Mountain View Wins First Postseason Game in Program History

MESQUITE, Texas – Dallas College Mountain View won its first postseason game in the modern era of its program history, beating Dallas College Richland 5-3 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III South Central District Tournament Wednesday.

The Lions, whose 21 wins are also a school record, advance to meet Dallas College Brookhaven (24-27) in Thursday's 2 p.m. double-elimination round game at Dallas College Eastfield. All games in the tournament are being broadcast on the DAC Sports Network.

The Lions (21-30) scored four runs in the second inning, and turned the lead over to starter Matthew Reynozo, who turned in his second straight stellar start. He went seven innings, giving up three runs on nine hits and a walk, and struck out six to improve to 5-4 this season.

"I just wanted to tell my guys, don't focus on trying to win a game," Lions interim head coach Josh Merrell said. "I wanted them to worry about just winning pitch by pitch. I feel like they put together nine solid innings today."

Micah Gregory hit a two-run homer, and Scooter New had two hits for the Lions, who have won four of their last five games.

Mountain View was outhit 9-7, but the Lions' four-run second was the difference.

Santiago Aravena worked the final two innings, striking out four and allowing just two walks in scoreless relief to secure his third save.

"We've preached all year long, 'Defense wins games,'" Merrell said. "If we play clean behind our pitching, we're going to be able to win any game."

Mountain View's pitchers combined to strike out 10 Richland hitters.

"I tell 'em to do your job, for the pitchers to make quality pitches," Merrell said. "We're not asking you to go get outs. Just make quality pitches, and attack the zone. Our guys did that to the best of their ability today."

Mountain View's Brady Pike doubled in of his four at-bats, and Asher Bates and Noah Castillo each went 1 for 3, while combining to draw three walks and score three runs. Victor Zuniga also went 1 for 3.

Now the Lions will meet a Brookhaven club they've beaten twice this season.

"We've got a tough road ahead, but we're excited to get going," Merrell said, "and really looking forward to what's going on."