LOS FRESNOS — On a cold April night, it was the Weslaco High Panthers that came out hot and never cooled down.
The Panthers defeated the Los Fresnos Falcons 10-3 on Thursday night in Los Fresnos. Both teams are now tied for second place in District 32-6A.
“This is probably our best performance to this point,” Weslaco High head coach Mario Rodriguez said. “We graduated a lot of girls last year and had a lot of girls coming in and stepping in different roles. I think finally today we were able to put the whole thing together.”
The Panthers’ whole lineup was having a good night at the plate, top to bottom. Senior Lexie Escamilla, Weslaco High’s seventh hitter, went 3-for-4 with two singles and a home run in the top of the fifth to give the Panters an 8-2 lead.
“I honestly felt it right off the bat, but I was not too sure,” Escamilla said.
Weslaco High’s No. 8 hitter, Hannah Montelongo, drove in three runs during the top of the third. Montelongo’s bases-clearing double gave the Panthers a 6-1 advantage.
“It is good when the stuff that you put on in practice is executed in the game,” Rodriguez said. “We are always looking to put one or two hits together — or two to three hits together — so we can score a run. I think that is what we did today.”
Weslaco High’s defense also performed well against a hard-hitting Los Fresnos team. Freshman pitcher Madelynn Cantu was composed in the circle and, if not for a couple of minor miscues from the defense, a shutout could have been possible.
“Our pitcher has come a long way,” said Escamilla, the shortstop. “I am so proud of her, this was one of her better games. So just seeing her perform out there the way she did, I am just so proud of her.”
Weslaco High and Los Fresnos are now tied for second place in District 32-6A at 5-2. Los Fresnos won the first-round meeting. A playoff could be in store if they finish tied at the end of the season.
“Our district is tough, but I know it is preparing us for the next step after this,” Rodriguez said.
Weslaco High returns to action at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against Brownsville Rivera at Weslaco High. Los Fresnos hopes to bounce back at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at home against Brownsville Hanna.