they look to stay unbeaten in the Drew Medford Memorial Tournament.
View the full tournament schedule and information, or learn more about the event at DrewMedford.org.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.