What began as a base on balls to start a 27-3A battle in LaSalle County turned into the only run of the game between the Natalia Mustangs and the Cotulla Cowboys last week. Natalia’s Gavin Martinez scored after a walk, as he stole two bases before scoring on a Fabian Ruiz single which is all Natalia would end up needing to pick up their 3rd 27-3A win of the season.
“This was a big road game for us,” Coach Kasey Crowther said. “I could not be more proud of these young men.”
Natalia’s Joseph Blanquiz and Manuel Garcia had the honors on the mound for Natalia during the 7-inning battle. Blanquiz pitched 3.2, allowed three hits, walked four and struck out five for Natalia. Garcia pitched 3.1, allowed two hits, walked one and struck out three in the game.
This game featured a lot of great defensive plays on both sides of the field, as Natalia finished the game with six hits forcing two errors on the Cowboy defense. Cotulla finished with five hits, forcing one error on the Natalia defense.
Natalia stranded three runners on base during the seven inning battle as Cotulla stranded eight.
At bat: Sonny Rymers 0-2, Wyatt Owens 1-3, Blanquiz 1-3, Xavier Vasquez 0-3, Fabian Ruiz 1-3-1RBI, Jacob Navarro 1-3, Gavin Maretinez 1-2-1run scored, Luis Buentello 0-3, Garcia 1-3.
Defensive Put-Outs: Navarro 8, Ruiz 4, Garcia 3, Blanquiz 2, Buentello 1, Martinez 1, Vasquez 1, Rymers 1.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer