Odessa College’s Jose Carmona (42) swings at a pitch in the sixth inning in game two of a doubleheader against New Mexico Junior College Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark. Michael Bauer|Odessa American

After missing out on the region tournament last year, the Odessa College baseball team now finds itself hosting the first round series of the Region V Championship in a season that’s seen a remarkable turnaround for the program.

The Wranglers, who won their first Western Junior College Athletic Conference title since 2017 by winning three of four against New Mexico Junior College, will now host Cisco College in a best-of-three series with Game 1 taking place at 1 p.m. Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark.

Game 2 will take place at 1 p.m. Friday while Game 3, if necessary, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The winner will advance to the Super Regional Tournament, which will take place May 15-17.

The winner of that tournament will book its ticket to the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colo.

Under first-year head coach David Wood, the Wranglers finished the regular season at 38-14 overall, 30-6 in WJCAC, having finished one win ahead of second place Midland College (46-9, 29-7).

New Mexico Junior College finished third in the standings at 46-9, 29-7.

“It means a lot,” Wood said on winning the WJCAC title. “It hasn’t been done since 2017 so it’s been a minute. It’s one of those things where I don’t think the rest of the conference expected it to happen and I don’t even know if we expected it to happen. But as the season progressed, the possibility became real and we told our guys that this isn’t something we’re hoping will happen. It’s something that can happen for us. It’s a big deal.”

The Wranglers defeated the Thunderbirds by scores of 11-5 and 9-1 last Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark to clinch a share of the title.

The following day, after losing Game 3 of the series 8-2, the Wranglers clinched the title outright with an 11-8 win in Hobbs, N.M.

Odessa College’s Nathaniel Mendoza (23) celebrates his home run with his teammates int he second inning in the second game against New Mexico Junior College Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark. Michael Bauer|Odessa American

The Wranglers know they play in one of the most difficult regions in all of JUCO baseball and unlike softball, there are no at-large bids to get into the World Series.

However, having played against a tough team like New Mexico Junior College at the end of the regular season, Wood feels like his team is well-battle tested going into the postseason.

“In a weird way, playing the best teams at the end are likely going to help us get ready for the postseason,” Wood said. “(New Mexico Junior College) is a great team. They can really hit. They got a couple really good arms at the top of their rotation. We went into that weekend like it was a regional, like it was playoff baseball since the conference title was on the line. Our headspace is in a really good spot. The guys are extremely focused, extremely motivated, so we feel good going into Cisco.”

Odessa College’s Eiji Sawamura tries to get a bunt in the sixth inning against New Mexico Junior College in game two of the doubleheader Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark. Michael Bauer|Odessa American

Cisco College, which plays in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference, comes in at 34-21, 16-16 and finished fourth in the standings.

“They’re gritty,” Wood said. “They’re really tough. They got some really physical dudes in their lineup that we’ll have to make good pitches to. They got a couple good arms at the top of their rotation. They’re like every JUCO team that we’ve faced.”

However, being at home has given the Wranglers plenty of motivation.

“It’s great for the city,” Wood said. “It’s great for the school. It’s great for us to be able to sleep in your own bed and to host. That’s something that doesn’t happen often when you play. Our guys need to cherish it and embrace it. And for us, you know, the road to Grand Junction runs through Odessa now, so that’s a huge deal.”

The players are looking to make the most of the opportunity of being at home this week.

“It feels good to be at home,” sophomore infielder Lazaro Alvarado said. “They have to come and play at our field, but feel like we’re better here at home.”

Freshman infielder Nathaniel Mendoza echoed those thoughts.

“I’m really excited because we have a lot of energy in conference games and I just can’t imagine us not having that same the energy in the playoffs,” Mendoza said.

Odessa College’s Daniel Lopez pitches in game one of the doubleheader against New Mexico Junior College Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark. Michael Bauer|Odessa American

While winning the WJCAC title has felt good, the next challenge for the Wranglers has been to put it behind them and focus on the next task.

“I think that’s what we’ve done so well out this year,” Wood said. “We want to worry about what’s in front of us right now. We’re not worried about tomorrow. We’re not worried about yesterday. We’re worried about what’s right in front of us, and that is the most important thing to us. We take it one game at a time, one inning at a time, one pitch at a time. As long as we continue to do that, I think we’ll make a pretty good run.”

TOURNAMENT BREAKDOWN

Odessa College vs. Cisco College

>> When: 1 p.m. Thursday (Game 1); 1 p.m. Friday (Game 2); 1 p.m. Saturday (Game 3, if necessary).

>> Where: Wrangler Ballpark.

>> 2025 records: Odessa College 38-14, Cisco College 34-21

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