FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen South rebounded from Thursday’s loss to San Benito with a 12-5 victory over crosstown rival Harlingen High on Friday night at Lady Hawks softball field.
With the win South clinches the third postseason spot in District 32-6A, behind San Benito (first overall) and Los Fresnos, which secured the second spot.
Meanwhile the Lady Cardinals can still clinch the fourth spot, however they must first play a tournament style group of games against Brownsville Hanna and Brownsville Veterans.
The Lady Hawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first after Miranda Valdez scored on a 1-4 throwing error.
“Tonight was a big rival game and I think our kids came out a little more focused because they knew what was on the line,” said Harlingen South head coach Debbie Esparza. “A win would put us in third place and they knew that from the beginning.
“It took us awhile to get going but when we did you could see a big sigh of relief from them.”
The Lady Cardinals responded with a two-run third inning. Harlingen’s Zelda Ortiz hit an RBI to deep left field bringing in Alyssa Salinas from third base. Teammate Mia Garza then hit an RBI of her own to the same vicinity bringing home Marissa Gasca for the go-ahead run.
Down 2-1 to start the bottom of the third inning, Harlingen South’s offensive rhythm continued with a three-run inning. The Lady Hawks scored two unearned from Katilynn De La Fuente and Anahi Anaya to put South back on top 3-2. Valdez scored her second on the night on a sac fly to right field from catcher Ariel De La Fuente to push the lead to 4-2
Harlingen had a chance to cut the lead in the top of the fourth but Ortiz popped to second, leaving the bases loaded.
Harlingen South, on the other hand, continued to make contact on its next at-bats. The Lady Hawks erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Valdez continued to make an impact for the Lady Hawks as the center fielder hit a ball to deep right field for a two-run RBI double to stretch the lead to 6-2.
Valdez had a good game drawing some praise from her head coach. She scored three runs and had two RBIs on the night.
South scored three more runs to finish the fourth and three more in the closing inning to close out the game.
The Lady Hawks must wait until Tuesday to find out who their first-round playoff opponent will be.