HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Lady Cardinals helped their postseason chances with a 10-0, 5-inning victory over Brownsville Lopez on Tuesday night.
As District 32-6A reaches the final stretch of the regular season, the Lady Cards found themselves amongst a handful of teams needing a win to secure a playoff birth.
With San Benito in control of the top spot in the district and Los Fresnos sitting in second place, Harlingen High, Harlingen South and Brownsville Veterans are left to scramble for the remaining two spots.
Fortunately for Harlingen, a four-run fifth inning helped put the Lady Lobos away early.
“Our pitching was great and I think we played real good defense,” said Harlingen head coach Lance White. “Our defense played better tonight than it has in the last couple of weeks. We were in a little bit of a slump, but I think we’re making some progress and hopefully getting ready for the playoffs.”
The Lady Cardinals’ offense jumped out to an early lead as center fielder Mia Garza hit an RBI single to center bringing in lead-off hitter Zelda Ortiz for the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Two batters later first baseman Mikayla Cabriales sacrificed bringing in Garza, who was waiting at third.
In the bottom of the third, Garza got her second RBI of the night. The shortstop brought in Ortiz once again from second base to stretch the lead to 4-0 before Garza came in on a wild pitch from Lopez’ pitcher Kasandra Rubio.
With Harlingen in control of the game the Lady Cardinals got on the scoreboard once again on their next at-bat as third baseman Alyssa Guajardo and left fielder Marissa Gasca scored on unearned runs in the fourth.
In the fifth, Torrie Parra cleared the bases. Harlingen’s ace pitcher hit a deep shot to the outfield plating Mia Garza, Rhiana Reyes and Cabriales to close out the game.
The win sets up crucial matchup against crosstown rival Harlingen South at the Lady Hawks softball field on Friday.