The Natalia Lady Mustangs got in plenty of reps this past weekend in a competitive three-day Jourdanton Tournament. When it was all said and done, the Natalia Lady Mustangs were able to win three out of five contests vs. competitive competition.
Devine-Natalia’s lone game on Thursday was actually in Natalia on a drizzling early morning at Lady Mustang Field. Nothing started out right for the girls in blue, as their pitching, defense and execution lacked. As a result, Devine jumped on Natalia with a 7-run opening at bat and never looked back. Natalia did their best to rally at various times, but fell 3-7 vs. the Arabians.
Devine edged Natalia 4-3 offensively, as the Natalia defense surrendered two errors compared to one by Devine.
Abi Woodson took the loss on the mound, as she pitched 4.0 innings, allowed four hits, walked two, struck out six and allowed seven runs, four of which were earned.
At bat, Natalia’s Taty Alvarado, Kody Blanquiz and Gabriella Munoz were the lone Lady Mustangs to hit.
Defensively, Blanquiz, Munoz and Alvarado led with two put-outs each as Woodson and Mena Figueroa added an assist each.
Hondo-Friday afternoon, the Lady Mustangs were back in action as they battled the Hondo Owls. It was a true defensive battle, as the Lady Mustangs edged the Owls outscoring them 2-1 in the 3rd inning in what would be the only scoring in five and a half innings of action.
Mena Figueroa accounted for the RBIs as Taty Alvarado and Abi Woodson scored the two runs.
When it was called due to time, Natalia was edged 3-2 offensively as Natalia also had two defensive errors compared to one by the Owls. Luckily for the Lady Mustangs, they produced when it counted in the win.
Woodson pitched 6.0, allowed three hits, one run, one earned run and struck out seven in the game. Offensively, Alvarado and Mena Figueroa accounted for the only hits of the contest for the girls in blue.
Navarro-Natalia’s success continued Friday afternoon vs a very salty Navarro Lady Panther squad. Natalia was able to jump on the purple pride of Geronimo and never look back. Natalia produced a five run first at bat which fueled them to a 6-3 victory over the Lady Panthers.
Natalia finished the five-inning contest out-hitting the Lady Panthers 7-3 as both squads surrendered two defensive errors.
Woodson picked up the win on the mound, as she allowed four hits, three runs, two of which were earned and struck out eight with two walks.
Offensively, Mena Figueroa led with three hits as Alvarado had two and Laque one.
Medina Valley-Saturday morning Natalia had a game added to the tourney schedule vs. Medina Valley as they opted to play in Natalia. This was a true defensive seven inning battle between two talented pitchers. Medina Valley took the 1-0 first inning lead thanks to a homerun as they scored a single run in the 3rd and one in the 7th to take a 3-0 lead.
Natalia’s lone run came in the 7th as the girls in blue were out-hit 6-2 en route to a 3-1 loss.
Woodson took the loss on the mound, as she allowed six hits, three runs, two of which were earned with 10 strikeouts and two walks.
Natalia’s two hits came courtesy of Alvarado and Munoz.
Holy Cross-The final game of the tournament was against the Holy Cross Lady Knights. Natalia got off to a hot start offensively using short game to keep HC off balance. As a result, the girls put up four 1st inning runs en route to a 6-0 shut-out victory. Natalia finished the game out-hitting Holy Cross 6-1 forcing an additional five errors on the Lady Knights defense.
Woodson picked up the win on the mound, as she pitched 4.0, allowed one hit and struck out eight.
Offensively, Natalia was led by Alvarado, Figueroa and Munoz who accounted for two hits each as well as Trista Vera who added one.
Upcoming Games
Natalia was at home on press night vs. Hondo. This weekend, Natalia welcomes four talented teams to town for a two-day round robin tournament. See the tourney story for further details.
Next Tuesday, March 9th Natalia opens district play with an always challenging road game vs. the Jourdanton Squaws with a varsity game set for 1:00 p.m.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer