The fall season of RBI softball wrapped up at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota with the Aztecas emerging victorious from the seven-team championship tournament Saturday, Dec. 5.

Trailing the Panthers, 8-7, in the 6th inning, the Aztecas scored seven runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead and hold on for a 14-8 win, handing the Panthers their first loss of the season in the process.

Three Aztecas pitchers helped their squad survive a Panthers offense that led the league in runs scored during the season. Kaila Torres (Sunset High School, 2022), Ariana Ortiz (Molina High School, 2021), and Tabitha Jackson (Bishop Lynch High School, 2022) all threw at least one inning and survived multiple rallies.

At the plate, the Aztecas’ Ximena Zamarron (Hillcrest High School, 2022) led all players with 4 hits and 4 runs scored out of the leadoff spot.

The Panthers led for most of the game after jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Shortstop Jordyn Reyes (Our Lady of the Lake University) led the way for the Panthers’ offense with three hits and reached base all four times at-bat.

Dallas Parks and Rec hosted the fall season of RBI baseball.

Pitching In

Former Texas Rangers pitcher Darren Oliver was at the Academy Wednesday, Dec. 9 to provide prepacked meals, gift cards, and presents to families during a drive-through style holiday celebration.

Families who participated in Buckner International’s online “Faith & Finance” program through the Academy this fall were pre-selected as recipients.

Registration Open for Winter Training Program

The Academy’s Winter Training Program is slated to begin Jan. 11 and run through Feb. 25. The weekly programming schedule by age group is listed below. All programming will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration is available as texasrangers.com/academy.