Coppel Copperheads vs. McKinney Marshals- Picture by Donald J Boyles
The Texas Collegiate League Championship series came down to the top two teams in the league- the Coppell Copperheads and the McKinney Marshals. Coppell was the defending champions from a year ago and McKinney Marshals won it in ’06. I was on hand for the games on Friday and Saturday. I was able to take pictures of both games. with a Link at the bottom of the article.
Coppell Copperheads is located NW of Dallas and NE of Fort Worth. They play all of their home games at the High School for the Coppell Cowboys. Coppell is one of the original 8 that started in the TCl back in the Summer of ’04.
The McKinney Marshals are also one of the original 8 that started in the League back in ’04. McKinney and Coppell are the lat two of the original 8 and the TCL added Brazos Valley Bombers last year and the East Texas PumpJacks this year. I have learn that the TCL will be expanding the League to 10 -12 teams next year with teams across the State of Texas. These teams will be in some very exciting areas as I am looking forward to next to see the growth of this league. McKinney Marshals are 15 miles north of Dallas, Texas, in McKinney, Texas and a plays all of their home games at Gabe Nesbitt Field. The Gabe is located at the Ball Fields at Craig Ranch.
The first game was on Friday night in Coppell where the President of the Copperheads had invited me out to take in the action. I for one will never turn the opportunity to go watch a Baseball Game especially a baseball game that involves Colleges kids. Both team have kids from around the Country and some local boys as well. For an example: The Marshals have four young men from University of the Pacific and four from University of Alabama. Then with the Coppell Copperheads you have players from John Hopkins University and Harvard. Just go to show you how competitive these teams were.
Game one was a back and forth affair which saw the lead changed four times and tied twice with the Marshal winning it the 9th inning, with one down Myrio Richard got it all started, on the next a bat by Chuck Opachich hits a slow roller and that allows Richard to advance to 2nd. That sets it up for Justin Bloxom who delivers a two out single to drive in the game winning run. Hunter Hill came into the game in the 6th innings and earns the win to take a 1-0 lead in the best of 3 series.
Game Two saw the Coppell Copperheads jump out to a 5-0 lead after 3 1/2 innings but the Marshals fought back to score 4 in the bottom of the Fourth with only one single. Coppell got one of those runs back in the top of the 5th after Macellus Biggins was hit by a pitch, stole second and then score on two throwing errors. McKinney led off the bottom of the ninth with a bunt single and after a walk and a infield single were able to get within one run at 6-5. After a fielder’s choice put two runners in scoring position with one out, the Copperheads issued an intentional walk to load the bases to keep the force play in order. The next McKinney batter lined the first pitch down the right field line for a double and a walk-off 7-6 championship victory.
