Creek falls in bidistrict playoff opener

SUGAR LAND — For most of the season, the Clear Creek Wildcats have used their powerful offense to mount thrilling comebacks. In Game 1 of their bidistrict playoff series against Fort Bend Austin, that comeback never happened.

Using stellar defense, solid pitching and some clutch hitting, Austin pulled out a 3-1 victory over Creek, putting the Wildcats on the brink of elimination.

Game 2 is 8 p.m. today at Clear Creek High School.

Creek (19-10) managed just four hits off Austin starter Scott Duncan and hit into a pair of double plays. The Wildcats’ only run came on an RBI-groundout by Alex Benavides in the fifth inning.

“It’s the playoffs,” Creek coach Jim Mallory said.

“It’s a different beast than the regular season. I didn’t think we responded well tonight. There were no excuses. We just didn’t perform.”

As Mallory normally does in the postseason, he elected not to pitch his ace (Bobby McCormack) in Game 1 of the series. Instead, he went with junior Chris Morales.

Morales got into several jams, mostly caused by walks (four) or hitting batters (two).

However, he allowed just five hits and never more than one an inning, to keep any damage to a minimum.

Austin’s offense came on a solo homer by Taylor Cobb in the first, and then sacrifice flies by A.J. Glasshoff and Duncan in the third and fourth innings, respectively.

“I thought Chris threw well enough to win,” Mallory said.

“The margin of error in the playoffs is thin, though. We had mistakes at bad times. That’s what cost us.”

The middle of the Creek lineup featuring the powerful gauntlet of Reed Gordy, Brad Solliday and Morales went just 2-for-9 on the night.

Duncan also walked just two Wildcats.

Creek could be in a bit of trouble heading into today’s Game 2.

While the Wildcats will have McCormack on the hill, Austin (21-12-1) will throw ace A.J. Glasshoff against them.

The Bulldogs surprised many by not throwing their star pitcher in Game 1, but it turned out to be a good strategy.

“It’s do or die for us right now,” Mallory said. “We have our ace going, but the advantage is still with (Austin) right now.

“We’ve been here before and survived, so I’m still confident that we can win the next two games.”

Game 3, if necessary, would be 4 p.m. Saturday at Alvin High School.