By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
BROWNSVILLE— Entering their second meeting against rival Mercedes, with an opportunity to put themselves in the driver’s seat in District 32-5A, Brownsville Veterans Memorial took the field with a little extra emotion and motivation.
First assistant Heriberto Rodriguez’s wife is in the hospital with an illness, and the Lady Chargers dedicated their game to their coach.
Senior ace Mia Anzaldua threw a complete game, surrendering one run, walking one and striking out 15 Lady Tigers, and Brownsville Veterans used a three-run first and a four-run sixth to complete the season sweep over Mercedes 9-1.
“This was a big game and we knew it was going to be tough, we played a quality team in Mercedes,” Brownsville Veterans coach Rayner Cardenas said. “It was difficult and they proposed a tough challenge. Mia was very dominant on the mound and we just need to play solid defense, and we gave up a few hits and errors here and there, but when it is all said and done I like the way the girls responded to the pressure.”
Anzaldua struck out the side four times and, at one point, struck out eight in a row from the second to the fourth innings. The senior took a no-hitter into the fifth, but it ended when Mercedes’ Reba Ayala laced a leadoff double.
“This is just a big game for us, this is the game we all get ready for,” Anzaldua said. “The fact that they are such a good team and hit the ball well, that is a motivation for us. I do mix things up as a pitcher, but also the practice that goes in during the week, that is what helps make a difference on the field.”
The fifth inning was the only blemish for the Lady Chargers. The Lady Tigers took advantage of back-to-back errors and plated their only run. After a two-out walk, Anzaldua wiggled out of the bases-loaded jam by retiring the next two batters.
“Coach just wanted us to stay calm and focused in that fifth inning,” she said. “Errors happen, we just kept our focus and were able to get out of the inning.”
Brownsville Veterans took advantage of passed balls and drew five walks against Mercedes starter Kassidie Rodriguez. The bats woke up during the sixth inning. Sarah Gomez, Jocelyn Head and Liz Abete all drove in runs as part of a four-run frame.
The Lady Chargers are 10-0 in district, and Mercedes is 8-2 with four games remaining in the regular season. Up next for Brownsville Veterans is a match against Valley View, and Mercedes will look to rebound against Edcouch-Elsa.
“Right now our focus is to just keep playing and win out and hopefully get that district title, and then get ready for the playoffs,” Anzaldua said.