McLane extended their losing streak to three on Wednesday, dropping them down to 5-8. They came up short against the Hoover Patriots, falling 22-9. The Highlanders were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Patriots apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.
As for Hoover, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 10-12. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by eight runs or more this season.
For Hoover's part, Hazel Martinez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed six innings while giving up five earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits. Martinez has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with seven RBI, three runs, and three doubles. Those seven RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Hoover let Izabel Belmontez and Samantha Vasquez run wild. Belmontez went 3-for-5 with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs, while Vasquez went 4-for-5 with five runs, one double, and one RBI. Vasquez continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Mya Del Rio, who went 2-for-5 with one run and one RBI.
Looking ahead, McLane will face off against Sunnyside at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. The Highlanders' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Wildcats have averaged an impressive 6.4 runs per game this season. As for Hoover, they will challenge Justin Garza at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
