A nine-run fifth inning provided the Westlake Chaparrals enough leverage Tuesday to cruise past the Hays Rebels in a 12-1 run-rule win in five innings.

While the Rebels clinched the best-of-3 series with victories on March 14 and 15, Hays head coach James Howard plans to use the defeat as a learning opportunity heading into a critical three-game set against Lehman.

“I told the guys they have to be mentally tougher than that,” Howard said. “We are going to learn from it and I th...