By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
WESLACO — Before Edinburg High could record its second out of the third inning, Weslaco High had scored five runs on six hits.
That type of offensive outburst is what has come to fuel the Lady Panthers’ playoff run this season, where they find themselves one win away from the regional semifinals after Friday’s 7-1 victory over Edinburg High.
Weslaco (28-6) won its fifth consecutive game Friday, tallying 10 hits and putting the Lady Bobcats on the brink of elimination once again, when both teams square off at 4 p.m. today in Edinburg in Game 2 of their best-of-three series.
The Lady Panthers did it by scoring five runs in the third inning to take a 5-1 lead, before scoring two more runs the following frame. It gave Weslaco its 42nd run scored in its last five playoff games.
“We get runners on, move them in. That’s basically the offensive philosophy,” Weslaco coach Mario Rodriguez said, laughing.
Only four upper-Valley teams remained alive heading into the third round of the playoffs. That all four represent the same district (31-6A) is an oddity — something longtime Valley softball observers can’t recall having seen. This winner of this series stands to make program history, one way or another.
If Weslaco wins, it would mark the first time the program has reached the Sweet 16. Should Edinburg close out the next two games, it mark the third straight series in which it rallied to win after losing Game 1.
“We’ve had our backs against the wall before,” Lady Bobcats coach Jesse Banda said. “We just have to do it again.”
In all likelihood, Edinburg High will have to rely today on Dezi Marmolejo, who pitched a complete game Friday. With backup pitcher Amber Reyes having sustained an injury the previous series, the Lady Bobcats will almost assuredly proceed with Marmolejo in the circle a night after she allowed 10 hits — the second-highest total she has surrendered all year.
The junior also struck out three and allowed two hits to bring her record to 11-5 on the year.
“They’re a good team,” Rodriguez said. “Dez did a fantastic job in the circle. She kept us in check after we were able to get the first couple of hits. So by no means is this over.
“They’re a great team, but by no means was this a message. We still have to play ball (today).”
After Kayla Contreras drove in Kristee Salas in the second inning, Weslaco responded with a base hit by Alyssa Escamilla before Charlene De Anda drove her in from first base on a double. The next two Lady Panthers got on base via fielder’s choice, and Laurynn De Anda scored both on a double to center field to take a 4-1 lead.
Laurynn De Anda scored from second on Gabby Rivera’s single, and then Rivera scored from first on a triple by Jenny Guillen.
The hitting was complemented by Taylor Tafolla’s efforts in the circle. The pitcher retired nine consecutive batters at one point, and finished the night allowing four hits and one walk.
“The competition is definitely fierce, and we don’t take anyone lightly,” Tafolla said. “Even though we’ve played all these teams, miracles can happen.”
She added: “So we’re going to work hard, stay together and just try to help each other out.”