Softball Preview: Santa Fe Demons vs. Los Lunas Tigers
After three games on the road, Santa Fe is heading back home. They will take on the Los Lunas Tigers at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Santa Fe was handed a 16-point defeat in their previous outing, but they didn't let that bad energy affect their game against Portales on Saturday. Santa Fe had just enough and edged Portales out 5-3. The victory was just what Santa Fe needed coming off of a 20-4 loss in their prior game.
Leah Gutierrez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. Gutierrez has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive pitching appearances. Gutierrez was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a triple, two RBI, and a run.
Gutierrez wasn't the only one making solid contact as one players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Sarah Pino, who went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and an RBI. A'Mya Jeselink was another key contributor, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, in what's become a running theme this season, Los Lunas gave their fans yet another huge win on Saturday. They were the clear victor by a 13-4 margin over Manzano. The victory was nothing new for Los Lunas as they're now sitting on three straight.
Like Santa Fe, Los Lunas also got a great game from a two-way player: Natalie Madrid. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up four earned runs off 11 hits. Madrid was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Sarah Love, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5. Another player making a difference was Haidyn Garley, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a triple.
Santa Fe now has a winning record of 9-8. As for Los Lunas, their win bumped their record up to 9-6.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Santa Fe has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .456. However, it's not like Los Lunas struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Santa Fe suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Los Lunas in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Will Santa Fe have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
