Bulldogs hold off Tigers
I theMPERIAL — While the Imperial Valley League girls’ softball season is only just underway, it’s evident the league crown will be a fight to finish, as a handful of teams boast solid pitching and strong hitting this year.
On Tuesday night, the co-defending champs of Imperial High played host to Calexico in a thriller that ultimately favored Calexico, 8-6.
The Bulldogs held an 8-3 lead over the Tigers for a majority of the game until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Julyannah Ramirez knocked in a three-run triple to bring the score, 8-6.
Calexico’s Jessie Rodriguez then worked to get two outs before the Tigers loaded the bases again after Natalia Anguiano and Ale De La Trinidad reached on walks.
Imperial’s Lexi Retana then laid down a twoout bunt that was fielded by Rodriguez, who onehopped it to first base.
The hop coupled with Retana’s speed made for an extremely close and final call that favored Calexico as Retana was called out.
While the end of the game was a nail-biter, the early innings heavily favored Calexico.
The Bulldogs scored two runs in the first inning, three in the second and three in the fourth and, with help from Rodriguez, held Imperial to just three runs through six innings.
“I’m just so proud of the way Jessie competed (Tuesday),” said Bulldog Head Coach Jerry Niebla. “She trusted the defense and knew if she hit her spots, they’d be there to back her up. It was great seeing her pitch with purpose.”
Rodriguez said she felt butterflies the entire game, despite not showing it in the circle.
The senior starter grew stronger each inning, keeping the Tigers on their toes with her off-speed pitches.
“I was super nervous before the game,” Rodriguez said. “On the bus ride over I had butterflies, and I think after the first inning it only got worse, but I’d just take a deep breath after each pitch to get through it.”
In addition to Rodriguez’s performance in the circle, the top half of the Bulldogs’ lineup was also a force to be reckoned with.
Leadoff batter Nicole Moran reached base five times, going 4-4 with two doubles, two singles and one walk.
“We just came here really strong, and we just fought through,” said the senior shortstop.
With the win the Bulldogs move to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in IVL, while Imperial drops to 3-5-1 and 0-1 in IVL play.
Both teams return to action at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with Calexico hosting Central and Imperial hosting Southwest.