Gruen Handcuffs Pojoaque with Two-Hitter

MORIARTY — The Moriarty Lady Pintos overwhelmed Pojoaque Valley from the opening pitch Tuesday, fueled by a 13-run explosion in the first inning to cruise to a 16-1 victory in District 4-4A play.

The contest was shortened to three innings via the mercy rule. With the win, Moriarty moves to 15-7 overall and 6-4 in the district standings. Pojoaque Valley remains winless in league play at 0-10 and falls to 2-21 overall.

Freshman Caroline Gruen provided a steady presence in the circle, allowing only one run on two hits across three innings. Gruen finished with two strikeouts and two walks, needing just 45 pitches to seal the win.

Moriarty’s lineup combined for 10 hits and capitalized on seven Pojoaque Valley errors. Emma Rodriguez headlined the power surge with a home run, finishing 1-for-1 with two RBIs, two walks, and three runs scored.

Angelita Tapia spearheaded the attack with a 3-for-3 performance, including two doubles and three RBIs. Kristina Means followed suit, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two RBIs.

The Lady Pintos’ offensive depth was evident throughout the box score:

• Peyton Rutz: 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double.
• Danika Davenport: 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, and an RBI.
• Camila Bencomo Sotelo: 1-for-1 with a walk and two runs scored.
• Alexis Goodrum: 1-for-2 with a run scored.
• Bella Maldonado: 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Additional scoring support came from Hali Gruen and Destinee Chavez, who combined for four runs scored.

Moriarty will conclude the regular season this Friday at home. The Lady Pintos are scheduled to host Los Alamos for a District 4-4A doubleheader, with the first game set to begin at 3 p.m.