Lady Pintos are Formidable Force in 2026

MORIARTY — Fueled by an offensive lineup that has already produced double-digit home runs and more than 70 stolen bases, the Moriarty Lady Pintos have established themselves as a formidable force early in the 2026 softball season.

Through 12 games, Moriarty boasts a 9-3 record, a campaign defined by explosive innings and a relentless aggressive strategy on the basepaths. The Lady Pintos’ lineup is batting a collective .372, outscoring opponents by nearly 100 runs—172 total runs scored against just 72 allowed.

An Offensive Juggernaut

Leading the charge is a balanced attack featuring both power and contact. Senior Kristina Means and junior Emma Rodriguez have anchored the upper part of the order. Means is hitting a staggering .556, leading the team in hits (15) and RBIs (19), showcasing why she is a senior leader.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, is proving to be arguably the most dangerous all-around threat in the district. She is hitting .423 and leads the Lady Pintos with four home runs. However, her true dominance is felt when she reaches base, where she has been virtually untouchable, recording a team-high 14 stolen bases.

The lineup offers opposing pitchers little relief:

• Laihla Reese (Fr.): The freshman has provided elite consistency, batting .583 in 11 games. She has logged 14 hits and scored 22 runs, proving crucial at the top of the order.
• Tayler Milligan (So.): In limited appearances (four games), Milligan has maximized her impact, hitting .500 and already crossing the plate four times.

Speed Kills

Moriarty’s strategy is clear: once a player gets on, they run. The Lady Pintos have successfully swiped 71 bases as a unit. Following Rodriguez’s 14, freshman Bella Maldonado, sophomores Angelita Tapia and Carmelita Tapia, and senior Means have each added at least nine stolen bases, turning singles into immediate scoring opportunities.

Arms on the Mound

The offensive explosion has been well-complemented by a pitching staff that, while capable of dominant stretches, leans on its run support. The staff holds a 5.39 collective ERA.

Bella Maldonado (Fr.) has handled the bulk of the innings (28), carrying a 4-3 record. Her workload has been substantial, as she has faced 150 batters. The ace, however, has been Emma Rodriguez. Supplementing her massive offensive numbers, Rodriguez is 4-0 on the mound, sporting a crisp 2.90 ERA and 35 strikeouts in just 19.1 innings. Sophomore Peyton Rutz has also contributed with a perfect 1-0 record.

2026 Season Statistical Leaders (Through 12 Games)

Player	AVG	Hits	RBI	SB	ERA	W-L	IP	K
Means (Sr.)	.556	15	19	9	—	—	—	—
Reese (Fr.)	.583	14	16	4	—	—	—	—
Rodriguez (Jr.)	.423	11	6	14	2.90	4-0	19.1	35
Maldonado (Fr.)	.321	9	5	9	7.50	4-3	28.0	61
Rutz (So.)	.407	11	16	0	0.00	1-0	2.0	2

As the calendar turns, Moriarty’s focus is squarely on maintaining this torrid pace. The Lady Pintos’ roster depth—including consistent defensive play from Hali Gruen (Sr.) and Caroline Gruen (Fr.) and offensive contributions from sophomore Danika Davenport and senior Alexis Goodrum—ensures they are equipped for a deep playoff run. If the bats remain this explosive and Rodriguez and Maldonado can maintain their dominance on the mound, the Lady Pintos are poised to be playing meaningful games well into May.