Moriarty Lady Pintos Improve to 3-0 in District 2-4A

POJOAQUE, N.M. — The Moriarty High School softball team opened District 2-4A play with a ruthless efficiency Saturday afternoon, overwhelming Pojoaque Valley in a doubleheader sweep that saw the Lady Pintos rack up 38 runs in just six innings of work.

Moriarty (10-5, 2-0 District) utilized a relentless offensive attack and a pair of dominant pitching performances to secure 20-1 and 18-0 victories, ending both contests early via the mercy rule.

Game 1: Moriarty 20, Pojoaque Valley 1

The Lady Pintos set the tone immediately, plating three runs in the first inning before a 14-run explosion in the second put the game out of reach. Moriarty benefited from 15 errors by the Elkettes but also pounded out 11 hits.

Angelita Tapia led the charge, finishing 3-for-4 with three doubles and four RBIs. Peyton Rutz was equally effective at the plate and in the circle; she went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI while pitching three innings of two-hit ball, striking out six to earn the win.

Other offensive contributors included:

• Emma Rodriguez: 1-for-2 with four RBIs and two runs scored.
• Bella Maldonado: 1-for-2 with an RBI and a team-high four runs scored.
• Hali Gruen: 1-for-2 with two RBIs and three runs scored.
• Laihla Reese: Two runs scored and an RBI.

Game 2: Moriarty 18, Pojoaque Valley 0

The nightcap featured a pitching masterpiece from freshman Bella Maldonado, who tossed a three-inning no-hitter. Maldonado struck out seven of the 10 batters she faced, allowing only one walk in a near-perfect outing.

Maldonado also provided her own run support, launching a home run and finishing with three RBIs. However, it was Emma Rodriguez who stole the show offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a home run, two triples, and six RBIs.

The Lady Pintos’ power surge included four home runs in total, coming from Maldonado, Rodriguez, Rutz, and Angelita Tapia.

Stat Highlights:

• Angelita Tapia: 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs.
• Peyton Rutz: 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.
• Carmelita Tapia: 2-for-2 with three runs scored.
• Natalee Smith: 1-for-2 with two runs scored.
• Destinee Chavez & Kristina Means: Combined for three runs scored to keep the pressure on.

Head coach statistical sheets showed additional contributions from Alexis Goodrum, Caroline Gruen, and Danika Davenport, as Moriarty utilized its full depth in the blowout. Tayler Milligan and Camila Bencomo Sotelo also saw action as the Lady Pintos rotated players during the final frames.

Moriarty continues district play this week, looking to maintain their spot at the top of the standings.