By Moses Leos III.
Clutch hitting in tight situations kept the Lehman Lobo softball team’s playoff hopes alive.
A four-run first inning launched Lehman to a 7-2 win over the Kerrville Tivy Lady Antlers Tuesday at Lehman. With two games left, Lehman (16-9, 7-5) holds a one game lead over Seguin for the final playoff spot in 27-4A.
“We have got to win [the last two games]. A 9-5 record will get us in; 8-6 will be shaky,” Lehman softball head coach Bill Holmes said. “They know the next two games are it.”
Tivy’s offense quickly got the leg up on Lehman senior pitcher Sam Villegas. A one out inside-the-park home run from Alyssa Woods gave the Antlers a 1-0 first inning lead.
From top: Lady Lobo left fielder Clarissa Rayos (2) successfully slides into second base. Five steals, three from Rayos, gave Leh-man the edge in their victory. Mikayla Cruz sprints past home plate in Tuesday night’s game. A four run second inning pushed Lehman past Tivy 7-2. Lehman High third baseman Mikayla Cruz tosses a throw across the diamond during the Lady Lobos’ 7-2 win over Tivy on Tuesday. (Photos by Rafael Marquez) |
Lehman responded in the bottom half, rallying off of pitcher Sahara Fogle. Outfielders Clarissa Rayos and Alexis Trotter led off with back-to-back walks; both advanced to scoring position.
Taking advantage on the base paths was the key for Holmes and the Lobo offense. Lehman successfully executed five steals in the game, three from Rayos.
“The first time we played [Tivy], we were able to run on their catcher,” Holmes said. “We were going to keep running until they threw us out.”
The Lobos first run came across via an error on a pop fly from catcher Kynlsee Noriega. With two on and two outs, designated player Ariana Romo stepped up and ripped a two-run RBI triple to left field. Romo eventually scored on a passed ball, giving Lehman a 4-1 lead.
Villegas limited the Antlers to only three hits in seven innings work, while striking out three.
Holmes said he allowed Villegas to play to contact, allowing her defense to aid her. Staying ahead in the count proved crucial for the senior pitcher.
“I tried to get my pitches on the outside [of the plate],” she said. “I just tried to think ahead.”
Lehman’s offense continued to pound the Tivy pitching staff, even as the Antlers went to relief pitcher Bailey Havis.
However, the Lobos struggled to drive in runners in scoring position. A total of five Lobo base runners were left on base; three at third base.
Tivy cut into the Lobos’ lead in the fourth, scoring a run. But the Lobos once again responded in the next half inning.
With the bases loaded and two outs, shortstop Angel Cruz delivered in the clutch, driving a two-run RBI single up the middle to give Lehman a 6-2 lead.
Lehman added an insurance run via a sacrifice fly from Trotter to seal the win.
The Lobos’ focus now lies on clinching the team’s first ever postseason berth in program history. It begins with a road contest against Lockhart, followed by the regular season finale against Schertz Clemens – the second and third best teams in 27-4A.
“We just have to keep fighting. I know we can do it,” Villegas said. “Making the playoffs for the first time – that’s what we’re trying to do.”
