Eagle bats connect for win
EL CENTRO — The Southwest High softball team picked up its biggest win of the season on Thursday night after defeating cross-town rival Central Union High 17-0 at Emma Jones Field here.
The victory was crucial for the Eagles as they are still in the hunt for an Imperial Valley League crown and are also competing for the top spot in the CIF-San Diego Section Div. III standings.
With the win, Southwest holds onto the No. 2 spot in the IVL standings with a record of 9-2. That’s one game behind Central, which now holds a 9-1 record.
Both teams wrap up the regular season next week, with Central needing to secure victories over both Imperial and Brawley Union highs to claim the title outright, while Southwest will play Palo Verde Valley on Thursday before waiting to see how the Spartans finish.
On Thursday night, the Eagles wasted no time getting on the board, as they jumped on the Spartans, bringing in four runs in the first, three in the second and 10 in the third.
The Eagles’ entire lineup contributed to the win with junior Arianna Izaguirre leading the way with a double, single and a two-run home run.
In the first inning, Iliana Manzano helped open the game up, connecting for a double and bringing in a total of three runs on the night.
Victoria Cruz also fared well for Southwest as she finished with two singles, a double and four RBIs.
In the circle, Sadriena Rodriguez picked up the shutout victory, tallying seven strikeouts in the five-inning effort.
At the plate, Rodriguez had double and one RBI; Mady Jungers had a single and one RBI; Jewelia Mendez had a single, and Emily Tellez had a single and two RBIs.
Southwest closes out the season at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, while Central hosts Imperial at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.