Softball Recap: Veterans Memorial Takes a Loss

If Veterans Memorial was feeling good fresh off their 19-1 takedown of Hidalgo last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Veterans Memorial Chargers took an 11-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Harlingen Cardinals on Tuesday. The Chargers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Cardinals apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2016.

Arianna Garcia put in work no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up four earned (and seven unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.

In other batting news, Mia Gonzalez was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run and four RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February. Itzel Rodriguez was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.

Even though they lost, Veterans Memorial kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. This was only their first loss (out of four games) when they post 11 or more hits.

Veterans Memorial has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost nine of their last 12 matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-12 record this season. Harlingen's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 11-8.

Coming up, Veterans Memorial will head out to face off against Hanna at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Veterans Memorial has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week. As for Harlingen, a feisty cat fight will be fought as Harlingen Cardinals take on Weslaco Panthers at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (they have won six straight at home dating back to last season, while Weslaco won three straight on the road), something that'll have to change.