Softball Recap: Laredo LBJ Comes Up Short

Laredo LBJ extended their losing streak to 14 on Friday, dropping them down to 3-16. They came up short against the Medina Valley Panthers, falling 12-6. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Panthers this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 19-3 on March 3rd.

As for Medina Valley, they are on a roll lately: they've won 11 of their last 12 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 19-7 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.9 runs over those games.

For Medina Valley's part, Kylah Martinez was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Martinez has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.

In other batting news, Katie Ovalle and Niobe Villafane did most of the damage at the plate: Ovalle got on base in three of her five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI, while Villafane went 1-for-4 with one triple and two RBI. Villafane has been hot recently, having posted at least one triple the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Amethyst Valenzuela, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Laredo LBJ will square off against Eagle Pass at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Eagles' pitching crew has only allowed 2.9 runs per game this season, so the Wolves' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Medina Valley, they will face off against Alexander at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The Panthers' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bulldogs have averaged an impressive 8.4 runs per game this season.