Spotlight on ...

In 2001, Fort Worth Western Hills won the Class 4A baseball state championship. The Cougars’ encore performance was a respectable run to the regional quarterfinals. It appeared that Western Hills was beginning to establish itself as a baseball power.

But Western Hills endured a three-year playoff drought until clinching the No. 3 seed in District 6-4A this season. Now the Cougars (21-15) have made their first regional quarterfinal run since 2002, and will face 6-4A champ North Richland Hills Birdville this weekend.

“We just keep finding ways to win,” first-year Western Hills coach Bobby McIntire said. “When people doubt us a little bit, we respond a little better.”

And one player in particular, senior right-hander Matt Batts, has responded to carry the Cougars. In the playoffs, Batts is 3-0 (6-2 overall) and has allowed only two runs in 16 innings. And, the 6-foot-4 cleanup hitter had a home run last weekend to lift Western Hills past Joshua.

“When the season has been on the line, Matt has thrown great,” McIntire said. “He’s pitched really well all season and is now coming around at the plate.”

What has gone right for you in the playoffs?

“It’s my last year, so I don’t want it to end. I want to go deep in the playoffs. It’s been everything I ever wanted so far, going deep and trying to make it to state.”

How do you think you’re playing right now?

“Pitching-wise, my breaking pitch and fastball have been pretty good. I’ve hit 88 mph on the gun. I guess you could say I’m a power pitcher because I like coming in and finishing games off. Offensively, I’ve struggled sometimes, but I’ve gotten a little better in the playoffs.”

Do you like facing Birdville again?

“It’s a little easier because we know what to expect going into it. They’re a good team. They’re really strong at the plate because every one of them can hit. And Duncan McAlpine is a good pitcher.”

As a player, does it mean anything to you to see all three District 6-4A teams still playing?

“Yes, it means a lot just because of all the message boards saying that our district was weak. We’re proving a point in the playoffs.”

What do you do outside of baseball?

“I played tight end on our football team. And I just like hanging out with my friends on the weekend.”

Do you plan on playing either football or baseball at the next level?

“I haven’t gotten a lot of offers for baseball. I might play football at Friends University in Wichita, Kan. That’s where my brother goes.”