One play or one call can change momentum on a baseball field.
Jacob Munoz and the Odessa High baseball team received a bit of good fortune after a ball landed foul between a trio of Permian players.
The junior center fielder didn’t miss a second time as Munoz ripped a two-run double that opened the floodgates for a seven-run second inning and helped Odessa High pick up a 10-0 victory over the Panthers in a District 2-6A game on Tuesday at McCanlies Field.
“Obviously, we took advantage of (Permian) not throwing some strikes early and not making a play down that left field line,” Odessa High head coach Josh Hulin said. “We’ve played in some games this year where we didn’t advantage of the other team giving us some stuff. I’m proud of my guys for taking advantage of that.”
The win also secures the fourth and final playoff spot in the district for the Bronchos.
Odessa High improved to 17-11 overall and 7-5 in district play, while Permian was eliminated from playoff contention as the team fell to 7-19-1 and 2-10.
In addition to a quality performance at the plate where the Bronchos finished with 12 hits, Odessa High senior Shandon Herrera didn’t let the opposition create many chances. The right-handed starting pitcher allowed seven hits and struck out four in six shutout innings.
“Coach (Mason) Munguia really talked to me before the game about not trying to overpower and strike guys out,” Herrera said. “He told me to throw the ball over the plate, get quality strikes and let the defense get guys out. I give credit to him for helping me out with that.”
Odessa High had its first eight runners reach base in the second inning — five via the walk.
Andres Martinez, Bo Martinez and Herrera drew three straight RBI walks to drive in the first three runs. Munoz supplied a two-run double to give the Bronchos a 5-0 lead and Christian Anaya followed with a two-run single to cap the seven-run second.
“We were totally outmatched,” Permian head coach Jimmy Webster said. “We were outpitched. We were outhit. We were outcompeted and outcoached. But I will say this, Permian baseball won’t always be as bad as it is now. Our best days are coming.”
The Bronchos continued to add to their lead in the fourth and sixth innings. Munoz scored on catcher’s interference in the fourth. The junior center fielder returned in the sixth and drove in Herrera’s pinch runner, Julian Jimenez, on RBI sacrifice fly after Herrera hit a leadoff triple to deep right field. Anaya closed out the scoring in the contest with a solo home run to left field that ricocheted off metal siding of Permian’s indoor practice facility.
When Anaya reached the dugout, there was a brief silence that was immediately followed with rejoice for the senior left fielder’s first high school home run.
“When I walked into the dugout, I saw everybody quiet, but I saw them all smiling,” Anaya said with a smile. “I was just waiting for them to jump on me.”
Peyton Hutson was tagged with the loss after he pitched one inning and was replaced by Tyler Ramage after he gave up three walks and two singles to start the second. Ramage pitched 4 2/3 innings of relief and Slade Lee collected the final out.
Odessa High and Permian will play its final crosstown rivalry contest at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Pressly Field. Hulin expects to see an eager Permian squad and two of its top pitchers — senior Tyson Banks and junior Seth Higdon.
“They didn’t throw Higdon or Banks,” Hulin said. “They are going to come out with everything they have on Friday. That’s the way it should be. When you play a crosstown rivalry game, you should have some excitement like that. We are looking forward to the challenge. (Higdon and Banks) are really good, so we are going to have to well to give ourselves a chance to win.”

