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The state semifinals match between the Dripping Springs Tigers and Kingwood was all that it should be when two very good teams go at it for the right to play for the state title. It would go all three and then some before Kingwood would be able to claim the honor. The Tigers will be replaying this series for some time to come.
In the first of the three, the Tigers held a 4-1 lead after three but Kingwood struck for four in the top of fourth to take a 5-4 lead. The Tigers were able to cross the plate in their half to tie it up. However, Kingwood would score three more in the next two innings to take the 8-5 victory. Kingwood would outhit the Tigers 10-9.
This would put the Tigers with their backs to the wall. They had been there before in the playoffs and had the confidence they could do it again. With their strong pitching staff, the Tigers proceeded to shut down the bats and blanked Kingwood. The Tigers used their five hits to get single runs in the first, fourth and fifth to take a 3-0 win and draw even for the series.
Now it was for all the marbles in the third and deciding game and it was a beaut. The Tigers were the home team in this game. Neither team scored in the first but Kingwood would cross the plate twice in the second to temporarily take a 2-0 lead. The Tigers would answer with three in the third and two in the fourth for a 5-2 lead after four.
At this point the Tigers had to think they would keep scoring and their pitching would keep Kingwood from scoring. Things looked to be in their favor. Good teams hang in there and Kingwood did. They scratched out single runs in the fifth and sixth. Even so the Tigers still had a 5-4 lead going into the seventh. Kingwood put runners on second and third with one out. A walk loaded the bases. The Tiger pitcher got the next batter to pop up for the second out.
Unfortunately, a passed ball on the next batter allowed the tying run to score before getting out of the inning. The game would continue for two more innings before Kingwood would manage a run that the Tigers could not duplicate and took the game and the series 6-5.
It was one of those heart-breaking situations that happens all too often in the sports world. So close, yet so far. Everyone understands how hard it is to get that far in the playoffs. You still have to have great pride in the effort the Tigers put forth throughout the season, as they ended the season as District 26-6A co-champs and with a 29-12 record.
