Deer Park had a memorable week at its very own Doll Field as it served as a host site for the Barbers Hill Invitational.
The Deer took their shot at No. 1 Katy on Thursday and fell short 3-0. But from there, Deer Park won five consecutive games, including knocking off two reigning state champions.
Momentum started by beating 2023 state champs Pearland in the second game Thursday night, 6-4. Deer Park then beat state-ranked Keller (6-4) and reigning 6A state champion Weslaco (7-5).
On Saturday, the Deer defeated two-time reigning 4A champion Calallen (2-1) and sealed the three days with their most dominant win over Waller (10-1).
Deer Park (10-4) lost three games in-a-row after the Katy loss occurred.
Madi Alvarado and Braelynn Jones did a majority of the pitching with Natalie Martinez earning the win in the final game.
The top of the order of Kayla Barras and Mariah Ramirez played outstanding. Barras was 7-for-16 with a double, an RBI and three runs while Ramirez was 6-for-14 with a triple, seven runs and four RBIs. Mia Montemayor hit a big homer against Weslaco while Camryn Plocheck had a 3-for-4 day with five RBIs against Waller. She homered and doubled.
With three tournaments in the books, the Deer are ready for District 24-6A to start this week.
Deer Park hits the road Tuesday at Clear Falls before returning Friday to play Clear Creek.
Clear Creek ISD are new district opponents for the Deer, who’s district reign for more than a decade has been more than impressive. Deer Park has just two losses in the past decade, most recently in the 2020 season that concluded early due to COVID-19.
In Clear Falls, the Knights are out to a 4-7 start to the season. They started 3-1 before dropping six of the next seven. Clear Falls’ most recent game was a 3-2 loss to North Shore on Friday.
Clear Falls hasn’t made the playoffs since 2019 and were 13-19 a year ago with a 2-10 mark in league play.
Deer Park’s most recent game against Clear Falls was in 2017 and the Deer are 4-0 against the Knights since 2014.
Clear Creek, meanwhile, is 6-2 on the season. The Wildcats have won three straight games, including against Baytown Lee by a score of 10-0 this past Friday night. Clear Creek hasn’t allowed a run since Feb. 14 against Conroe.
Clear Creek hasn’t made the playoffs since 2022 and hasn’t had a winning overall record in a full season played since 2019.
Deer Park and Clear Creek have met once, in 2019, where the Deer won 5-2.
Deer Park sophomore Kayla Barras (3) slides into the base against Weslaco on Feb. 28. (Chris Zorzi/SportCast Media)
