Community Champion: Bel Air baseball gives Big Red Nation more to cheer about

The Bel Air baseball team is giving Big Red Nation plenty more to cheer about just weeks after the boys soccer team captured a state title.

The Highlanders have made it to the third round of the 5A playoffs in baseball and are now just one of 32 teams left across Texas in that classification.

They’re currently preparing for a best-of-three series Friday and Saturday against Amarillo High School with a spot in the Sweet 16 up for grabs.

So far, Bel Air has used its deep roster to grind out wins over Canutillo and Abilene Wylie to reach the third round.

“You know what, every guy has stepped up in every single game differently whether it be pitching, key hitting, or even defensive plays,” said head coach Armando Romero, Jr. “There’s so many of them to announce. It’s endless. It’s 17 guys who have been playing as one.”

While the baseball team still has a long way to go before they capture a state crown, they know they have a team that can get there.

“We play as one. It’s all about team baseball with us. No one singles themselves out or anything like that. We’re just hoping to represent El Paso and make everybody proud,” said outfielder Isaias Licon.

After finishing third in district this year in the regular season, the Highlanders have stepped up their game when it matters most.

“I think the team is well-bonded together, so it helps us get far together because we all want to see ourselves improve,” said outfielder Stephen Martinez. “My favorite memory is just being with these guys. It’s a great team to play with.”

While Bel Air is the only local team still playing in the 5A state baseball playoffs, Montwood has managed to make it to round three in 6A. The Rams will play a series Friday and Saturday against Odessa High School.

Meanwhile, the Chapin softball team has a Thursday showdown in the fourth round of the 5A playoffs against Little Elm. The Huskies have a chance to reach the regional final with a win, which would put them one win away from a trip to the Final Four.