Portales hasn't had much luck against Lovington recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Rams will take on the Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. Portales is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Portales is headed into Tuesday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Saturday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 4-3 heartbreaker at the hands of Robertson.
Annaleah Lujan was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). The dominant performance also gave her a new career-low in walks (zero). She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, Myleigh Banda made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Lovington narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Roswell 4-2. The victory continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Coyotes: they've now won six in a row.
Daphne Utajara spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in ten consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Zabri Rodriguez, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March of 2024. Honey Morales was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.
Lovington hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in four consecutive matches.
Lovington's record is now 12-5. As for Portales, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-8.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Portales hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .339. However, it's not like Lovington struggles in that department as they've averaged .332. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Portales suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Lovington when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Rams avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
