Hays pitcher Sarah Leal allowed no earned runs and only four hits while striking out six Lockhart batters in a must-win District 27-4A game for Hays last week. She also pitched out of a jam in the seventh inning to seal the win. (photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
by JASON GORDON
After two straight District 27-4A losses, the Hays High softball team was at a crossroads last week when it faced perennial regional power Lockhart.
Another defeat would have meant a 1-3 start in district play and a long uphill climb back into the playoff race.
The Lady Rebels showed what they are made of, and hopefully signs of things to come in 27-4A play with a 2-1 win over the Lady Lions and their talented pitcher Mikaela Flores.
Hays sophomore pitcher Sarah Leal outpitched Flores, allowing no earned runs and only four hits while striking out six Lockhart batters.
The Lady Rebs are now tied for third in 27-4A action with a 2-2 record.
“Sarah stepped up big time,” Hays head coach Aaron Fuller said. “We feel like we’re really headed in the right direction as a team again.”
After consecutive losses to Clemens and Alamo Heights, Fuller challenged his team.
“I told them they needed to come out 100 percent focused against Lockhart,” Fuller said. “I told them I knew they could be better than what they were showing on the field. Lockhart was a must win for us and they responded. I was really proud of them.”
Hays actually trailed the Lady Lions 1-0 until the sixth inning.
That’s when Brayden Pinckard found another gear to beat out an infield single to lead things off. After a Hannah Ramsey single on a hit and run, Kelsea Sadler tied the game with an RBI-single to right field that plated Pinckard.
Soon afterward, Clarissa Gonzalez drove in the game winner with a single to center that scored Ramsey.
Leading 2-1, the game was far from over as the top of the seventh inning was filled with drama.
Lockhart had runners at second and third base with only one out, but Lady Rebel third baseman Gaby Albarez threw out a Lady Lion at home for the second out on a sharp grounder. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, Leal struck out the final batter of the game for Lockhart to end the contest.
“I definitely think the win against Lockhart helped boost our confidence,” Sadler said. “It shows the rest of the district what we’re capable of. From here on out every win matters, and we are fully prepared to fight for a playoff spot. We have some very important games coming up, so it’s essential we stay focused and keep working hard.”
Hays was scheduled to play at Canyon Tuesday night and will host Smithson Valley Friday evening.
