by MOSES LEOS III
After suffering a rare district loss to Lockhart on Thursday, the Hays Rebel softball team looked to rebound against Schertz Clemens on Saturday. They did just that and some, as a four-run second, followed by an eight-run third inning help the Rebel softball team run-rule the Lady Buffaloes 12-2 in five innings.
In Tuesday night’s action, the Lady Rebels defeated Seguin 6-4 on the road. Hays takes over the district lead with the win and remains ranked seventh in state.
The barrage of runs in the Clemens game began with a two-out rally in the second inning. Rebel right fielder Brayden Pinckard reached first base on a fielder’s choice, which was then followed by an RBI double by shortstop Gabby Albarez, scoring Pinckard to put up the first run of the day. After designated hitter Karina Rocha walked, pitcher Sarah Leal then stepped up and belted a two-run RBI triple to right center field, scoring Albarez and Rocha. Hays tacked on another run via a single by second baseman Addie Vayas to take a 4-0 lead.
“We were more focused today,” said Hays head coach Aaron Fuller, who saw all nine of his batters step up to the plate in the second inning. “We stressed focus after we did not swing the bat well at Lockhart. During practice this week, we emphasized staying on top the ball, stop putting the ball in the air and just stay focused.”
However, the Lady Buffaloes mounted a rally in the next half inning, scoring two runs off of ace pitcher Leal. The damage could have been worse, if not for the strong arm of center fielder Hannah Ramsey, who prevented a third run from crossing the plate by heaving a precision throw to home to record the second out of the inning. “I knew there was a runner on second (base)” said Ramsey, who reacted after a Clemens’ batter hit a double. “So, I knew that I was going to have to get her out at home. (The ball) hit off of (Vayas’) glove, and went right to me. I am confident in my arm, so I just made the throw.”
Hays exited the top of the third with a 4-2 lead, but momentum had shifted into the Lady Buffaloes favor. Between innings, Coach Fuller gathered his team to ensure his team could shake off Clemens’ rally. “Anytime we give up some runs, I tell (my kids), ‘great teams answer back,’” Fuller said. “Great teams don’t just get scored on and just take it. They always come back the next inning.”
Sure enough, the Rebels entered the top of the third ready to answer the call. First baseman Clarissa Gonzales took Fuller’s words to heart, as she led off the inning with a monster solo home-run to right center field, increasing the Rebel lead to 5-2.
“I did not think it was going over the wall,” said Gonzales, who felt she did not get full contact on the ball. “But it (went over the wall), and all I could say was, ‘heck yeah.’ It was exciting.”
Gonzales’ homerun opened the flood gates, as the team began to consistently pick apart Clemens’ pitching staff, particularly starter Samantha Moore. Hays went on to score seven more runs in the third, with the team batting around the order. All told, Hays sent 22 batters to the plate during the second and third innings.
“Our kids did a good job of making adjustments,” Fuller said. “Answering at that point after giving up the two runs, was huge. It really took the wind out of (Clemens’) sails, which is exactly what we needed to do.”
Leal, who finished with eight strikeouts on the afternoon, shut down the Clemens’ offense in the final two innings of play. Aiding the effort was flashy defense by the Rebel infield, especially Gonzales, who dove to snag a line drive at first base to prevent a hit in the fourth inning.
Finishing the season on a strong note becomes the most important attribute for Hays. The focus beams directly on the Rebels’ final two games of the season. “We really want that district championship,” said Ramsey, who felt that the loss to Lockhart gave the Rebels “motivation” to claim the district title
As playoff time nears, the Rebels are keen on ensuring they do not look too far ahead of schedule. “We are not looking forward to the playoffs yet,” Fuller said. “We still have business to take care of in district. We just have to take it one game at a time. We just need to stay focused.”
