Pirates sets sail forfinal time this season

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Pirates’ historic season comes to an end in Kenedy after falling to the Orange Grove Bulldogs in two games. Despite the series only lasting two games, the fight and effort put on by both teams is undeniable.
Game one was where all the drama took center stage. Head coach Bryan Bippert said the first game had everything you could ask for as a baseball fan.
“We saw a great pitching performances from both teams, especially Devin Cordova. We turned in two double plays.  Weston Jackson’s catch in centerfield was one of the best catches I have ever seen,” Bippert said. “We had a ton of quality at-bats including clutch hits from Devin and Seth Pierce. Good bunting from both teams. Controversial calls and the crowd jeering.”
The pinnacle of the game came from the clutch three-run homerun from Mason Hill to put the Pirates ahead going into the last inning.
However, the Bulldogs miraculously rallied and scored five runs in the final frame to take the lead and game 8-9.
Bippert lamented the team’s missed opportunity, having been three outs away from a win.
“It makes me sick to my stomach,” Bippert admitted. “It was difficult to deal with…we had won all our previous 18 games.”
Game two was a much more straight forward victory for the Bulldogs. Bippert gave credit to Orange Grove’s pitcher Leelan Rodriguez for his performance, coupled with clutch and timely hitting, Lytle found themselves playing from behind all game. The Pirates would fall 6-1.
This Pirates squad will be forever etched as one of the most successful teams in the program’s history, finishing the season with an overall record of 27-8-1 and undefeated in district play at 10-0. The 27 wins are the most ever in the history of the school since starting the program in 1981. This Pirates squad also set a record for most consecutive wins at 18 in a row.
To be able to execute at high level like this requires not just skill, but consistency, grit and experience. This dugout consisted of seven seniors, five(Devin Cordova, Toby Davila, Damien Barco, Juan Patlan and Travis Norton) of which have been with the program since their freshmen year. Along with juniors Mason Hill and Weston Jackson, who have also been playing since their freshman year, Bippert described this mix of seasoned veterans as a “recipe for success.”
“These guys know each other well.  They know the importance of the little things in this game.  We have leaders by example and we have vocal leaders,” Bippert said. “Both held everyone accountable all season long and helped us to compete at a very high level for a long time.”
Looking ahead, Bippert assured that this 2026 team has raised the bar for all the young players in the program. They have proven what is possible for Lytle and the legacy they leave behind will continue to propel the Pirates’ baseball program for years to come.
The departing seniors consist of Devin Cordova, Toby Davila, Damien Barco, Juan Patlan, Travis Norton, Lee Mills and Chase Guevara. This group earned four District championships, four Bi-District championships and two Area championships throughout their careers.  No other baseball class has accomplished this.
Devin Cordova, Toby Davila, Damien Barco, Juan Patlan and Travis Norton are four-year lettermen that started at their positions for their entire high school careers.
“Thank you to all of our fans for your tremendous support throughout this season,” Bippert said.  “We are extremely proud of our accomplishments. We know that we are not perfect, but we hope that we have represented our school with pride and class.”…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!