Los Alamos Hammers Moriarty in District Clash

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — Defensive miscues proved insurmountable for Moriarty on Wednesday as the Pintos dropped a 14-4 District 2-4A road contest to Los Alamos.

The Pintos (13-4, 4-1) struggled to find their footing in the field, committing nine errors over six innings. The defensive lapses overshadowed a gritty performance by freshman pitcher Bella Maldonado, who went the distance in a pressure-cooker environment.

Maldonado faced a veteran Hilltoppers (10-5, 4-0) lineup that featured six seniors. Despite the lopsided score, the freshman managed to strike out 12 batters over 5.2 innings of work. Of the 14 runs charged to her, only four were earned, as the Los Alamos offense capitalized on Moriarty’s mistakes to rack up 11 hits.

Moriarty’s offense showed signs of life in the middle innings. Senior Kristina Means led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a double. Destinee Chavez also added a double, while Emma Rodriguez and Maldonado each contributed hits.

Los Alamos broke the game open in the fourth and sixth innings, putting up six and five runs respectively. Trailing 9-1 in the sixth, the Pintos attempted a rally by plating three runs, but the Hilltoppers answered immediately in the bottom half of the frame to end the game via the run rule.

The loss marks the first in district play for the Pintos, who will look to tighten up the defense before their next outing.

Box Score Highlights

• Kristina Means: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R
• Bella Maldonado (Pitching): 5.2 IP, 12 K, 1 BB, 4 ER
• Team Stats: Moriarty (4 Runs, 7 Hits, 9 Errors) / Los Alamos (14 Runs, 11 Hits, 1 Error)