By ADAM KUJAWSKI, Staff Writer
LOS FRESNOS — The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons have just two blemishes on their district record, and both came at the hands of the San Benito Lady Greyhounds.
San Benito pitcher Crystal Castillo was nearly perfect during a 4-0 victory in the second installment of the battle between the two teams at the top of District 32-6A.
After issuing a walk to Maya Guevara, the Lady Falcons’ first batter of the game, Castillo retired 18 of the next 20 batters she faced. For the remainder of the game, no Lady Falcons player advanced beyond first base. In all, Castillo allowed zero hits and three walks, and she struck out nine batters.
“These girls have worked hard since the very beginning,” San Benito coach Elias Martinez said. “They know it’s not about one person, it’s about the team concept. When (the other team does) hit the ball, (our team) is there defensively. It’s just a camaraderie. They play for each other. Crystal lays it on the line every game, and the girls lay it on the line for Crystal every game.”
Offensively, the Lady Greyhounds (17-1, 9-0 in district) were nearly as methodical as their defense. They began their scoring during the top of the first when Audrey Huerta hit a sacrifice ground ball to the shortstop, bringing in Mel Gonzalez from third.
San Benito maintained its 1-0 lead until the third inning, when it pushed across another run. Huerta drew a walk, advanced to second on a fielder’s choice and scored on a bloop single to left field by Alexxis Cavazos.
The Lady Falcons (12-8, 7-2) played strong defense for the next two innings. They neutralized a bases-loaded, one-out situation during the fourth, and Los Fresnos pitcher Marisela Gaytan retired the Lady Greyhounds in order in the fifth.
“I thought defensively we had a couple hiccups, but for the majority of the game I thought we played a solid defensive game,” Los Fresnos coach Traci Blackman said. “I just wish offensively we could have put some hits together. We did put more balls in play this time than we did last time we played them.
“I can’t be disappointed in them. They came out there and gave me all they had. “
San Benito added to its 2-0 lead during each of the final two innings. Destiny Hernandez reached base on a single to center field and scored when Gonzalez hit a sharp line drive down the left-field line.
During the seventh, the Lady Greyhounds tallied their final run. Huerta drew a leadoff walk and was driven in two batters later on a sacrifice ground ball by Cavazos.
Adam Kujawski covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @adamkujo1.