Softball Recap: Clayton Takes a Loss

Clayton had lost four straight on the road, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 6-10 to make it five. They came up short against the Estancia Bears, falling 18-3. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Bears this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 17-1 on Thursday.

As for Estancia, the victory (which was their 14th in a row) raised their record to 18-2. The result was nothing new for the Bears, who have now won 15 matches by seven runs or more so far this season.

For Estancia's part, Jhenna Valencia made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Valencia has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in nine consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two triples, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most triples she has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Estancia let Peyton Looper and Rylynn Velarde run wild. Looper got on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs, one triple, and one RBI, while Velarde got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. That's the most runs Velarde has posted since back in March. Lucille Summers was another key player, getting on base in two of her three plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Coming up, Clayton will head out to square off against Raton at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Yellowjackets' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 10.6 runs per game this season. As for Estancia, they will be playing at home against Tucumcari at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Bears' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Rattlers have averaged an impressive 14.6 runs per game this season.