The Morton Maidens hosted the Sundown Roughettes for a district softball matchup this past Tuesday night, resulting in the Roughettes earning a 24-0 run rule win across three innings.
In the team statistics, Sundown bested Morton 16-0 in hits, 9-0 in walks and 0-6 in errors committed.
The Roughettes added nine runs in the first inning, 10 runs in the second inning and five runs in the third inning, but it’s not like they needed all that offense with the performance of starting pitcher Destiny Garza.
Garza pitched a perfect game, throwing all three frames, allowing zero runs, hits and walks while striking out seven batters.
Garza also tossed a perfect game back in March and so did her teammate Breigh Gregory; the duo has been dominant on mound for the Roughettes, which Sundown Head Softball Coach Meagan Gonzales addressed.
“I think we have shown maturity on the mound,” Coach Gonzales said. “I love that they come out and pitch well. They’re just controlling the circle, our team and keeping a positive attitude. I love that about both of our girls.”
And as good as the Sundown pitching staff has been, the offense has matched them, earning yet another run rule victory over Morton.
Roughettes standouts at the plate included Destiny Garza going 4/4 with five runs-batted-in, three runs scored, two stolen bases, a home run and a double, catcher Brynly Gregory going ¾ with five RBI’s and one run scored, center fielder Camry Jourden going ¾ with four RBI’s, two runs scored and two stolen bases, and right fielder Jaelyn Dominguez going ½ with two RBI’s and a run scored.
Others included left fielder Avy McGlasson going 2/3 with three stolen bases, two runs scored and a double, shortstop Emry Jourden going 2/2 with four runs scored, three stolen bases, two walks and an RBI, and Araceli Ibarra and Addison Bridges both with an RBI apiece. The win improves the Roughettes to 18-3 overall and 8-0 in district play, which puts them first in the 2A District 4 softball standings. (CHECK) And with as dominant as they’ve been in district, Coach Gonzales talked about how she’s keeping her group focused as the postseason approaches.
“One game at a time, we try to just get ready for who we’re about to play,” Coach Gonzales said. “We want them to have a good mindset about district, going about themselves, staying humble and not getting too carried away, and getting accidentally upset. I’m proud to see the maturity of this team.”
Meanwhile on the Maidens side of things, the loss drops them to 6-13 overall and 3-5 in district play, which puts them fourth in the 2A District 4 softball standings.
Maya Huckabee and Audrie Garcia handled the duties on the mound, holding Sundown to 15 earned runs on 16 hits and nine walks, but the Maidens six errors as a team would be detrimental in the game.
“They gave us chances to make outs, and we kind of gave it back to them,” Morton Head Softball Coach Martin Adams said. “We’ve got to learn to make those playoffs, especially if we’re going to make that playoff run we’re hoping for. Sundown’s a great team and if you give them extra outs, they’ll make that hurt and take advantage of that.”
Despite the tough result, the Maidens are still in a great spot to make the playoffs. If they win their next two games against Tahoka and New Home, they’re a shoo-in, but if they don’t, they could end up in a tie and potentially a play-off.
In their first matchup against each team, Morton lost to Tahoka 10-0 and beat New Home 16-6.
The Maidens host Tahoka over the weekend before traveling to play on the road at New Home on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Roughettes host New Home over the weekend before traveling to play on the road at Post on Tuesday at 5 p.m.