Softball Game Preview: Nixon Mustangs vs. Rio Grande City Rattlers

Nixon hasn't had much luck against Rio Grande City recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Mustangs are taking a road trip to square off against the Rattlers at 6:00 p.m. The two teams are strolling into their contests after big wins in their previous games.

Nixon had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 16-run drubbing they dealt Martin on Tuesday. The Mustangs were the clear victors by an 18-2 margin over the Tigers. That looming 18-2 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Mustangs yet this season.

Valeria Lara

Base on Balls Against

04/08/25 @ Martin	2
04/04/25 vs Mission Veterans Memorial	0
04/01/25 vs United South	2

Valeria Lara made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one RBI.

In other batting news, Nixon let Ayleen Guadalajara and Mia Medina run wild. Guadalajara went 1-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one double, while Medina scored three runs and stole four bases. Those four stolen bases gave Medina a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Delaney Guevara, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

Nixon hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in five consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Rio Grande City came tearing into Tuesday's game with 12 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 11.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Huskies. The Rattlers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 contests by six runs or more this season.

Rio Grande City's victory was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-4. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.2 runs on average over those games. As for Nixon, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 15-10-1 record this season.

Nixon suffered a grim 7-0 defeat to Rio Grande City when the teams last played back in March. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.