Defensive Miscues Hurt Lady Pintos in Espanola

ESPANOLA – The Moriarty Lady Pintos found themselves on the wrong end of a doubleheader sweep Saturday, dropping the opening game to Espanola Valley 6-3 before stumbling in the nightcap.

The Lady Pintos (13-7, 4-3 District 2-4A) jumped out to an early lead but were ultimately undone by a five-run fourth inning from the Sundevils (7-14, 5-3) and a defensive performance that included five errors.

Moriarty appeared to have the momentum early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning and adding another in the third to take a 3-0 advantage. However, the Sundevils began their comeback with a run in the bottom of the third before exploding for five runs in the fourth to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Junior Emma Rodriguez started in the circle for the Lady Pintos, pitching 3.1 innings. While she limited the Sundevils to four hits, she struggled with command, issuing six walks. Of the six runs charged to her, only three were earned.

Freshman Bella Maldonado provided a stellar relief performance, striking out eight batters in just 2.2 innings of work while surrendering only two hits and no runs.

At the plate, Rodriguez led the offensive effort, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Angelita Tapia also turned in a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-3 with a double. Senior Kristina Means provided the team’s lone RBI, while Peyton Rutz and Maldonado each added a hit.

Despite out-hitting the Sundevils 7-6, Moriarty’s inability to overcome defensive miscues proved costly. The Lady Pintos left seven runners on base in the contest.

GAME TWO

The Lady Pintos struggled to find their rhythm in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader falling 7-1 to Espanola Valley in a District 2-4A matchup.

Despite a double-digit strikeout performance from freshman pitcher Bella Maldonado, defensive miscues and a quiet bats hampered Moriarty throughout the contest.

Espanola Valley jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in each of the first two innings. The Sundevils added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth to keep the Lady Pintos at arm’s length.

Maldonado was a bright spot for Moriarty in the circle, tossing a complete game. She surrendered seven runs—only three of which were earned—on eight hits. Her command was sharp as she racked up 12 strikeouts without issuing a single walk over six innings of work.

Offensively, the Lady Pintos managed five hits but struggled to capitalize with runners on base, leaving five stranded. Moriarty’s lone run came in the third inning when Emma Rodriguez reached base and eventually crossed the plate.

Maldonado led the team at the plate as well, finishing 2-for-3. Rodriguez, Kristina Means, and Danika Davenport each added a hit in the losing effort.

The Lady Pintos were plagued by four errors on the afternoon, which allowed Espanola Valley to extend innings and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Moriarty will look to bounce back as they continue their district slate on April 25 as they host a doubleheader against Taos with games at 9 and 11 am.