KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN—The Harlingen South Lady Hawks wrapped up their non-district schedule in style.
Freshman Iliana Saucedo paced the offense with a 3-for-3 day with four RBIs and two runs as the Lady Hawks used a seven-run second inning to cruise past PSJA High 15-0 in three innings Thursday morning.
“Overall, we are seeing the ball well both defensively and at the plate,” said South Coach Elias Martinez. “Today we had two routine plays that we made errors on but I’m glad we got those out of the way because on Tuesday, district starts. That was one thing I told the girls, it starts over next week and on paper, we look good, but the games are not played on paper.”
Senior shortstop Krystal Gonzales got the offense going with a two-run single in the first inning. Saucedo would later score Gonzales on an RBI single of her own.
On Tuesday, the offense generated 17 runs and on Thursday, the Lady Hawks swatted 13 hits combined. Gonzales finished the day going 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Kayla Rogers also went 2-for-2 while Natasha Canales and Alexa Saucedo went 1-for-2, respectively.
The seven-run second inning was highlighted by a two run double from Saucedo, followed by a two-run single from Alyssa Ledesma that pushed the lead 9-0.
“Right now we are in a good spot and we feel good,” said junior Kytana Muinz. “We all worked together in the offseason and we are seeing it pay off. At the plate, I feel better and I’m making more contact now than earlier in the season.”
Kylie Ruiz took the circle for South and was sharp through three innings, allowing just two hits. In the top of the second inning, back-to-back errors and a walk loaded the bases for PSJA.
Ruiz was able to strike out the next two batters and got the third out on a pop up to wiggled out of the jam unscathed.
South will head into their district 32-6A opener with a strong 19-4 record and will square off with Los Fresnos at home on Tuesday with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.