By Ronnie Hughes

The Orange Leader

BRIDGE CITY — The overcast weather and chance of rain didn’t keep the stands from filling up in Bridge City Tuesday night.

The Cardinals played host to the West Orange-Stark Mustangs, but fell short 4-2 in the battle for first place in District 24-4A. The Cardinals fell victim to their own mistakes, committing four errors that led to three runs for the Mustangs.

WO-S junior Jack Dallas picked up the complete-game win with eight strikeouts.

The Mustangs took advantage of the Cardinal errors early. K.J. Miller batted in the No. 2 spot and would take a free base after Tod McDowell struggled with his command early. Miller stole second and took third base after a wild throw from the catcher. Dallas would bring Miller home on a ground out shot to short to give the Mustangs a 1-0 advantage after one complete.

McDowell found his spot in the second inning, striking out two of three Mustang batters, but it would be Dallas returning the favor with a one-two-three inning himself.

WO-S again notched runs on errant throws by the Cardinals in the top of the third. Blake Robertson led off with a walk and eventually was brought home after two wild throws by the Cards.

Ryan Ragsdale ripped a shot down the third baseline to score Dallas and gave the Mustangs a 3-0 command after the top of third inning.

After Ragsdale led off with a walk in the sixth, he scored after a Kevin Gordon throwing error in attempt to get B.B. Tezeno out at first. The free run was all the Mustangs needed to secure the victory.

The Mustangs ended the game with a double play after an infield meeting on the pitchers mound.

West Orange-Stark (4-0 in 24-4A) now holds onto first place with the Cardinals (3-1 in 24-4A) dropping their first district game of the season.